Use paint to bring concrete to life
Despite its many wonderful attributes, concrete or cement slabs can be downright boring. Whether we are talking about a concrete verandah, a pathway or a driveway, there is something very uninspirational about the flat, dull look of grey concrete.
Concrete lasts longer if it is protected with a properly laid, clear concrete sealer, so that water does not permeate the surface. In addition to sealer there are other special-purpose products designed for concrete surfaces. Paint formulated for cement and concrete help keep minerals in the concrete from leaching through paint and hardening into a white, dusty film known as efflorescence.
Paint for cement and concrete can transform ugly concrete and is the perfect facelift that is relatively inexpensive. If the job is a manageable size, it can be an easy and quick weekend activity for the DIYer. I used Prominent Paints paving paint to paint my driveway and walkways surrounding the house - using the right type of paint for concrete will ensure a longer life for your concrete walls or surfaces.. It was an easy project that took two hours tops and the result was excellent.
YOU WILL NEED:
Paint roller and extension pole
Large paintbrushes
Paint tray
Prominent Paints Paving paint - wide choice of colours
HERE'S HOW:
- Clean the concrete or paving well before you start. A high pressure spray really gets into all the cracks, but a hose spray with spray attachment and a garden brush will work just as well. Let the surface dry.
- Pour some paving paint into the paint tray, roll in the brush and then apply to the paving or concrete. It's a good idea to start at the furthest corner or end and work your way back from there.
- There's no special technique involved, simply roll on and let dry. Once dry you can use a paintbrush to touch up around the edges.
- Choose your paint colour carefully. I went with Terracotta, which goes with the exterior paint colour. My neighbours across the road later painted their paving with a charcoal black, and it looks like an industrial parking lot! If you're not sure, as the chaps at Prominent Paints if they can give you a tester pot to try out at home.
The paint dries very quickly and after 3 to 4 hours you should be able to park on the painted driveway. Paving paint can be applied using a brush, roller or spray gun depending on the area to be covered and the finish required. It is touch dry in only 30 minutes, ready for a second coat after two hours and can be walked on in just six hours. For those who have a concrete slab that requires preparation you can purchase Concrete Etcher. So before you give up on a tired old pathway or driveway and decide to drag out the jackhammer, consider how easy it would be to transform the look of your garden with the terrific range of paving paints available, which could make your home the envy of the neighbourhood.
Note. I am adding this comment 18 months after painting the paving to let you know that it still looks good.
More ideas for painted concrete:
