Exterior concrete paint adds color and protection to outdoor structures.
Painting concrete requires special surface preparation to keep the paint from absorbing into the surface and to ensure it will properly dry and adhere. Since outside concrete is exposed to weather elements and typically undergoes rougher treatment than interior concrete, the paint has to be durable and resilient. Most concrete paint is latex- or acrylic-based as oil-based paint interacts poorly with the alkaline in concrete.
Surface Preparation
Different preparations are necessary depending on the concrete surface and the type of paint you use. Latex or acrylic concrete paints require a bonding primer on the surface to stabilize the dust and chalk in the concrete. If the concrete surface is rough, use a block filler under the primer. Apply acrylic elastomeric coatings to repair tiny holes and cracks to make the surface more water-resistant. Powdered cement paints, which don't wear as well as latex or acrylic paint, are applied to unprepared water-saturated surfaces.
Polyurethane and Acrylic Exterior Concrete Paint
Polyurethane and acrylic exterior concrete paint is a versatile and long-lasting paint appropriate for stone and concrete slab driveways, walkways, patios and porches. It stands up well to rain, snow, high temperatures and heavy traffic. These types of paint are fade-resistant and easily cleaned with soap and water. Color selections vary by brand.
Enamels and Stains
To paint driveways and walkways to resist scratching and add color to the area, use stains or enamels. Some acrylic concrete paints have special additives that make the paint dry to a non-slip finish that prevents slips and falls, even when the concrete is wet. These types are preferred for concrete stairs or ramps with heavy foot traffic and are available in assorted colors.
Epoxy Exterior Concrete Paint
Epoxy paint provides the sturdiest and longest-lasting protection for outdoor concrete. Although typically used for garage floor surfaces based on its robust resistance to stains from motor oil and antifreeze, it gives any concrete surface a tough scratch-resistant finish. The durability of the finish depends on the volume of epoxy solids in the paint. If you use epoxy paint with 100 percent solids by volume, it will cover the concrete in one coat and will probably never need repainting. Epoxy paint with 30 to 40 percent solids is most common and provides average concrete protection. Lower solid volume epoxy paints require several coats and may need to refinishing after a few years. Epoxy exterior concrete paint comes in red, blue and black, as well as types that impart concrete with a textured appearance.
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