How To Paint The Outside Of Old Concrete Brick Walls?

This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint outdoor concrete walls like foundations, stucco, and masonry as well as porches. The process begins with selecting the appropriate paint for your project, cleaning the concrete wall, repairing any cracks or blemishes, checking the wall for moisture, sealing the wall, applying one coat of concrete primer, painting the wall with concrete paint, and rolling on concrete paint sealer.

Masonry paint is specially designed for exterior walled surfaces such as concrete, stone, and brick, offering weather resistance and the ability to adhere to these mineral surfaces. To paint outdoor concrete, select the right paint, such as acrylic-based paint or concrete stain, and clean and prepare the surface by removing dirt, repairing cracks, and etching the concrete. Apply a concrete primer, and then roll on concrete paint sealer.

To paint brick like the pros, follow these steps: powerwash and let dry, wall and site preparation, apply Concrete and Masonry Primer and Sealer, apply Top Coat, inspect and touch-up, and let it dry for 24 hours. Elastomeric paint is the best option for exterior use, outlasting normal paint 2—1. The next best choice is 100 Acrylic semi-gloss.

To maintain a painted brick exterior, regularly clean and check for cracks, patch them right away, and use a broom, scrub brush, or pressure washer to clear away any dust, debris, cobwebs, or old paint. This DIY project can transform the look of your home and enhance curb appeal.

What kind of paint do you use on exterior concrete walls?

The best concrete paints are masonry paints, typically containing acrylic resins, which offer durability, adhesion, and weather resistance, resulting in a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish. It is generally recommended to prime concrete or cement before painting to enhance adhesion and ensure a smoother, more durable finish. A quality primer seals the surface, promotes better paint adherence, and results in a professional-looking, long-lasting paint job.

Is it better to spray or roll exterior paint on brick?

The choice between spray and rolling exterior paint tools is complex. While sprayers are often preferred due to their efficiency, better coverage, and professional finish, it is essential for a painter to use both tools to achieve the best paint job. For porous surfaces like brick or stucco, a sprayer is recommended, while a roller can be used to “back-roll” the paint in. For smoother surfaces like trim, wood, lap, vinyl, or metal siding, spraying is more suitable as it eliminates roller marks and allows for different angle angles to ensure full coverage.

Both tools should be used under different circumstances, and the choice between spray and rolling depends on the specific needs of the project. For more inspiration, check out our gallery of exterior paint projects and Instagram for more inspiration.

Do you need to prime exterior concrete walls before painting?

Primer is essential when painting concrete to prevent paint from soaking into the surface and provide added adhesion. If painting a bare concrete wall, primer is necessary, but not for previously painted surfaces. Emperor Masonry Paint Primer is recommended due to its super hydrophobic technology and compatibility with the paint. Apply one coat of primer and let it dry completely for 3-5 hours.

When painting exteriors, consider the weather conditions, especially in the US. Avoid painting in conditions below 5°C, as water-based masonry paint will not dry in these conditions, and above 20°C, as it can cause the paint to dry too quickly. Create shade if possible and avoid painting in direct sunlight. Using Emperor Masonry Paint Primer ensures a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Can I paint straight on to concrete?

Painting directly onto concrete requires proper preparation to achieve the best results. Spending extra time at the start can prolong the surface’s freshness, especially in heavy traffic areas like garage floors. Applying paint directly requires at least two coats, mixing the first coat with a thinner, usually around 20, to create an even finish. The first coat should be used as a primer, while an extra coat or two ensures even coverage. Preparing a floor is a straightforward process if following these steps.

What happens if you don’t prime concrete before painting?

Concrete surfaces and stucco require primer before paint due to higher pH levels and efflorescence, which can cause adhesion issues. Great masonry primers can overcome these issues. When exterior paint fails, chalky residues can be seen on the surface due to the breakdown of binders and resins over time. A fresh primer coat is needed, and thorough pressure washing is not enough. If the surface is not cleaned well enough, it may have left over chalky residue, making paint unadherent. To ensure proper adhesion, it is essential to clean the surface thoroughly and avoid leaving chalky residue on the surface.

