Q&A for How to Paint Concrete

Honestly, a really good masonry primer will set the tone to take any top coat necessary for your painting job!

Not really! Since concrete is porous, you'll need to add a primer first. Also, you have to watch the pH level — if it's new concrete, it needs to age about 30 days before you can paint.

First, make sure the stone is clean and dry. Then you will need to apply a good bonding primer and then use a hybrid enamel for the final paint. Apply 2 coats; be sure and give a full day to dry between coats.

If the concrete is getting walked or driven on, you will want to use an epoxy-based paint. If it's a concrete wall, you can use a multi-surface hybrid enamel.

You can generally paint the concrete the day after etching, it is always recommended to read the manufacturer's instructions.

You want to make sure the wallpaper is completely cleaned up and if the wall has to be repaired. The cement will have to be sealed with a good primer before applying final paints.

Yes, you can use a spray gun to apply paint to the concrete. If the paints are an epoxy-based, you will want to brush and roll.

You will want to check the structure with a moisture meter to determine if its dry. The structure needs to be completely dry before the painting process can begin. You will begin by applying a good bonding primer.

Yes, as long as the concrete is completely dry you can begin the painting process. You can check the moisture with a meter or be sure and monitor a good week of warm weather.

You can use a industrial-grade concrete cleaner with a coarse scrub brush. Then use a mop with some mild soaps and mop a few times.

Yes, but you must ensure the concrete has porosity, or the ability to absorb the stain. Do a water test: sprinkle or pour a cup of water on the concrete. If it puddles and does not absorb within a minute or so, then you will need to etch the concrete with an etching solution or acid. If it absorbs, then you can apply a stain. Just make sure you buy the correct stain for the job. Urethane topcoats can be used, but must be specifically for concrete and are typically a more expensive option. There are other topcoat systems for stained concrete that can be used as well, such as a water- or oil-based product.

Yes, you can paint over stained concrete. What you can't do is put stain or sealant over a painted cement floor.

By using filigree rubber door mats (cast-iron lookalike) painted in a contrasting or the same colour.

You shouldn't paint a concrete floor that will get wet. Use a waterproofing formula instead. Waterproof coat sealing emulsion is usually used on the top.

No, only the paint that is flaking off. Use a wire brush to see what comes off with that.

I never apply latex paint directly onto an oil-based paint; the latex paint will not adhere properly. Also, since the application is outside and the surface is driven on, I would not recommend this at all. If you can find the oil product that was used in the past, I would stay with that. If the oil bonded well and there isn't any noticeable break down on the surface sand, then after surfacing with a 120 grit sand paper, a new coat of oil-based product should adhere well.

RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane is good.

Yes, you will need a thick paint, but if anything, the whitewash will really help if you want to paint it a colorful color. White is an undercoat, so it will help make the paint look nice.

Mix muriatic acid four parts water to one part acid and use a watering can. Keep a hose handy to ensure the mixture doesn't dry out. The acid water needs to sit on the concrete for about five minutes. After this, mix two parts ammonia to one part water, sprinkle it on the area you etched and it will neutralize the acid. Wash it off thoroughly with a squeegee to push any puddles off the concrete, and let dry. Don't let the ammonia mixture overlap your acid mixture or you will have a piece of concrete that is not etched.