Last year we had vinyl/asbestos tile removed from our basement.
The cement floor now has a thick residue of mastic, which was mostly cured, but does get a little sticky at times. We are thinking of painting over it.

Does anybody have experience doing this?

If so, what kind of preparation should we do, and what kind of products should we use?
We do occasionally get water in the basement, but might have already solved that problem with a new sump pump.

I am unclear as to why the abatement company did not also remove the mastic since it likely has asbestos too. Do not paint over it. Solvents and a 4" razor floor scraper are needed or you can rent a larger commerica scraper that lloks like a lawn mower. I'd have the mastic tested befre doing anything else at this point.

I am unclear as to why the abatement company did not also remove the mastic since it likely has asbestos too. Do not paint over it. Solvents and a 4" razor floor scraper are needed or you can rent a larger commerica scraper that lloks like a lawn mower. I'd have the mastic tested befre doing anything else at this point.

Thank you for the response.

We did have the mastic tested and it does not contain asbestos.

Removing it is a last-ditch opiton, because it's a big floor, approximately 1200 sf. Plus, we'd like to finish the area and use it as occasional living space, so we want to either paint it or put down some laminate flooring perhaps.

Most laminates don't like basements so look for one that warranties their product below grade. Armstrong makes a tile that mimics laminate with size and shape, requires no gluing or nailing, easy install.