Concrete is an inexpensive, durable building material, but all that gray can be boring. You can learn how to paint concrete surfaces—a walkway, concrete stairs, concrete brick walls, or even a basement or garage floor. Weathered concrete with cracks or stains is difficult to fix without the patched section standing out, which is especially annoying in front-facing areas of a house. A coat of paint will help disguise repairs on concrete walkways and steps. The result is a clean, finished look that will give a home's entrance great curb appeal.
Preparation is key to learning how to paint concrete. Getting the surface as clean and smooth as possible will give you the best results. And when shopping for products, look for cleaners and sealers specially formulated for concrete. Happy painting!
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How to Paint Concrete
- Clean Off ConcreteUse a stiff-bristle brush to remove loose concrete or debris from trouble spots. If you're working outdoors, rip out any moss or weeds from the cracks of your walkway. Need a deeper clean? Use a power washer to make sure everything is off the concrete. Let the concrete dry completely before moving on to the next steps.Editor's TipIf you're working with an interior concrete floor or walls and signs of water damage are already there, painting over it won't fix the underlying problem. If you're unsure, have a professional check it out.How to Safely Use a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Exterior Surfaces
Clean Off Concrete
Use a stiff-bristle brush to remove loose concrete or debris from trouble spots. If you're working outdoors, rip out any moss or weeds from the cracks of your walkway. Need a deeper clean? Use a power washer to make sure everything is off the concrete. Let the concrete dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
Editor's Tip
If you're working with an interior concrete floor or walls and signs of water damage are already there, painting over it won't fix the underlying problem. If you're unsure, have a professional check it out.
- Patch Holes and CracksPatch small holes or cracks using a putty knife and concrete compound. Let it cure. Follow the application and drying instructions on the packaging. Don't worry about getting them perfect, as you'll sand next.How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Driveway
Patch Holes and Cracks
Patch small holes or cracks using a putty knife and concrete compound. Let it cure. Follow the application and drying instructions on the packaging. Don't worry about getting them perfect, as you'll sand next.
- Sand SmoothSand off any rough spots or bumps. Sandpaper attached to an inexpensive pole sander lets you cover more ground faster without bending over. Try to get the surface as smooth as possible before painting. Clean up your sanding residue with a vacuum if you're working inside. Be sure to wear a dust mask, protective glasses, and gloves.The 8 Best Upright Vacuums of 2024, According to Testing
Sand Smooth
Sand off any rough spots or bumps. Sandpaper attached to an inexpensive pole sander lets you cover more ground faster without bending over. Try to get the surface as smooth as possible before painting. Clean up your sanding residue with a vacuum if you're working inside. Be sure to wear a dust mask, protective glasses, and gloves.
- Prep Concrete for PaintPrep tthe surface with a concrete cleaner, degreaser, and etcher following manufacturer's instructions. Give the concrete another rinse with a powerwasher before this step, if needed. Read the labels; many of these products are sold as a 2-in-1 or all-in-one solution, so you may only need to use one. Always wear protective gear when working with any strong chemicals.
Prep Concrete for Paint
Prep tthe surface with a concrete cleaner, degreaser, and etcher following manufacturer's instructions. Give the concrete another rinse with a powerwasher before this step, if needed. Read the labels; many of these products are sold as a 2-in-1 or all-in-one solution, so you may only need to use one. Always wear protective gear when working with any strong chemicals.
- Prime and PaintCheck the weather for the days you plan to paint so any outdoor paint can dry. Cover any rust spots with concrete sealing primer and let dry fully before painting. Concrete is highly porous, so don't skip the priming step, or your paint won't stick! Some paints come with primer already in the formula. If that's the case, then you can dive right into painting.Choose a non-skid exterior or interior concrete paint accordingly, depending on what you're painting. If you are painting up to the edge of your house or walls, tape off the base so you don't get any paint on your siding. Paint the area of your choice with a clean finish. If your paint is not non-skid, apply a second coat with a non-skid grit additive for better traction.Editor's TipFresh concrete cannot be painted. If your home is new, consult with your contractor to determine when the concrete will be ready to paint (usually after about a month or two).35 Curb Appeal Ideas for the Best Front Yard on the BlockExterior Home Maintenance GuidesHow to Repair Vinyl SidingHow to Clean Sliding Door TracksHow to Weather-Strip Windows for a Warmer House This WinterHow to Fix a Sticky DoorHow to Paint Your Garage Door to Give Your Exterior a Facelift
Prime and Paint
Check the weather for the days you plan to paint so any outdoor paint can dry. Cover any rust spots with concrete sealing primer and let dry fully before painting. Concrete is highly porous, so don't skip the priming step, or your paint won't stick! Some paints come with primer already in the formula. If that's the case, then you can dive right into painting.
Choose a non-skid exterior or interior concrete paint accordingly, depending on what you're painting. If you are painting up to the edge of your house or walls, tape off the base so you don't get any paint on your siding. Paint the area of your choice with a clean finish. If your paint is not non-skid, apply a second coat with a non-skid grit additive for better traction.
Editor's Tip
Fresh concrete cannot be painted. If your home is new, consult with your contractor to determine when the concrete will be ready to paint (usually after about a month or two).
Exterior Home Maintenance Guides
- How to Repair Vinyl Siding
- How to Clean Sliding Door Tracks
- How to Weather-Strip Windows for a Warmer House This Winter
- How to Fix a Sticky Door
- How to Paint Your Garage Door to Give Your Exterior a Facelift