Use a paintbrush to apply an initial coat of paving paint (or porch-and-floor enamel) over the perimeter of the area. These 17 Products Will Make Both Chore... 5 Easy Steps to a Successful Paint Makeover, 12 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House, The 8 Painting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes. However, an oil-based paint also may work for your needs. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Painting a plain precast wall can spruce up an area or make it blend in with the rest of the area s décor. Concrete is a porous material that can absorb water … How to paint precast concrete walls. % of people told us that this article helped them. Apply the second coat of paint in the same way that you applied the first. Roll on a W pattern, and then fill it in without lifting the roller. Clean the concrete thoroughly with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and warm water, then let dry. To determine the proper ratio of TSP to water, read the package instructions, but figure on about one-quarter cup TSP to one gallon of warm water. Make sure to cover all pores or voids in the concrete retaining wall. The concrete is quite porous and did drink up the paint. They are similar: paint sealer is used to form a hard coating on a light, porous surface, like paint or varnish. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Be sure to spray water on it to help it set quicker. What do I do if I painted my concrete wall and it's cracked and peeling? This time around, however, press down firmly with the roller, mashing the paint into the holes the first coat didn’t penetrate. Start at the top of the retaining wall and apply the paint to the concrete, moving downward. Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Work the solution into the concrete with a metal-bristled brush. Use a paint roller to apply primer throughout the floor. TSP can harm skin and eyes if it makes contact, so be sure to wear full protective gear. Use the patch compound to fill in all holes, scratches, and gouges in the concrete. Concrete sealer prevents water from absorbing into the concrete and helps prevent stains. My brick is indoor and it has already been painted. Expert Interview. Sweep the area or wipe it down with a dry cloth, depending on the orientation of the surface. When you set out to paint concrete, the process begins rather unglamorously with concrete filler, which acts as a primer for the painted surface. Scrape away any lumps or bump, and sand any areas where the paint failed to adhere. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Additionally, they may rub up against your wall while you are painting it. Apply an even coat with a wide paintbrush. … He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. Before considering the project complete, let the second coat dry for about five days, particularly if the painted surface is a heavily trafficked floor. This is a step by step on how to paint realistic faux concrete walls. If you’re painting a concrete floor, remember to start on the far side of the room, so you end up finishing near a doorway or another convenient stepping-off point. Work the paint thoroughly into the pores of the masonry, then back-roll the area. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Basement concrete paint is available in many paint and home improvement stores, however you also can use an interior acrylic paint for the project. Concrete sealer is applied to concrete to prevent surface damage, staining and corrosion. Keep in mind that elastomeric paints are hard to sand off once they are on. When you prime you seal at the same time. You will need to use a masonry paintbrush or a texture roller … However, there are some things to consider when painting a concrete wall. Allow it to dry for four hours or for the time indicated on the sealer … As the TSP reacts with the concrete, you are likely to notice a slight bubbling across the floor or surface. Support wikiHow by Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Protect and preserve stained concrete areas including walkways, patios, basements, floors, garages and driveways. Usually, most cement takes 28 days to dry, at least by the standard procedure, but if you can't wait that long, then keep it wrapped in plastic for at least 7 days before painting it. Attempt to get the sheeting as air-tight as possible. Let dry. Paint the Concrete Masonry paint (also called elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating) is a good choice for concrete painting because it contains binders that contract and expand with the … As with most painting … Do it in warm weather, though, and make sure the paint was removed before you stain the concrete. The crazy thing, was the following day we were hit substantial rain. