Concrete is one of the most versatile and commonly used building materials. It’s strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive. Concrete can be molded into any shape, making it ideal for driveways, patios, foundations, and more.
One downside of concrete is that it’s naturally an unattractive gray color. Fortunately, there are several methods to add color to concrete and liven up drab slabs. Painting concrete is one popular coloring technique. But can you actually paint concrete to permanently change the color?
The short answer is yes, you can paint concrete to alter its appearance. However, there are some important factors to consider when painting concrete. Proper surface preparation and using the right type of paint are key to getting long-lasting results. This article will explore everything you need to know about painting concrete to permanently change the color.
Can You Successfully Paint Concrete?
Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the look of existing concrete. With the right preparatory steps and materials, concrete paint can produce a durable, vibrant finish. According to professionals, paint can last for years on concrete if applied correctly.
Paint soaks into the porous concrete surface and achieves a strong bond when proper preparation is done. Concrete paint contains acrylic resins that provide color, protect against moisture, and adhere tightly to the concrete. Quality concrete paints are formulated to withstand typical concrete conditions, including alkalinity, moisture, and natural movements.
So yes, painting concrete is an effective way to alter the color for both indoor and outdoor concrete surfaces. From patios and pool decks to interior polished concrete floors, paint can provide a like-new look. However, there are some limitations to what paint can achieve over bare concrete.
Limitations of Painting Concrete
Paint has its limitations when it comes to concrete color changes:
- Paint sits on top of the concrete surface rather than penetrating and staining the concrete.
- It can chip or peel if proper prep work isn’t done.
- Paint may fade over time when exposed to sunlight and weather.
- Concrete defects show through the painted surface.
- Multiple coats are usually required for best coverage.
- Darker paint colors show imperfections more than lighter colors.
Even with these limitations, paint is still a fast, affordable way to redo concrete surfaces. Proper prep work and using a high-quality concrete paint can minimize these downsides.
Surface Preparation
Preparing the concrete surface is the most vital step before painting. Concrete must be clean and porous enough for the paint to properly adhere. Here are the essential steps for prepping concrete before painting:
Clean the Surface
Old concrete will likely have built-up dirt, grime, oils and wax that prevent paint adhesion. Pressure washing is ideal for cleaning and removing debris from concrete. Allow the surface to fully dry after pressure washing before painting.
Remove Existing Coatings
Previous paint or sealers must be removed before applying new paint. Use a chemical stripper or abrasive methods to remove old coatings down to the bare concrete. Rinse stripped areas thoroughly.
Repair Cracks and Holes
Cracks, spalls, holes and deteriorated areas should be patched to create a smooth surface. Use a concrete patching compound to fill defects for the best paint appearance.
Etch the Surface
Etching opens up the concrete’s pores so the paint can grab on. You can use muriatic acid or other commercial etchants. Rinse well and neutralize the concrete after etching.
Apply Primer
Priming ensures maximum adhesion between the paint and concrete. Primers also block stains so they don’t bleed through the new paint. Allow the primer to fully cure before painting.
Proper prep removes contaminants, opens the concrete for bonding, and provides a uniform surface for the paint. It’s labor-intensive, but good preparation is the key to durable, long-lasting paint.
Choosing the Right Concrete Paint
With the concrete ready to go, now you can focus on selecting the right paint. There are a few types of paint that work well on concrete:
Acrylic Latex Paint
Latex paint designed for concrete, masonry, and other porous surfaces provide excellent adhesion, durability, and color retention. Latex paints resist fading, cracking, and peeling. High-quality acrylic latex paints provide lasting results on exterior and interior concrete when applied properly.
Epoxy Paint
Two-part epoxy paints create an extremely durable, protective finish that lasts for many years. Epoxy paint bonds tenaciously to concrete and is ideal for garage floors, basements, and industrial concrete. It’s more expensive than latex paint but offers superior resistance to chemicals, scratches, and hot tire pick-up.
Porch and Floor Paint
Specialty concrete porch and floor paints are designed for high-traffic areas that need extra durability. These heavy-duty paints contain resins that withstand abrasion, scuffing, and repeated washing. Porch and floor paints resist cracking, fading, and peeling even on horizontal surfaces.
Be sure to use exterior paints if the concrete will be exposed to the elements. Interior paints aren’t formulated to withstand sunlight, rain, snow and temperature extremes. Investing in high-quality paint made specifically for concrete provides the best results and value over time.
Application Process
With the right paint in hand, applying it properly ensures it adheres and performs as expected:
Read the Label Directions
Follow all label instructions for best results. This includes proper surface prep, testing paint colors, temperature requirements, dry time, and recoat windows. Pay attention to any specific application instructions.
Apply in Proper Conditions
Most concrete paints require temperatures between 50-90°F during application and drying. Don’t paint in direct sunlight or if rain is expected. Wind and high humidity can also hinder proper paint application and cure.
Use Proper Tools
A 3/8″ nap roller, nylon polyester brush, and paint sprayer designed for concrete are the best application tools. Each coat should be applied evenly and consistently.
