Buzz
Concrete surfaces, whether indoors or outdoors, don’t have to always be boring, dull gray. You can bring life and vibrancy to these concrete surfaces with a few coats of paint. Painting concrete is a simple and cost-effective task that any homeowner can do. To achieve the best results, you need to properly clean and prepare the surface, use the right paint, and wait for it to dry thoroughly.
Steps
Prepare the Concrete Surface
Clean the concrete surface with soap and warm water, and scrape off any old paint if necessary. First, you should sweep away any leaves, dirt, or debris from the concrete surface, and then use a power washer or scraping tools to remove any old paint or grime. Scrub off dirt and stains that have settled on the concrete. Don't worry about stains that have penetrated the concrete, as they won’t affect the surface if nothing is left on top.
- Remove any vines, moss, or other plants growing on the concrete surface.
- You want the concrete surface to be as clean as possible to achieve the best paint finish.
Use tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) to clean areas that have stubborn dirt and grease to ensure the paint won't discolor later on. You can find TSP at most home improvement stores. Simply mix the chemical with water as instructed on the packaging, scrub off the oil stains, and rinse the concrete thoroughly. Wait until the surface is completely dry before moving on to the next steps.
Use concrete patching paint to fix significant flaws such as cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces. It's crucial to make the concrete as smooth and even as possible. Broken pieces or cracks are areas where moisture can seep beneath the paint, eventually causing the surface to peel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the paint dries properly.
Seal the indoor concrete surfaces to prevent moisture from penetrating the cement. Concrete sealers can be pricey, but they're the best way to ensure your hard work isn’t ruined. Concrete is a porous material, meaning moisture can accumulate inside and damage the paint layer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper preparation and application.
- This step isn't necessary if you're painting concrete outdoors.
Concrete Painting
Check the weather forecast to ensure there are 2-3 dry days in a row before painting concrete outdoors. You'll need to wait overnight for the first coat of paint to dry, then apply a second coat, and possibly a third. Each coat needs to dry overnight, meaning you’ll require about 24 hours for full curing. Only proceed with painting when the weather is favorable.
- In some cases, the paint needs a full 24 hours to dry completely. This is why you should allow ample time to complete the painting process.
Use a paint roller to apply a primer coat. Before applying color, it's important to first apply a primer to ensure proper adhesion to the concrete surface. Apply a layer of primer to guarantee that the paint bonds well. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding usage and drying times.
- If you're painting over old paint or an outdoor surface, you might need to apply two coats of primer. Allow the first coat to fully dry before applying the second.
Choose the right paint for the type of concrete. It's best to use a concrete paint that has elastic properties to accommodate temperature changes in the concrete. This paint is sometimes sold under the name 'elastic paint' or 'stretchable wall paint'. Because this type of paint is much thicker than regular paint, you will need a large paint roller or a paint brush to apply it.
Use a paint roller to apply a thin and even coat. Start at a corner or the top edge of the wall, and roll the paint slowly and evenly across the entire concrete surface. You don't need to apply too much paint in one layer—once the first layer dries, you can add 1-2 more coats, so don't apply too much at once.
Apply a second coat the next day. After the paint has dried overnight, you can apply another coat. It is recommended to apply at least one more thin coat, or possibly a third coat for a richer, more even color.
Wait 1-2 days for the paint to dry before stepping on or placing anything on the surface. Allow the final coat of paint to dry for at least 24 hours before moving any items onto the freshly painted concrete to ensure a smooth and clean surface.
Advice
- It is not recommended to apply more than two layers of surface paint (for roller or spray painting). If a third coat is necessary, you must sand the surface to improve adhesion.
- Typically, concrete is only painted when covering an existing concrete surface. New concrete should not be painted until it has been allowed to cure for at least 28 days.
Warning
- Always use safety measures when handling tri-sodium phosphate, as this chemical can cause eye, lung, and skin damage.
- If painting a concrete floor, consider using a floor additive that can be mixed directly into the paint to prevent slipping.
Things You Need
- High-pressure washer
- Paint scraper
- Wire brush
- Paintbrush
- Paint tray
- Paint roller
- Rag
- Tri-sodium phosphate
- Concrete patching paint
- Concrete filler
- Concrete primer
- Concrete paint
