Before you pick a paint, think about whether paint is even the best thing for your concrete. Concrete sealers are like a clear shield that protects the concrete without changing how it looks. They keep out water and protect against wear and tear. Sealers are great if you like the natural look of concrete but want it to last longer.

Paint, on the other hand, completely changes the look of your concrete while also protecting it. Paint is the way to go if you want to change the color, hide small problems, or make a dark room brighter.

Sometimes, using both sealer and paint is the best idea. Many experts suggest putting a sealer over painted concrete to help it last even longer.

There are several types of concrete paint, and each one is made for different things. The best paint for you depends on what you need:

• Epoxy-Based Coatings: These are super strong and create a shiny, tough finish that resists chemicals. They're perfect for places with lots of traffic, like garage floors and basements.
• Masonry Paint: This paint is made just for concrete and brick. It soaks in deep and protects against the weather, so it's great for outside.
• Acrylic Latex Paint: This all-around choice is flexible, strong and works well on walls and in areas that don't get too much wear.
• Textured Coatings: These paints have a rough surface to prevent slips. They're important for stairs, pool decks, and other places where people might fall.
• Waterproofing Coatings: These special paints keep water out while still looking good. They're ideal for basements and outdoor concrete.
  

Now that you know the different types of concrete paint, it's time to decide which one is best for your project. Think about these things to help you choose a paint that looks good and works well:

Make sure the paint can handle the amount of use the area gets. Places like garages and playrooms need paint that can stand up to lots of wear and tear. The best paints for these areas resist scratches and dents. Spending a little more on good paint can save you from having to repaint too soon.

Water can damage concrete. If you're painting a basement, patio, bathroom, or laundry room, choose a paint that creates a good barrier against water. For really wet areas, look for paints that are specifically made to be waterproof, not just water-resistant.

Also, think about the weather where you live. Hot and cold temperatures, freezing and thawing, sunlight, and salt can all affect how well a paint works.

Even the best paint won't work if the concrete isn't prepared right. Some paints need the concrete to be perfectly clean, smooth, and primed. Others are more forgiving. Preparing the concrete carefully will always give you the best results, no matter what kind of paint you use. Always check what the paint maker says about how much moisture the concrete can have, because too much moisture can keep the paint from sticking.

The way your concrete looks depends on more than just the color. Think about whether you want a shiny or matte finish, a smooth or rough texture, or even special effects like metallic colors. If you're painting outside, make sure the paint won't fade in the sun.

These days, it's important to think about health and the environment when choosing paint. Look for paints with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for better air quality indoors. Never use outdoor paint inside. Water-based paints are usually easier to clean and have fewer VOCs. Check the paint instructions to see if you need to wear special equipment or have good ventilation when you paint.

Decide how much you want to spend before you start. Prices for concrete paint can vary a lot. Instead of just picking the cheapest paint, think about the long-term cost. A more expensive paint might last longer, so you won't have to repaint as often.

Figure out the "cost per year" by dividing the total cost of the project (including materials) by how many years you expect the paint to last. This can show you that better paints are actually a better deal in the long run. Also, think about whether you can save money by doing the painting yourself, but be honest about your skills. Some paints might need a professional to apply them correctly.

Different concrete surfaces need different things. Whether you're painting a basement floor or a patio, choosing the right paint is important for long-lasting results. Here's how to pick the right paint for different areas:

Epoxy-based paint is the best for floors that get a lot of use. It's strong enough to handle heavy foot traffic and resists stains and fading.

When painting interior concrete, you can usually use the same latex paint you'd use for drywall. This gives you lots of choices for colors and styles. For outside walls, use masonry paint to protect against the weather.

Textured paint is a must for stairs to prevent slips. Look for paints with a rough surface. Waterproof paint is also important for outdoor stairs. If you need to waterproof your concrete, consider concrete waterproofing coatings for the best protection.

When painting outside, choose a paint that can handle the weather. Use UV-resistant paint for patios and a tough paint that resists scratches and fading for areas with lots of traffic.

Concrete paint comes in more than just gray. You can find everything from classic neutrals to bold colors. When choosing colors, think about the purpose of the space and how much natural and artificial light it gets. Natural light will change how colors look throughout the day. Always test paint samples in the actual space before you commit to a color. When considering interior concrete floor paint colors, remember that lighter shades can brighten up a room.

For a classic look, choose a gray that goes with any style. Warm beiges are always inviting, and white can make a small space feel bigger.

For outdoor spaces, earth tones create a natural look that blends with the surroundings. When choosing colors for patios or driveways, think about the colors of your house and yard.

For inside floors, you can make a statement with unexpected colors. Neutrals are always popular, but don't be afraid to try two-tone combinations. Basement floors often look best in lighter colors to brighten up the space, while foundation paint usually matches the house.

While trendy colors can be fun, it's usually best to choose a color that will last and go with your changing style. For walls, you can treat them like any other wall in your house and choose neutrals for large areas and bolder colors for accents.

The perfect concrete paint job combines the right paint with the right colors to keep your concrete looking good for years. Now that you know the basics, it's time to get started! Visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams to talk to experts to find the perfect paint and color for your project or shop online and have everything delivered to your door.