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To paint concrete successfully , so that it count good and lasts a long prison term , right grooming is key . If you are tired of look at a dreary concrete garage trading floor or patio , you could update the flavour without spending a lot of money or fourth dimension tearing out and replacing the concrete . As concrete is a porous aerofoil , you could achieve a fresh and pleasing concrete aerofoil with some cautiously utilize blusher .
“ While paint concrete can make an impressive transformation , it require measured preparedness and app program to assure longevity , ” says Julie Fisher , product manager , Dutch Boy Paints .
Photo: urbazon via Getty Images
So before you pick up a key brush or crimper , review the dance step below on how to paint concrete so you may achieve satisfying results on any concrete open you pick out to paint , be itthe service department flooring , basement floor or wall , outdoor terrace , or any other part of your property .
Tools & Materials
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Project Overview
Working time : 1 time of day per 100 square feetTotal time : 5 hours per 100 solid feetSkill level : IntermediateEstimated price : $ 100 +
Before You Begin
A well - paint concrete aerofoil can last for up to a 10 or more , so it ’s important to methodically follow all of the planning step and not rush the procedure . Before you commence laying out a free fall cloth and applying rouge , check the weather forecast to pick a full point when it will belike be readable for a few days . Then , cautiously choose the good paint and rouge tools for the localization and utilization .
Choose the right primer.
While fuzee are n’t always necessary for some surfaces like terrace and walkways , whether or not to use a fuze can also depend on the type of paint you choose . The instruction for some concrete blusher — found on the can — will include a primer step . Even though not every blusher need a primer , many experts recommend always applying a primer since it can assist increase the adhesion and seniority of any paint job . And the longer a paint job lasts , the less often you need to paint it .
Among the primer options on the market , Loxon Concrete and Masonry Primer from Sherwin - Williamsis designed for concrete . Harry Adler fromAdler’shardware storage in Providence , Rhode Island , says , “ Premium 100 percent acrylic resin exterior ground such asC2 Paint C3000work perfectly ! ”
Choose the right paint.
While oil colour - free-base pigment are the worst choice for concrete , there are a variety of quality paints from several brand that work well on concrete , so it can be tough to commend just one without knowing the details about the position and use of the concrete you want to paint . “ determine the proficient key for concrete really look on the specific projection , ” says Dennis Fiorilli , Director of Product Excellence at Sherwin - Williams .
“ For gamy - dealings areas such as walkways and porches , opt for paint that put up maximum protection , excellent lastingness , and UV / fade electrical resistance , ” say Fisher . “ Look for paint that offer additional features such as an anti - skid recipe for excellent traction . ”
Here are more helpful guidelines to choosing the best pigment for various concrete surfaces :
Photo: kittisun kittayacharoenpong via Getty Images kittisun kittayacharoenpong
“ The finish of the pigment can also impress the strength and appearing of the concrete surface . For a smooth , sleek finale , regard using a semi - gloss or high - colour paint , ” says Fisher . “ These finishes are well-off to clean house and can raise the feel of more decorative concrete Earth’s surface . For a more lifelike , subtle smell , a satin finish is best . ”
If you have several different small areas of concrete to paint , and want to select just one that can work in multiple location , Mitchell says,“As long as the concrete is cured , unchanging , smooth , and does n’t have a high pH scale it answer well to any good quality acrylic paint , likeSherwin - Williams Duration Home . ”
BobVila.com staffers have also conducted hands - on tests of some democratic concrete paints . For our testimonial , be trusted to consult ourtested guide to the best paints for concrete .
Photo: DarioGaona via Getty Images
Choose the right sealer.
Sealing painted concrete can serve extend the aliveness of the pigment job . However , a sealer is n’t necessary in every software . For example , erect surfaces or areas that do n’t experience veritable wear do n’t gain the same as those surfaces that have intemperate use .
Sealers also do not have to be used with paint . you may skip over the paint and just varnish the concrete with a clear coat , if you do n’t want to change the color of the concrete trading floor but need to contribute some enduringness to the concrete surface .
For areas that experience heavy dealings or harsh atmospheric condition , a sealant likeDutch Boy Water - base Natural Look Satin Concrete Sealercan help protect the painted surface .
Choose appropriate tools.
Not every paint clash and roller is made for every open and paint . When painting a poriferous surface like concrete , Adler recommends “ a high-pitched - quality paint encounter , ½- or ¾-inch nap roller masking , or airless or HVLP ( gamey - volume , scurvy - pressure ) sprayers ” as the best tools for applying pigment to concrete .
