Learn how to paint concrete to give plain surfaces a whole new look and tally major curb appeal points for your concrete stairs and walkways .

Concrete is an cheap , long-wearing building material , but all that hoary can be wearisome . you may con how to paint concrete aerofoil — a walkway , concrete step , concrete brick walls , or even a cellar orgarage level . weather concrete with cracks or stains is hard to fix without the patched segment standing out , which is especially annoying in front - face up area of a house . A coat of paint will assist disguise fix onconcrete walkwaysand steps . The result is a clean , finished look that will give a dwelling house ’s entrance great curb prayer .

Preparation is key to learning how to paint concrete . Getting the Earth’s surface as clean-living and smooth as possible will give you the best results . And when denounce for ware , count for dry cleaner and sealers especially formulated for concrete . Happy picture !

painted concrete front porch

Credit:BHG / Jiaqi Zhou

BHG / Jiaqi Zhou

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

How to Paint Concrete

Clean Off Concrete

Use a steady - bristle clash to remove loose concrete or debris from trouble spots . If you ’re working outdoors , pull out any moss or sens from the cracks of your paseo . demand a deeper clean-living ? apply a great power washer to make sureeverything is off the concrete . Let the concrete dry out completely before moving on to the next steps .

If you ’re working with an interiorconcrete flooror walls and signs of water price are already there , painting over it wo n’t desexualize the underlying job . If you ’re unsure , have a professional check it out .

Patch Holes and Cracks

Sand Smooth

Sand off any rough spot or bumps . Sandpaper tie to an inexpensivepole sanderlets you cover more ground faster without bending over . attempt to get the airfoil as smooth as possible before picture . sportsmanlike up your sand residuewith a vacuumif you ’re work inside . Be sure to wear a dust mask , protective glasses , and gloves .

Prep Concrete for Paint

Prep tthe surface with aconcrete cleaner , degreaser , and etcher following maker ’s instructions . Give the concrete another rinse with a powerwasher before this step , if needed . say the labels ; many of these products are betray as a 2 - in-1 or all - in - one solution , so you may only need to practice one . Always wear protective gear when lick with any strong chemical substance .

Prime and Paint

Check the atmospheric condition for the 24-hour interval you project to paint so any outdoor key can dry out . get across anyrust spotswithconcrete seal primerand let teetotal fully before painting . Concrete is extremely porous , so do n’t bound off the priming stride , or your paint wo n’t stick ! Some paints descend with primer already in the convention . If that ’s the case , then you may dive mighty into painting .

take a non - skid outside or internal concrete blusher accordingly , depending on what you ’re paint . If you are painting up to the border of your household or walls , tape off the Qaeda so you do n’t get any paint on your sidetrack . Paint the area of your choice with a sportsmanlike finish . If your blusher is not non - skid , apply a second coating with a non - skid grit linear for better adhesive friction .

refreshed concrete can not be paint . If your home is new , consult with your contractile organ to determine when the concrete will be ready to paint ( commonly after about a month or two ) .

infographic on how to paint concrete

Credit:BHG / Jiaqi Zhou

Emily Rone

How to Protect Concrete Paint

use a stiff-bristle brush to remove loose concrete or debris

patch small holes or cracks using a putty knife

prep steps with a concrete cleaner, degreaser, and etcher

roll on paint on concrete floor

brush on paint on edge of concrete floor

Patio with potted plant wall

Credit:Emily Rone