HOW TO PAINT CONCRETE

Most people will be able to do this project with some tools, materials and steps to follow. In order to obtain good results with painting on a concrete or masonry surface, it should be properly prepared so that the paint adheres well. Read on to discover the proper way to prepare, paint and take care of this raw surface!

1- Prepare the source concrete

The preparation steps that precede the application of the paint are very important, as proper preparation of the surface will help the paint to adhere properly. First, sweep away any debris that has accumulated on the concrete surface. If you work outdoors, this debris could include leaves and dirt. Make sure all of this has been picked up and removed.

Then remove any dirt, dirt or dried earth that could not be swept, making sure to remove everything on the concrete. At this stage of the process, do not worry too much about the appearance of stains on the concrete. Tear off the roots or foliage that have accumulated around the concrete. For interior surfaces, you will not have as much cleaning to do, but it is important to make the surface as clean and bare as possible so that the painting step goes smoothly afterwards.

2- Clean the concrete

Now that the area has been swept and the preliminary cleaning steps have been completed, it is time to thoroughly clean the areas stained with oil or grease. If you are working on an interior surface, you may be able to skip this step. Of course, pay special attention if you work on the floor of a garage, kitchen or basement.

To remove a dense accumulation of grease, use sodium phosphate, which can be found at any tool or renovation store. Mix with water following the instructions on the package and clean the stains. Be sure to rinse the solution when you have finished work, as sodium phosphate residues may compromise the application of the paint. Also, allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

3- Close the holes and seal the surface 

If you find bumps, cracks, or uneven areas, you'll want to deal with them before you paint. Concrete should be as smooth as possible because any cracks or holes in the surface will allow the mold to make its way to the paint by auckland painters , peeling and peeling later. Use a concrete filler following the manufacturer's instructions to find out how long the solution will take to dry.

Also, be sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step. Then it is important to properly seal the surface. This step is crucial if you work indoors. Concrete is a very porous material, which means the trapped mold could easily ruin the paint.   A concrete sealer can be expensive, but the best way to ensure longevity of work and surface is to grit and buy.

Then follow the manufacturer's instructions to know the proper way to prepare the mixture and apply it. This step does not necessarily need to be completed on exterior concrete, but this remains at the discretion of the owner.

4- Paint the source concrete

If you are painting an exterior surface, the first thing to do is to check the weather forecast. It is essential to have at least 2 or 3 days of good weather in front of you, avoiding rain, strong winds and other hazardous weather conditions. Each coat of paint will need to dry overnight and the work will need about 24 hours to completely dry.

Do not neglect to do a little research before choosing your painting and allow enough time for the entire process. If you are painting interior surfaces, temperature should not be an important factor, although it is recommended that you keep the doors and windows open if possible.

Once you are fixed on dates, you can start painting! First, you will want to prime the surface, as this will help the paint to hold properly and evenly, thus ensuring strong adhesion. Also, the instructions and the drying time will depend on the brand chosen. If you are covering an old paint or working outside, it is better to apply two coats of primer. Let the first layer dry before applying the second. 

Now, let's move on to painting. It is important to buy the right paint to paint concrete. Most homeowners choose a masonry paint, which is designed to accommodate the expansion and contraction of concrete during temperature fluctuations. Masonry paint is sometimes sold under the name "elastomeric paint" or "elastomeric coating ". This paint will look thicker than regular paint, so to be safe, equip yourself with a high-capacity roller or brush. Use a paint roller and apply a thin, even coat of paint.

Make sure to start at one of the corners of the surface, working quietly and doing the same movements on the entire concrete. Keep in mind that you will add a few more layers, so it needs to be thin. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat of paint.

If you would like to have a dark color, repeat the steps and apply a third coat as it should. Before using or walking on the surface, wait at least 24 hours and make sure the paint is completely dry, allowing you to have a smooth and beautiful surface.