Do-It-Yourself Painting of Concrete
- 1). Check to see of there are any puddles or dampness on the concrete. This is only necessary if you are painting a floor. If there is any moisture the paint will not hold and it may take expensive professional work to cure the problem.
- 2). Clean the concrete to ensure there is not dirt or grease on the surface, as this will keep the paint from holding. You will need to clean it several times. A lot of hot water, various cleaning products and a mop will be required for this.
- 3). Sand off any old paint or glue left on the concrete using coarse sandpaper.
- 4). Fill in any gaps using hydraulic cement. This can be purchased at any good hardware store. Leave this to dry as per manufacturer's guidelines.
- 5). Apply a layer of cement primer with a paint roller or spray gun and allow it to dry. You may want to add a second coat of primer, especially if you are painting concrete outside.
- 6). Paint the floor using a concrete-safe paint. There are several varieties and colors available, but check the specifications on the can to see if the paint is suitable for your needs.
- 7). Leave the first coat of paint to dry and then add a second coat to ensure good paint coverage. The length of time the coats will take to dry depends on the paint used and where the concrete is. Basement floors may take a lot longer as the atmosphere is colder, whereas patios in direct sunlight will dry quicker.
- 8). Apply a coat of concrete sealer so the paint is protected. You will need to wear a face mask for this part of the job.
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