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Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,819
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

The challenge in painting concrete is the inability to completely seal the concrete on every side. Concrete is porous and moisture will enter the concrete through any unsealed area and then accumulate and eventually push off the paint. If you can completely seal anything concrete on every side, the paint will last for many years. The problem is you can very rarely completely seal anything concrete.

Fly!!! Eagles!!! Fly!!!
Super Contributor
Posts: 348
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Thanks, everyone for your opinions.

 

i know we had to acid wash (etch?) our garage floor before it was painted. I am a firm believer in the necessary prep despite the cost and the work. (My husband would agree with your dads who would use up left over paint on the porch...grrr!) I also know myself well enough to realize that if/when the paint chips, I'll be so bummed.

 

Demitra1

 

Valued Contributor
Posts: 611
Registered: ‎08-06-2012

Re: Painted concrete?

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I recently watched an episode of Ask This Old House and they used something called

Reclaim, Beyond Paint.  The manufacturer claims it will paint on any surface without the need to sand or prime, including concrete.  Cleaning the surface first is recommended. (the home owner used it on her pine kitchen cabinets and backsplash tiles) Google the name for their site and further information.  I did and was pleasantly surprised what this paint will cover.  The down side is that it's very pricey but the good news is they claim it will cover any surface.  By the way, when I Googled the product, I also found that the quart size was sold on the other shopping channel.  It might be worth it to test it on your surface.  Hope this helps.

~ To Know, To Dare, To Will, To Remain Silent ~
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,993
Registered: ‎12-24-2010

Contact a swimming pool company - after it's installed they to the around decking and that's an area that gets all kinds of weather.  My husband painted the garage floor years ago and it flaked - no good.  We hired a company that does swimming pool work and they did our garage - our screened porch and the front porch floor.  That was 15 years ago and it's still beautiful and I picked the pattern for both porches.  This guy trained in Florida but had to adapt the material to cold north country elements.  You can pick any pattern or color you want.    No paint - no paint.

Super Contributor
Posts: 348
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

A swimming pool company is an interesting idea. There isn't one very close to here, but I do know where one is. It would be worth seeing what they have to say.

 

Thanks!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,287
Registered: ‎01-24-2013

Re: Painted concrete?

[ Edited ]

I stained a small patio to resemble bluestone by blending several shades. I etched it first and it turned out great. I taped off sections for a block pattern. It camouflaged rust stains and blends in and adds to the stone look.

It was easy. I just watched a video and went ahead.

 

Just want to add that new rust and other stains makes it look better as it ages.