Epoxy paint on concrete has a handful of distinct advantages. For example, using epoxy paint on concrete walls helps the finish stretch and shift with the surface since concrete can expand and contract due to temperature changes. Epoxy paint is also highly durable, making it an excellent solution for high-traffic areas that require a more durable wall coating.
How to Paint Concrete
Whether you want to upgrade the look of your basement walls or provide your concrete patio with a resilient finish, painting concrete is a speedy and cost-efficient solution. Painting concrete offers a slew of advantages, from a stunning new look to a durable coating that protects the surface from wear and tear. Thankfully, you have friendly experts and an expansive line of high-quality products at Sherwin-Williams to help you achieve your desired finish. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to paint concrete, including start-to-finish steps and pointers to make the process smoother.
Painting Concrete: Varying Purposes & Locations
While painting concrete offers a renewed look, it also serves varying purposes depending on your needs and the concrete's location. For instance, you'll want to apply a waterproofing topcoat like Loxon XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating for surfaces that require added protection from water and precipitation. Or perhaps you need Pro Industrial™ High-Performance Epoxy paint for the ultimate chemical and abrasion resistance. Otherwise, you can paint concrete walls solely for aesthetic purposes, like revamping a basic concrete basement into a modern hangout space.
No matter why you're painting interior or exterior concrete, choosing the right paint is vital for a successful project. You'll want to consider factors like foot traffic, weather exposure and desired finish. Here are some general guidelines for choosing the best concrete paint depending on the location:
- Concrete Patio or Basement Floor: Provide a stunning, durable finish on your patio or basement floor with our Porch & Floor Enamel.
- Concrete Basement Walls: Painting your basement walls is a breeze - start with Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer, followed by our high-quality SuperPaint® Interior Acrylic Latex.
- Exterior Concrete Walls: Loxon XP Masonry Coating is ideal for new concrete that's at least seven days old. Otherwise, start with Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer, followed by our impressive SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex.
- Garage Floor: H&C Shield-Crete® Water-Based Epoxy Garage Floor Coating withstands the weight and movement of vehicles, making it perfect for your garage floor or a basement floor where you store heavy equipment.
Step 1
Preparing Work Area
Kicking off your DIY project with a clean and manageable work area will set you up for a stress-free experience. Clear the work area of furniture and decorations to give yourself space to move and keep these items safe from paint drips. If you're painting concrete walls, consider putting down a drop cloth to protect the floor from paint spills and drips.
Step 2
Preparing Concrete for Paint
Understanding how to prep concrete for paint is critical, as this preparatory step will help the topcoat stick and perform as intended. First, clean the concrete with soap and water, using a scrub brush on tough, caked-on grime. Once the surface is free of dirt and debris, use H&C® etching solution to make the concrete porous and help it properly receive the topcoat.
Step 3
Applying Concrete Paint
After cleaning and etching, it's time to apply primer and the best concrete paint for your project using the guidelines above or talking with an expert at your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store. Priming with Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer helps the paint adhere to your concrete walls and cover the previous color. If you're painting a concrete floor, you can skip priming and go straight to applying our Porch & Floor Enamel.
Step 4
Cleaning Up
Once the concrete paint has dried (follow the product label directions for appropriate drying time), you can start cleaning up your painting supplies and planning your next gathering. Plus, top off this successful DIY task by sprucing up the space with furniture, greenery and other decorations to make it even more inviting!
Tip: While painting concrete has numerous advantages, you should also consider the upsides of staining concrete! If you prefer a finish that will penetrate the concrete surface for a longer-lasting finish, consider applying H&C® COLORTOP™ Water-Based Solid Color Concrete Stain following the label directions.
FAQs
Etching concrete opens the surface pores, allowing the new topcoat to adhere properly. Etching is particularly useful when staining concrete, as it helps the stain penetrate the surface deeper for a more resilient finish.
Choosing to paint or stain concrete depends on your desired outcome and level of maintenance. For instance, painting covers the concrete, while staining penetrates the surface and showcases some of the natural texture. Another factor to consider is that staining is less likely to chip and flake in the long run, requiring less maintenance and fewer touch-ups than painting.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Project Supplies
OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES
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Sign Up for PaintPerks®
Sherwin-Williams PaintPerks is an exclusive program designed to help you with your at-home projects.
