FAQ: How To Paint Concrete Stairs?

What kind of paint do you use on concrete steps?

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 concrete. Exterior house paint can crack and peel on concrete.

How do you paint old concrete steps?

Tips for painting cement–

1. Clean the steps really well.
2. Make sure the steps are completely dry before painting them.
3. Prime the steps before painting them with a cement primer (this will prevent chipping).
4. Paint with a cement paint.
5. Apply paint with a synthetic roller that has some texture to speed the process up.

Do I need to prime concrete before painting?

Generally speaking, priming is so essential to successful painting outcomes, concrete will always needs a primer. However, the existing surface needs to be primed before painting if: It is unpainted. It is peeling.

How do you prepare concrete for painting?

Clean the concrete surface with soap and warm water, removing any old paint. First, sweep away any surface leaves, debris, and dirt. Then remove any existing paint or gunk using a power washer or scraper and wire brush. Scrub away any dirt, grime, or gunk that is stuck to the concrete.

Can I paint concrete stairs?

Both indoors and outdoors, concrete paint can be used to make your stairs look great. If you don’t need any repairs, it’s a DIY project that you can complete in a few days.

What is the best concrete paint?

The 7 top concrete paints for any project

• Best overall: Rust-Oleum Decorative Concrete Coating.
• Best for your budget: Kilz Decorative Concrete Coating.
• Most weather resistant: In The Swim Patio And Deck.
• Best for your driveway: Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Professional Floor Coating Kit.
• Best for your porch: INSL-X Sure Step.

How do you get paint to stick to concrete?

Use a trisodium phosphate solution or strong detergent to scrub the floor. Sanding with coarse emery paper may be required to give the old surface a rough texture for good paint bonding. Test a small area to make sure the new paint will adhere.

Can you paint concrete with spray paint?

Spray paints and stains are handy for a variety of painted effects on concrete statues. Most exterior spray paints adhere well to clean, unfinished concrete, and you can add a finishing coat of clear enamel to provide a glossy sheen and to make sure the paint stays put on the concrete.

Can you resurface concrete steps?

Tip: Before resurfacing concrete steps, remove any stains from oil, paint or tree sap, or cover them with a sealer before applying concrete to keep the stain from bleeding through. Begin by dampening the area with water. Repair superficial damage by applying a layer of concrete patch with a mason’s trowel.

What is the best waterproofing paint for concrete?

KILZ® Basement & Masonry Waterproofing Paint is a premium, interior/exterior waterproofing paint designed for porous concrete and masonry surfaces.

Is it better to stain or paint concrete floors?

Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently, while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. Concrete stains go on quicker, dry faster and take less work than concrete paint, but they offer no significant protection.

Do I need to acid wash concrete before painting?

In most cases, special cleaning and/or etching of the concrete surface will be required before painting, and the appropriate cleaner (often TSP, trisodium phosphate) and etcher (usually a solution of muriatic acid) can be obtained. These chemicals, especially the etcher, must be used with care.

Can I paint over old paint on concrete?

There’s no need to remove old paint off a cement floor before painting with epoxy paints. This makes painting the floor considerably less troublesome and safer than painting bare cement. Instead of using acid to etch the surface, you’ll only have to sand lightly.

How soon can you paint after etching concrete?

Allow the surface to dry completely before applying any coatings, paints, stains or sealers. Two gallons of mixed etching solution will cover up to 500 square feet. Allow to dry for 24 hours before staining, sealing or coating.