Rescue Stained Concrete with Paint
Concrete is an inexpensive, durable building material, but all that gray can be a bit boring. You can paint or stain just about any concrete surface—a walkway, concrete stairs, concrete brick walls, or even a basement or garage floor. Weathered concrete with cracks or stains is difficult to fix without the patched section standing out, which is especially annoying in front-facing areas of a house. A coat of paint will help disguise repairs on concrete steps and walkways. The result is a clean and finished look that will give a home's entrance great curb appeal.
Don’t skimp on the preparation before painting concrete. Getting the surface as clean and smooth as possible will give you the best results. And when shopping for products, look for cleaners and sealers that are specially formulated for concrete. Happy painting!
- Working Time 4 Hours
- Start to Finish 5 Days
- Difficulty Projects Kind of Hard
- Involves Sanding, Sealing, Painting
What you need
Tools
- Stiff bristle brush
- Putty knife
- Pole sander
- Vacuum, if needed
- Tack cloth, if needed
- Paintbrush or roller
- Protective gear, including mask and gloves
Materials
- Vinyl concrete patching compound
- Sandpaper
- Cleaner, degreaser, and etcher
- Concrete sealing primer
- Painters tape
- Non-skid concrete paint
- Grit additive, if needed
How to do it
Step 1 Clean Off Concrete
Use a stiff-bristle brush to remove loose concrete or debris from trouble spots. If you’re working outdoors, rip out any moss or weeds from the cracks of your walkway. Need a deeper clean? Use a power washer to make sure everything is off the concrete. Let the concrete dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
Step 2 Patch Holes and Cracks
Patch small holes or cracks using a putty knife and concrete compound. Let it cure. Follow the application and drying instructions on the packaging. Don’t worry about getting them perfect, as you’ll sand next.
Step 3 Sand Smooth
Sand off any rough spots or bumps. Sandpaper attached to an inexpensive pole sander lets you cover more ground faster without having to bend over. Try to get the surface as smooth as possible before painting. If you’re working inside, clean up your sanding residue with a vacuum. Be sure to wear a dust mask, protective glasses, and gloves.
Step 4 Prep Concrete for Paint
Prep steps with a concrete cleaner, degreaser, and etcher following manufacturer's instructions. Give the concrete another rinse with a powerwasher before this step, if needed. Read the labels; many of these products are sold as a 2-in-1 or all-in-one solution, so you may only need to use one. Always wear protective gear when working with any strong chemicals.
Step 5 Prime and Paint
Check the weather for the days you plan to paint so any outdoor paint will have a chance to dry. Cover any rust spots with concrete sealing primer and let dry fully before painting. Concrete is highly porous, so don’t skip the priming step or your paint won’t stick! Some paints come with primer already in the formula. If that’s the case, then you can dive right into painting. Choose a non-skid exterior or interior concrete paint accordingly, depending on what you’re painting. If you are painting up to the edge of your house or walls, tape off the base so you don't get any paint on your siding. Paint the area of your choice with a clean finish. If your paint is not non-skid, apply a second coat with a non-skid grit additive for better traction.
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