Concrete surfaces that are outside or inside the house don't have to be boring flat gray forever. Concrete surfaces can be made to look attractive and beautiful by applying a few brush strokes of paint. Painting concrete is a simple and inexpensive activity that most homeowners can do. To paint concrete or other rocky surfaces successfully, you need to clean the surface well, apply the right paint, and wait a long time for the paint to dry.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Concrete Surface
Step 1. Clean the concrete surface with soap and warm water to remove the remnants of the old paint
First of all, sweep the concrete surface clean of leaves, dust, and dirt. Then, remove any remnants of old paint or other substances using a power washer, scraper, or wire brush. Remove all dust, dirt, and other adhering objects. However, you don't have to worry about smudges as long as it's not a certain set of materials sticking together.
- Clean the concrete from vines, moss, or other plants that cover the surface.
- Make sure the concrete surface is in as clean a condition as possible to produce an optimal paint appearance.
Step 2. Clean the areas that have been exposed to a lot of oil or grease with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) to ensure that the applied paint does not change color
TPS can be purchased at most home supply stores. Mix it with water according to the ratio stated on the package and use it to clean oil stains. Rinse off the cleaner after you're done. Allow the concrete surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3. Use a concrete patch to repair any damage such as cracks, crevices, or uneven surfaces
Make sure the surface of the concrete to be painted is as smooth as possible. Even the smallest damage will become a place for moisture to collect under the paint, and will cause the paint to peel off later on. Read the manufacturer's instructions to confirm the amount of time it will take for the patch to dry.
Step 4. Seal the concrete surface inside the room to prevent moisture from entering between the cement pores
Concrete sealants are expensive, but they are very important to use to ensure that your paint doesn't spoil as soon as it's applied. Concrete is a material that has many pores; this means that any liquid trapped in it can move to the surface and damage the paint. Follow the sealant manufacturer's instructions for proper sealing of the concrete.
Concrete sealing is not necessary if the concrete surface you are going to paint is outside
Method 2 of 2: Painting Concrete
Step 1. Check the weather forecast to make sure the weather for the next 2-3 days in a row is sunny before painting the outdoor concrete
You'll need to allow enough time for each coat of paint to dry. Each paint has a specific drying time. So, make sure to always check the instructions for use. Get everything ready, and only go on with this project if the weather is right.
In certain cases, the paint may take a full 24 hours to dry. This is why it's important to devote plenty of time to finishing the painting process
Step 2. Apply one coat of primer using a paint roller
Before you start, you'll need to apply a coat of primer to make sure the next paint will stick. Apply a primer to the concrete surface to ensure long lasting paint adhesion. Don't forget, always follow the manufacturer's instructions to confirm the amount of ingredients and the required drying time.
If you're painting over an old paint color, or if you're working outdoors, you'll get better results using two coats of primer. Make sure the first coat is dry before applying the second coat
Step 3. Purchase the appropriate paint for the concrete you have
In painting concrete, the best choice of paint that you can use is wall paint. This type of paint has a formulation that is designed to expand and shrink as the temperature changes in the concrete. Sometimes, concrete paint is also sold as elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall cladding. Since this paint has a higher viscosity than normal paint, you must use a roller or brush with a high capacity.
Step 4. Apply an even coat of paint using a paint roller
Start at the corner of the surface or the top if you are painting the walls. Slowly, proceed evenly throughout the sections. The amount of paint you will need in each coat will not be the same-after the first coat is finished, you will apply an additional coat or two, and therefore, you will not need to apply too much paint on the initial coat.
Step 5. Return to the painting site at noon the next day to apply a second coat of paint
After the first coat of paint has dried overnight, then you can add another coat of paint. You should add at least one additional coat of paint, lightly. However, you can also add up to a third coat for a brighter color and a more even coat.
Step 6. Allow the paint to dry for one to two days before you touch or place anything else on the concrete surface
Dry the last coat of paint for at least 24 hours before you touch or place anything on or near the freshly painted concrete.
Tips
- Applying several thin layers of concrete paint will form a harder surface than one layer that is applied thickly which will result in a sticky and bumpy surface.
- Usually, concrete painting is only done when the bare surface is deemed necessary to be covered. Fresh concrete should not be painted until it is at least 28 days old.
Warning
- Wear protective equipment before using TSP as it can injure the eyes, lungs and skin.
- If you are painting a concrete floor, use a floor texture additive that can be mixed directly into the paint to prevent the surface from becoming too slippery.