What is the best primer for exterior concrete walls?

Polyurethane primer provides a robust adhesion of paint to concrete surfaces, whereas epoxy primer offers a robust bond to concrete while providing a relatively thin finish.

What is the best paint for exterior brick or concrete?

The 4 Best Paint for Brick Exterior list includes Sherwin Williams’ premier exterior paint product, Emerald, which offers outstanding coverage and cross-linking technology, making it stronger and easier to clean. Emerald Rain Refresh with hydrophobic properties is recommended for extra cleaning power. It offers superior resistance to blistering, peeling, fading, dirt pickup, and mildew. As an acrylic latex paint, it helps moisture evaporate quickly, making it even more durable.

The Best Buildable Brick Paint is Regal High Build, a Benjamin Moore classic that has been around for a long time. This thick paint is ideal for getting into nooks and crannies of brick, making it a great fit for those with incredibly textured brick. The High Build version of Regal High Build is perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies of brick, making it an ideal choice for those looking to update their home’s exterior.

Should you seal concrete before you paint it?

1. Clean the concrete thoroughly. Concrete is porous and can absorb moisture, so sealing it is crucial to prevent mold. Use a masonry sealer and follow the manufacturer’s directions on how many layers to apply. This will also seal any cracks present.

2. Prime the concrete. The type of primer depends on whether you are painting interior or exterior concrete. Concrete primer or block primer fills gaps and cracks, presenting an even surface for paint. Wait at least eight hours before painting, but no more than 30 days.

3. Paint the concrete. Masonry paint is designed to expand and contract with the concrete, while exterior paint will crack. Use a masonry brush as it is thicker than standard house paint. If using a paint sprayer, consult with a store professional to avoid clogging it with the thick paint.

What kind of paint do you use on exterior concrete foundation walls?

Elastomeric paint, also known as masonry paint, is a suitable choice for painting foundations as it contracts and expands with the surface it’s painted on. However, exterior house paint is not suitable as it contains binders and can crack and peel when used on concrete. Foundation paint colors should be either the same or darker than the color of the siding, and should coordinate with shutters and roof. A neutral-colored tone, such as brown, beige white, or gray, is recommended.

If painting your exterior foundation is a DIY task, consider hiring a professional painting company like PaintRite Pros. Their skilled technicians can help you choose the best colors for your home and handle all your painting needs, including kitchen cabinets. They can help with all your exterior and interior painting needs.

What kind of paint won’t peel on concrete?

Low-luster acrylic latex paint is a durable concrete paint that resists peeling, fading, and other damage while hiding imperfections. It is ideal for patios with an enamel finish that resists mold and mildew growth, maintaining a pristine appearance despite wet or humid conditions. For garage floors, epoxy-based floor paint is recommended due to its resistance to hot tire pickup and marring. Its durable satin finish resists scuffing, fading, cracking, peeling, and blistering, making it ideal for garage floors, driveways, basements, porches, and shed foundations. Although more expensive and with fewer color options, epoxy-based floor paint may be best suited for garage floors with higher levels of wear, tear, and heat.

How do you prepare exterior concrete for painting?

Concrete is a popular material for building floors and walls, but it is also becoming popular for interior flooring. It is susceptible to moisture due to its water content, Portland cement, and aggregate material. When water absorbs water, concrete expands and retracts, causing cracks. Factors like ambient relative humidity, concrete mixture, geographic climate, aggregate materials, and vapor retarders can affect the rate of concrete moisture evaporation.

This presents a challenge when preparing concrete for paint, and the process can vary slightly depending on whether the concrete is old, new, or being repainted. To prepare concrete for painting, follow these seven critical steps: clean the area, apply an etching solution, fill all cracks, apply concrete sealer if desired, perform a thorough wash and moisture test, purchase the right paint, and apply two coats.