Which Paint Is Best For Outstanding Walls Outside?

Acrylic paints are thick, viscous substances made from high-quality ingredients that provide flexibility and elasticity. They can expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate, making them ideal for exterior painting projects. The best exterior paint, either latex or oil-based, offers protection and a fresh look to trim, siding, decks, and more.

Masonry paint is specifically designed for exterior walls and is the most popular choice due to its many benefits. Water-based acrylic paints, also known as latex paints, are easy to apply and provide a protective and long-lasting finish. Quality masonry paints are designed to last for up to 15 years. Epoxy paint is the best type of paint for concrete floors due to its durability. Latex paint, though not as strong, can be used, but it won’t hold up as well.

Elastomeric paints are best for exterior walls due to their resilience, ability to withstand temperature changes, and waterproof properties. Major paint manufacturers recommend using elastomeric paints with precast concrete products. Elastomeric paints are also suitable for interior precast walls, as they contract and offer a breathable finish.

There are several types of elastomeric paints available, including RD-Elastoflex, Plexipaint, and RD-Elastoflex, which are technical paints specifically designed for walls and facades. These paints are suitable for exterior walls, foundations, and other surfaces that require a durable and breathable finish.

Can I paint directly on a concrete wall?

Concrete surfaces can be painted, but proper preparation and application guidelines are necessary. The choice of concrete paint or stain depends on the surface being painted. Concrete is difficult to paint due to its porous nature, which can cause a patchy finish. To address this, builders often use a machine to create a power floated floor, which is non-porous and harder-wearing. This results in a smoother, easier-to-clean floor.

Power floated floors are often treated with products like Sika Sikafloor Proseal W to seal the surface. The first coat of paint should be thinned down to ensure proper bind with the substrate. Power floated floors are often treated with products like Sika Sikafloor Proseal W to ensure a smooth finish.

Can superior walls be painted?

Superior Walls panels are available with a brushed finish or can be customized with exterior finishes like paint, stucco, or stone or brick veneer. Major paint manufacturers recommend using elastomeric acrylic paints and similar masonry paint or stain products with precast concrete products. Stucco and cultured/manufactured stone should be applied according to manufacturer’s recommendations, which may involve cleaning the panels with a pressure washer, prepping the surface with a wire brush, or a masonry acid wash solution.

Wire lath can be used to span panel joints but must be attached with masonry screws. To attach drywall to the foundation, follow manufacturer’s instructions, using a minimum ½” drywall span and leaving a ½” gap between the concrete floor and the bottom to prevent moisture absorption. Use 1″ drywall screws and apply a solid bead of construction adhesive to the top bond beam and stud face.

Can Superior Walls be painted?

Superior Walls panels are available with a brushed finish or can be customized with exterior finishes like paint, stucco, or stone or brick veneer. Major paint manufacturers recommend using elastomeric acrylic paints and similar masonry paint or stain products with precast concrete products. Stucco and cultured/manufactured stone should be applied according to manufacturer’s recommendations, which may involve cleaning the panels with a pressure washer, prepping the surface with a wire brush, or a masonry acid wash solution.

Wire lath can be used to span panel joints but must be attached with masonry screws. To attach drywall to the foundation, follow manufacturer’s instructions, using a minimum ½” drywall span and leaving a ½” gap between the concrete floor and the bottom to prevent moisture absorption. Use 1″ drywall screws and apply a solid bead of construction adhesive to the top bond beam and stud face.

Do Superior Walls leak?

The Superior Walls wall panels are constructed from a high-performance concrete mixture and are lined with closed-cell foam insulation, which effectively inhibits the passage of moisture through the panel.

What kind of paint for exterior concrete walls?

Epoxy-based masonry paints are characterized by durability and stain resistance, rendering them suitable for use on garage or patio floors, brick, and concrete applications. Consequently, they are an optimal choice for masonry coatings.

What is the best paint for precast walls?

To paint precast concrete, choose a paint that is resistant to moisture and can withstand constant sun exposure. Choose paints specifically designed for outdoor use or oil-based ones for indoor use. For interior walls, opt for interior acrylic paint. Ensure the wall is clean and hole-free to avoid paint magnification. For outdoor walls, hose down and remove dust and dirt, while indoor walls should be scrubbed with soap and water.

Check for holes that need patching and fill them with a concrete patch mixture. Once dry, smooth the wall with a concrete patch mixture. Avoid painting over uncleaned and unrepaired walls as it can magnify rough concrete and holes.

What is the best paint finish for exterior concrete walls?

The satin or eggshell finish is the preferred exterior paint sheen for most home exterior applications due to its basic maintenance points and attractive appearance. However, factors such as DIY vs. professional painting, DIY vs. flat finish paint, and the need for quick resale can influence the choice. A satin/eggshell finish is easier to apply and less likely to leave lap marks, while flat paint offers quick curing time and short-term aesthetic appeal. It is also simple to apply with a sprayer, as overspray blends in with the surface.

What paint to use on exterior garage walls?

Exterior paint on garage walls is often considered more effective due to its heavy-duty properties, such as mold and mildew-resistant additives and UV protection chemicals. However, garage walls are not exposed to the elements and do not experience as much wear and tear as other home walls. The best choice for garage walls is a durable interior paint like acrylic latex paint, which is water-based, easy to clean, and has a long lifespan.

Oil-based interior paints like alkyd resin can be used if you prefer longer drying times and are comfortable using chemicals like paint thinners. However, oil paints require special attention, especially when working with oil paints, as they can be more toxic to breathe in.

Another factor people consider when choosing between interior and exterior paint for garage walls is the cost. Most exterior paints require cleaning, sanding, and applying primer, followed by a second or third coat of paint, depending on the paint color and quality. The combined cost of sanding materials, paint, and primer can be more expensive than initially thought.

Do I need to prime garage walls before painting?

Before painting your garage walls, it is essential to use a good surface drywall or PVA primer to seal the pores in sheetrock and create an even coat. Skipping priming can lead to peeling paint, making cleaning more difficult, and wearing off when trying to wipe off dirt or fingerprints. Oil-based paint is ideal for garage walls as it dries to a hard shell, making it resistant to scuffs and scratches. Water-based paint, available in acrylic and latex finishes, uses water as a solvent instead of oil. This ensures a long-lasting and durable finish on your garage walls.

What paint to use on exterior 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.

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.