What Type Of Paint Should I Use On My Previously Painted Concrete Outside Foundation?

Concrete surfaces are common in households, especially on exterior walls, floors, and surrounding areas. They are versatile and easy to work with, making them ideal for basements, garages, utility rooms, and outdoor areas. When painting an exterior concrete foundation, it is essential to choose the right paint to enhance curb appeal and protect the structure from moisture damage.

There are several options for exterior vertical surfaces such as basements and foundation walls, including acrylic paint, epoxy paint, and concrete stain. Acrylic paint is easy to apply, dries quickly, and can be easily cleaned with water. It is highly resistant to peeling and cracking, making it an ideal choice for outdoor concrete. Epoxy paint is a durable, long-lasting cement sealer paint that can take harsh treatment, making it ideal for garage floors.

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 it is recommended to paint your foundation for at least 10 years. Modern sealants and waterproof paints often protect your concrete foundation for close to 10 years.

Elastomeric paint, also known as masonry paint, is a good choice for painting foundations because it contracts and works well with concrete. If the concrete is mostly bare, apply a masonry primer like Sherwin-Williams Loxon, then apply two topcoats of your favorite latex paint, satin.

If the paint is sound, you can apply Emperor Masonry Paint over other paint systems. Oil-based epoxy paint is recommended for most concrete areas, as it will hold up well even in outdoor environments. In these cases, a high-quality sealer type paint is recommended.

In conclusion, choosing the right paint for your exterior concrete foundation is crucial for enhancing curb appeal and protecting the structure from moisture damage.

Should you paint your exterior foundation?

The application of paint to the exterior of a building can serve to protect the structure from the damaging effects of water and ultraviolet radiation. Modern paint products are capable of providing a protective coating to concrete for extended periods, up to a decade in some cases, without the occurrence of peeling. Furthermore, this process enhances the visual appeal of the foundation, as water and UV light are the two primary factors that contribute to the deterioration of exterior surfaces. Despite its durability, concrete is susceptible to damage from water and sunlight, which can result in cracking or crumbling over time.

Can you paint straight onto concrete blocks?

Priming is crucial for successful painting cinder blocks, as it creates a uniform topcoat free of pores. Use concrete and masonry bonding primer, not wood or drywall primer or self-priming paint. After priming, use acrylic-latex paint tinted to your choice for interior and exterior surfaces. For highly moist surfaces, purchase elastomeric paint for basement cinder blocks. Apply primer or paint only in temperatures between 50 and 90° F and ensure the blocks are completely dry before painting.

How do you prepare old painted concrete for new paint?

Prior to commencing work, it is essential to remove any loose paint by means of sanding or wire brushing. Additionally, any glossy surfaces must be de-glossed if necessary. It is also imperative to ensure the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including protective clothing, eye goggles, and acid-resistant rubber gloves and footwear, in order to maintain safety standards.

What type of paint to use on painted concrete?

Concrete porch and patio paints are typically low-luster acrylic latex, designed to conceal imperfections and resist fading, scuffing, cracking, and UV damage. Epoxy-based paints offer high durability and stain resistance, making them ideal for garage or patio floors. Masonry paints are designed for brick and masonry applications but also provide effective coatings for concrete. Avoid using exterior house paints on concrete as they tend to crack and peel.

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 is the best paint for repainting concrete?

Concrete porch and patio paints are typically low-luster acrylic latex, designed to conceal imperfections and resist fading, scuffing, cracking, and UV damage. Epoxy-based paints offer high durability and stain resistance, making them ideal for garage or patio floors. Masonry paints are designed for brick and masonry applications but also provide effective coatings for concrete. Avoid using exterior house paints on concrete as they tend to crack and peel.

What can I put over painted concrete?

A clear concrete sealer is not necessary to seal a painted concrete floor but can protect it from scratches, peeling, and abrasion. It also provides a nice sheen and makes cleaning easier. For best results, use a water-based sealer designed for interior use and ensure it is compatible with the paint. Painting concrete floors is usually a DIY project with minimal experience, but hiring a professional contractor may be necessary for extensive surface preparation or large projects. Although the cost may be higher, it’s worth the extra expense to ensure the job is done correctly.

Decorative enhancements can be added to painted concrete floors to give them more style and character. Simple tools like stencils, painter’s tape, and sponges can be used to complete these looks. Overall, painting concrete floors requires proper preparation, proper planning, and the right tools to ensure a successful and long-lasting result.

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.

Can you paint over concrete that’s already painted?

To coat a previously coated surface, clean it thoroughly and follow the proper prep procedure. Remove loose or peeling paint by sanding or wire-brushing the surface, and de-gloss glossy surfaces if necessary. Wear protective clothing, eye goggles, and acid-resistant rubber gloves and footwear for safety. A great looking finish starts with the right start, affecting the look and longevity of the finished project.

Do you need to etch painted concrete before repainting?

Etching is a crucial step in preparing concrete for painting, as it maximizes the bond between paint or protective sealants and the surface. It is essential to avoid a coating that flakes or rubs off prematurely. Laitance, a mixture of cement dust, lime, and sand, accumulates on the surface of concrete, making it look milky. Without a laitance-free surface, the coating won’t adhere.

Old practices of etching concrete with a strong acid solution and washing it off with water were used, but this method is no longer recommended due to inconsistent results, inability to remove oils and other water-soluble materials, and potential hazards if used improperly or accidents occur. A laitance-free surface is essential for the adhesion of the concrete coating.

What is the best paint for previously painted concrete block?

To paint cinder blocks, it is recommended to use acrylic latex paint or masonry paint for professional results. Consult local paint store experts for recommendations. Cinder blocks are porous, so spraying vertically and horizontally when applying paint is recommended. Backrolling after the first coat ensures paint gets pushed into the pores. This method doesn’t require a primer coat, as it involves applying four coats of paint, avoiding the need for a primer coat. It is also important to consult with experts at your local paint store for the best results.