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Then paint the resulting new surface. What is an alternative to rendering a concrete block wall? Once again elastomeric paint is the best type of paint to use for exterior concrete walls though a premium 100 acrylic paint … If the wall wasn't sanded enough, it will be slippery and difficult to apply an even, opaque layer of concrete onto the wall. After allowing sufficient dry time, sand the repaired areas until they are smooth. ", Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow, https://blog.homekeepr.com/6-tips-for-better-concrete-painting, https://www.eppconcrete.com/concrete-painting-right/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-concrete/, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. What is the most efficient way to do this? What kind of paint do you use on concrete walls? This paint is thicker and designed to be used on stone and concrete. You can then put on another sealer made for after painting. Use these tips to paint a concrete wall. Following the sealer, you will want to apply a concrete primer. Apply 1 layer of concrete paint primer with a paint roller. Use concrete or masonry paint, not standard wall paint. Select paint appropriate for your outdoor project. Clean it the best you can, let it dry, and then put on a sealer. When waterproofing basement walls with it, brush or roll the paint on thickly enough to fill all the little surface holes, then allow it to dry fully before a second coat is applied. Two coats of primer are … You must choose the appropriate type of concrete paint, determine if the wall is sealed from moisture and apply primer prior to painting the wall. Primer will help the paint to adhere to the surface and display a smooth, balanced finish. Sand any areas where the paint failed to adhere; if you do end up sanding again, don’t forget to sweep again, too. 10 March 2020. complete it myself. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Let it sit to dry for a few days, then paint it. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Apply paving paint or porch-and-floor enamel, first to the perimeter and then the middle. Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC. The best type of paint for the concrete walls in your basement will include waterproofing and mold resistance. Use a roller if the stripes are thick or a brush if thin. Staining concrete is easy with simple steps from Sherwin-Williams. Apply a primer to the concrete to ensure strong … Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. The amount of rain we received was noted as 10 inches per hour by the … It was very easy to understand. Pour the paint into the … Let that bubbling continue coating the concrete for about 20 minutes, then hose it off, completely washing away the TSP. If no moisture is present, the wall is already sealed. Now you’re ready to start painting. What do I do if the sand and cement in the joints of a block wall is rubbing off when I am trying to paint over the wall? Use an extension handle to reach areas above the comfortable reach of the painter. If you follow the steps below, you can achieve satisfying results no matter what concrete you choose to paint, be it the garage floor, basement floor or wall, outdoor patio, or any other part of your property. Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC. ", "It highlighted prep work I have forgotten, very helpful. When completed, the project looked wonderful. Step 7 Let the paint dry on the retaining wall for … Bob Vila. Putty knife in hand, scrape away any protruding lumps or bumps that appeared after the first coat dried. ", "Very informative! Keep pets and small children away from your painting project. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 417,898 times. I will try all of this on my bedroom wall. Painting a concrete wall can spruce up an area or make it blend in with the rest of the area's décor. Let the surface dry for two days before painting. References Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Non-concrete paints tend to erode, chip, and even mold. Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles. I was able to cancel this project with contractors and, "I'm trying to fix up my basement into a craft room. Painting interior concrete walls can add warmth to a basement at very little cost. After it dries, run your hand over the concrete; it should feel like 120-grit sandpaper. Pick a paint for your indoor paint project. When old paint on concrete walls are chalking, powder comes off and sticks to your hand once you touch it. Remove tape while the paint is still tacky. To paint concrete successfully—so that it looks good and lasts a long time—proper preparation is of paramount importance. It blocks pores and/or forms a layer to prevent materials like water and salt from passing through. What do I use to cover up rusty water stains on cement block basement wall that's already painted? We are repainting an exterior concrete wall (fence) that was painted 4 years ago, because the paint is peeling. By using our site, you agree to our. By Bob Vila. The best way to paint a retaining wall is with a roller. Make sure the area in which you are painting is well-ventilated. Unless you're an experienced painter, you may want to purchase extra paint … No peeling or holes just a hideous blue. How long do I have to wait before painting an outdoor wall that has been cemented? Because concrete is porous, it absorbs a lot of paint. New unpainted concrete block walls need to have all dirt and loose mortar removed prior to priming. Begin applying primer by using a paint brush on the corners and edges of the concrete floor or surface. Use a wire brush, to get all the loose pieces off, if you have white dust on the concrete walls or floor, those are called efflorescence, mineral salt deposits from the moisture traveling through … {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Paint-a-Concrete-Wall-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Concrete-Wall-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Paint-a-Concrete-Wall-Step-1.jpg\/aid1366878-v4-728px-Paint-a-Concrete-Wall-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":455,"licensing":"