Fisher adds : “ Use a roller such as Purdy ½- to ¾-inch clean dove roller covers , designed for rough surface or Purdy ⅜-inch white dove roller covers for smoother surfaces to apply the pigment in thin , even coats . ”
When pick out a pigment brush , a even average - size of it paint brush enables you to attain unspoilt coverage when paint corner and edges , whether you ’re working with an national or exterior space .
Painting Concrete in 6 Steps
If you ’ve painted brick or gem , you are out front of the biz for painting concrete . As a porous surface , concrete need pigment in a dissimilar way than drywall or finished woodwind instrument . It ’s helpful to start out in an invisible location , so you’re able to gain confidence and execute the rest of the labor the way you envision .
As you work to follow the steps below , make certain to apply multiple coats and wait for each to coat to dry out before painting again .
Step 1: Clean the concrete surface.
so as to successfully paint concrete , the Earth’s surface must befully bring around , fair , dull , and teetotal . Either use a degreaser or a concrete cleaner with a pressure level washer to polish off any grease and oil . You may also use a metal - bristle copse to spot sporty areas , too . Wait for the surface to fully dry before moving on to the next step .
Step 2: Repair cracks and damaged areas.
Over clock time , concrete may develop cracking or become marred . Before house painting , repair any damage withconcrete filler , which also do as a primer for the painted surface .
Step 3: Apply concrete primer.
First , place a drib cloth near your employment area , so you have a staging region for the project . Then , using your rouge light touch , enforce a pelage of primer to the perimeter of the concrete surface . If you arepainting a floor , start at the farthest corner from the exit so you’re able to paint your way out of the space . Then habituate a paint crimper to apply the ground to the repose of the surface . Again , paint your mode out of the place .
After the primer is dry , inspect the concrete to verify it is evenly cross in primer . Touch - up any daub that were missed in the first base on balls .
Tip : When painting concrete walls with a roller , you could begin at the bottom of the bulwark and function your way up , paint in a W pattern , or start at the top and work down . Any of these techniques can be successful at reducing likely drips , if you apply a easy coat of key .
Step 4: Apply the first coat of paint.
Sweep the area or wipe it down with a dry cloth , depend on the orientation of the surface . Now you ’re ready to begin applying the chosen paint color . Fisher aver : “ Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat as they boil down the hazard of discase . countenance each coating to dry out fully before applying the next . ”
Use a key copse to give an initial pelage of paint over the border of the area . Next , use a paint crimper to fill in the sections that you did n’t surface with the coppice . If you ’re paint a concrete floor , think back to start on the far side of the room , so you end up fetch up near a doorway or another commodious stepping - off point . let the first coat of paint ironic for at least 16 hour or the duration of metre that is commend on the paint can .
Step 5: Apply a second and final coat of paint to the concrete.
Apply the 2nd coat of paint in the same way that you applied the first . This prison term around , however , weight-lift down firmly into any areas the first pelage did n’t penetrate . Before considering the project complete , let the second pelage dry for about 5 days , especially if the paint surface is a hard trafficked floor .
Step 6: Apply concrete sealer (optional).
Tip : If there are any pouch lumps or extrusion that appeared after the paint dries , it may be because the concrete surface was n’t to the full clean and wry before practical software . Sand any raised areas or where the blusher failed to stick . If you are sandpaper between paint coats , do n’t draw a blank to sweep again , too .
Final Thoughts
Painting concrete is an easy way to update the look of a garage or basement floor without having to invest a slap-up deal of time and money into abigger remodeling project . By prepping the aerofoil carefully , choosing the right paint and instrument , and working methodically , you could refresh the tone of a concrete surface so it better beseem your home ’s style .
FAQs
Thebest concrete paintdepends on the localization and office of the concrete . Any honest quality acrylic paint can stand by to clean and dry concrete . Never utilise oil colour - ground pigment on concrete .
No , you do not always need to prime concrete before painting . It ’s recommended for most applications , however , as priming coat helps increase the adhesion of paint . Even more important than primer , though , is that the concrete surface is in full cure , clean , dry , and free of any rock oil .
Yes , you’re able to apply key or defile directly on concrete that is full cured and free of oils and detritus .
It is possible to move out rouge from concrete . Adler say : “ murder dried paint from concrete is not easy . A chemical paint and varnish remover make for substantially , but may take several program since the concrete is porous . ” Fiorilli also hint : “ A coating can be removed from concrete by gamy pressure wash or using a paint stripper well contrive for concrete . ”
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