Which Paint Type Is Best For Concrete Interior Walls?

When purchasing concrete paint, it is essential to choose a product specifically formulated for use on concrete or cinder block walls. For exterior walls, choose a dry day with moderate temperatures and use masonry paint, which is thicker and designed for stone and concrete. Use a masonry paintbrush or texture roller to apply the paint.

Elastomeric paint is the best type of concrete paint for exterior walls, offering durability, adhesion, and resistance to weathering. Masonry paint, also known as elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating, is recommended due to its binders that expand. Waterproof masonry paint is a good choice, and at least two coats should be applied, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.

A primer, such as Kilz or Valspar, is necessary for painting concrete. Acrylic latex, epoxy, or masonry paints will give the best results when going over a concrete surface. Standard interior paint can be used directly over concrete walls, while ceiling paint is suitable for the ceiling. Latex paint is one of the most common types of interior paint used on concrete surfaces, while acrylic paint is similar in appearance.

In summary, choosing the right concrete paint product, cleaning the surface, and following specific steps are crucial for achieving a long-lasting and visually appealing finish.

What kind of paint will stick to 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.

How to prep indoor concrete for paint?

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.

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.

Do concrete walls need primer 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.

What is the best paint for concrete walls?

Masonry paint, also known as elastomeric paint or wall coating, is a superior concrete paint due to its contracting and expanding binders. It can be tinted or used in bold colors and is thicker than exterior paint. Applying masonry paint can be done using a masonry brush, high-capacity roller, or texture roller. However, some masonry paint is thicker and contains fine particles that can clog air sprayers. For larger concrete surfaces that take longer to paint with a roller or brush, a product that works well in a sprayer is recommended.

Can interior paint be used on concrete?

Concrete surfaces can be painted using various types, including latex paint, acrylic paint, epoxy paint, and masonry paint. Latex paint is water-based, easy to clean, and provides a smooth, even finish. Acrylic paint is similar but offers enhanced durability and adhesion, making it suitable for high-traffic areas or exterior surfaces. Epoxy paint is a two-part coating made of epoxy resin and a hardener, providing a tough, chemical-resistant finish for floors and countertops.

It is resistant to stains, impacts, and abrasions but requires careful surface preparation. Masonry paint is specifically designed for porous surfaces like concrete and comes in various finishes and colors.

Interior paint on concrete surfaces can transform the look, hide imperfections, and provide additional protection. It is generally more cost-effective than specialized concrete coatings. However, it may not offer the same durability as dedicated coatings and may require additional surface preparation and priming. It is crucial to consider your concrete project’s specific needs and conditions before choosing interior paint.

Do you need special paint to paint on concrete?

For optimal results, use specialist concrete paints like epoxy for bare concrete floors and quality masonry paint for walls. Spray paint concrete with a single pack floor paint, and apply using a brush or roller. Different concrete paints are better suited for specific areas, such as stairs with a non-slip, textured finish, or outdoor areas with UV protection and weather resistance. For stairs, opt for a non-slip paint for better grip, and for walls, opt for a quality masonry paint.

What happens if you paint concrete without primer?

Priming a concrete surface is a critical step in any concrete painting project. It prevents the formation of imperfections in the finish, such as peeling and cracking, which can otherwise occur over time. This ensures a long-lasting and durable finish.

What kind of paint do you use on indoor concrete?

Acrylic latex concrete paint is a water-based, easy-to-use, and comfortable option for home use. It is similar to other standard acrylic paints and is easy to apply. Epoxy concrete paint is popular among professionals due to its weather resistance, durability, and expensive-looking finish. However, it requires a two-step process, including mixing the epoxy formula, which is more complex than acrylic latex paint. Despite this, epoxy is easy enough for DIYers to work with.

What kind of paint won’t peel on concrete?

Concrete paints are typically low-luster acrylic latex paints designed to hide imperfections and resist sun and UV damage. Epoxy paint offers a durable and stain-resistant finish, while oil-based paint provides a tough, shiny finish. Solid concrete stains are similar to paint and can be applied like paint. Masonry paints are typically used for masonry applications but can also provide effective coatings for concrete.

Epoxy-based concrete paints are not recommended for porches and patios due to their appearance resembling garage floors. If you prefer a different paint finish, choose a different paint finish. Brands like rust-oleum are often advertised as garage floor paint, so it’s best to choose a different paint finish.

This post may contain affiliate links, from which the author may earn a commission at no extra cost.

Is latex or acrylic paint better for concrete?

Latex paint is a water-based, environmentally friendly paint that uses a synthetic resin called latex as its binder. It is easy to apply, clean up, and versatile, suitable for various surfaces like drywall, wood, and concrete. Available in various finishes like flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, latex paint offers aesthetic preferences and dries quickly, allowing for faster project completion. It also has a low odor compared to oil-based paints, making it more pleasant to work with, especially in indoor environments. Latex paint is often recommended for various applications, including kitchens, bathrooms, and kitchens.