Allow Proper Dry Time
Paint needs the stated recoat windows and cure times to achieve full adhesion, hardness, and durability. Most concrete paints require 24-48 hours of curing before light foot traffic.
Apply Recommended Coats
For best hide and durability, two coats of paint are recommended on bare concrete. More coats may be needed for significant color changes or over rough surfaces. Applying less paint than stated reduces durability.
Seal Painted Surface
Adding a clear sealer or topcoat over painted concrete provides extra protection and locks in the color. Use a recommended sealer compatible with the specific paint.
Following these best practices for surface prep, paint selection, and application produces the best painted finish on concrete. Patience is required for proper drying between coats.
Painting vs. Staining Concrete
Beyond painting, another option for coloring concrete is to apply concrete stains. Here’s how staining compares to painting:
| Painting Concrete | Staining Concrete | |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Paint sits on top of the concrete surface | Stain penetrates into the concrete |
| Cost | Lower cost | Higher cost |
| Durability | 2-5 years with proper prep and application | Long-lasting when sealed; lasts life of concrete |
| Dry Time | 24-48 hours between coats | 12-24 hours between coats |
| Maintenance | Reapplication needed every few years | Resealing may be needed every 2-4 years |
| Appearance | Provides solid, opaque colors | Translucent colors show natural variation |
As this comparison shows, paint sits on top of the concrete surface while stains penetrate into the concrete for a permanent color change. Staining costs more upfront but can last the lifetime of the concrete when sealed properly.
Paint provides an affordable short-term color change that requires reapplication every few years. It hides imperfections better than staining. Speak to a concrete coloring professional to determine if painting or staining is the best option for your particular concrete surface.
Color Combinations
Paint opens up endless possibilities when it comes to concrete color selection. You can mimic natural colors like stone, terra cotta, and slate. Paint also allows creative freedom to use bold, vibrant hues not found naturally in concrete.
When selecting paint colors, lighter, brighter colors work best to disguise imperfections in concrete surfaces. Darker colors show more defects. Here are some recommended paint shades for concrete:
- Whites/off-whites
- Grays
- Beiges
- Light blues
- Sky blues
- Greens
- Yellows
- Oranges
- Reds
- Purples
Paint allows you to use multiple colors on the same concrete surface. For example, paint a concrete floor using two different colors in a checkered or geometric pattern. Use one color on the walls and a different color on the floor. The options are endless with paint.
Avoid Contrasting Colors
When using multiple colors, avoid sharp contrasts. Adjacent colors should be within the same color family and have similar depth and tone. Contrasting dark and light colors emphasize unevenness in the concrete. Gradually transition between colors for the best results.
Test Paint Colors
Mock up paint samples on scrap wood or cardboard. Look at samples in the space during different lighting conditions. Test painted colors on small inconspicuous areas of the actual concrete. Evaluating paint colors thoroughly prevents disappointment with the finished look.
Maintenance
While paint provides long-lasting color on concrete, it does require occasional maintenance to keep it looking its best:
- Clean regularly – Sweep and mop painted floors to prevent buildup of dirt, grime, and stains.
- Reapply sealer – Resealing every 2-4 years preserves the paint and prevents fading.
- Touch up nicks – Spot paint any chips, cracks, or damaged areas as soon as they appear.
- Evaluate condition annually – Check for any wear or flaws needing attention to avoid bigger problems.
- Repaint as needed – Plan to repaint every 3-5 years or whenever the paint starts looking worn.
With proper care and maintenance, painted concrete can look freshly applied for years before needing redone. But painting concrete isn’t a permanent, one-time solution. Regular maintenance preserves the pristine painted surface.
Hiring a Professional
While it’s possible to paint concrete as a DIY project, hiring a professional decorative concrete contractor is recommended. Professionals have the right tools, skills, and experience for the best results.
Benefits of hiring concrete painting pros include:
- Proper surface preparation for maximum adhesion
- Right product selection for your needs
- Necessary equipment for application
- Precision cutting-in and painting
- Consistent, even coverage
- Fewer mistakes and redos
- Long-lasting, quality results
Painting concrete requires patience, precision, and specific techniques. Professionals who paint concrete everyday can execute the job accurately and efficiently.
They also guarantee their work, which protects you if any issues arise. Hiring a qualified contractor ensures professional results that transform the space as desired.
Conclusion
Updating the color of existing concrete opens up many exciting design possibilities. Painting concrete is an affordable, low-commitment way to change the look compared to staining or overlaying concrete. When done properly, paint provides long-lasting color alteration.
To successfully paint concrete, patience and diligence is required. Thorough cleaning and prep establishes a strong bond for the paint. Investing in quality paint made for concrete surfaces yields the best durability and performance. Hiring a professional ensures proper prep, application, and lasting results.
Painting can give tired, dated concrete a fresh new look. While paint has some limitations on concrete compared to other coloring techniques, it can still achieve beautiful, vibrant colors when done correctly. With the right expectations and process, virtually any concrete surface can be updated with paint.