how to paint concrete wall

So I'm trying to paint it so it doesn't look so gloomy, and, "I think wikiHow is very clear and helpful in every step of the article, thanks. Apply the masking tape around the ceiling and floor and connecting walls to protect these surfaces from paint as you apply the paint. After it dries, run your hand over the concrete; it should feel like 120-grit sandpaper. 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. It seals joints and fills in cracks. Attempt to get the sheeting as air-tight as possible. Clean it the best you can, let it dry, and then put on a sealer. Support wikiHow by This is a step by step on how to paint realistic faux concrete walls. Expert Interview. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 417,898 times. Concrete paint, primer and sealer have strong odors. The concrete is quite porous and did drink up the paint. A good primer will seal and also hide the ugly blue color. The drying time may take up to 24 hours. Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC. Paint used for this project is likely to stain your clothes. Hate Cooking and Cleaning? 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 … 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. Approved. Concrete sealer prevents water from absorbing into the concrete and helps prevent stains. Primer will help the paint to adhere to the surface and display a smooth, balanced finish. 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. Then paint the resulting new surface. Begin applying primer by using a paint brush on the corners and edges of the concrete floor or surface. We are repainting an exterior concrete wall (fence) that was painted 4 years ago, because the paint is peeling. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Use a 2 or 3 inch wide brush to fill in areas around … Select paint appropriate for your outdoor project. Let dry. Ideally, the concrete paint needs a rough surface to adhere nicely. Follow manufacturers recommendations and properly prepare your basement wall prior to painting. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best paint for concrete walls … Last Updated: July 27, 2020 Keep in mind that elastomeric paints are hard to sand off once they are on. In other words, don’t paint yourself into a corner of the floor! Do I need to prime concrete before painting it? Sand any areas where the paint failed to adhere; if you do end up sanding again, don’t forget to sweep again, too. What is an alternative to rendering a concrete block wall? Painting interior concrete walls can add warmth to a basement at very little cost. How to Paint Concrete STEP 1: Patch gouged or otherwise damaged areas with concrete filler. ", "Steps and pictures were very easy to follow. Use concrete or masonry paint, not standard wall paint. After allowing sufficient dry time, sand the repaired areas until they are smooth. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Before adding your color, you need to use primer to ensure that the paint will stick. unlocking this staff-researched answer. It soaks in and won't peel. Staining concrete is easy with simple steps from Sherwin-Williams. Use these tips to paint a concrete wall. Roll a second coat over the wall… Use a roller if the stripes are thick or a brush if thin. So do I still need to prime or do I paint and seal only? Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. ", "Very informative! If moisture appears within the plastic, you will need to seal the wall. Concrete sealer is applied to concrete to prevent surface damage, staining and corrosion. Pull at a 45° angle away from the wall. Sandblast the wall, or tear it down and build a new one. Let it sit to dry for a few days, then paint it. Make sure to cover all pores or voids in the concrete retaining wall. Using a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and warm water, clean the concrete floor or surface thoroughly, removing all the oil and grease that would otherwise discolor the paint job. What kind of paint do you use on concrete walls? Apply an even coat with a wide paintbrush. … Be sure to spray water on it to help it set quicker. Roll on a W pattern, and then fill it in without lifting the roller. Painting a plain precast wall can spruce up an area or make it blend in with the rest of the area s décor. Step 1 - Clean the Surface. As the TSP reacts with the concrete, you are likely to notice a slight bubbling across the floor or surface. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. However, paint can chip … Support wikiHow by Receive free, no-commitment estimates from pro painters near you. Use the patch compound to fill in all holes, scratches, and gouges in the concrete. What do I use to cover up rusty water stains on cement block basement wall that's already painted? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You can also try priming the concrete with Zinser 123 and using an elastomeric paint that will stretch as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes. Rinse the concrete wall with a wet cleaning rag to remove the soap and allow the wall to dry thoroughly before you begin painting. Pour the paint into the … Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. By painting the walls or foundation, you increase the appeal of the space, but also it improves the moisture control from the wall. 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? Two coats of primer are … No peeling or holes just a hideous blue. It was very easy to understand. They are similar: paint sealer is used to form a hard coating on a light, porous surface, like paint or varnish. You shouldn’t use any paint not specifically designed for concrete. Let that first coat of paint dry for at least 16 hours or so. Painting a concrete wall can spruce up an area or make it blend in with the rest of the area's décor. Pick a paint for your indoor paint project. Lift off the peeling paint with a stiff putty … The best paint for concrete walls in the basement; Do's and don't's for painting downstairs; Other painting tips from the pros; And much more! As with most painting … Apply color between the taped-off areas using the W technique. A regular medium-size paintbrush enables you to achieve good coverage when painting corners and edges, whether you’re working with an interior or exterior space. This article was co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega. Additionally, they may rub up against your wall while you are painting it. Because concrete is porous, it absorbs a lot of paint. Outdoor concrete paint is available for outdoor projects. The best type of paint for the concrete walls in your basement will include waterproofing and mold resistance. Make sure the area in which you are painting is well-ventilated. New unpainted concrete block walls need to have all dirt and loose mortar removed prior to priming. % of people told us that this article helped them. Clean the concrete thoroughly with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and warm water, then let dry. To paint concrete successfully—so that it looks good and lasts a long time—proper preparation is of paramount importance. This time around, however, press down firmly with the roller, mashing the paint into the holes the first coat didn’t penetrate. For best results, apply the first coat with a nylon or polyester bristle brush, the second coat with a brush or masonry roller. Paint the entire wall with a thin coat of a concrete sealer or concrete primer. Spray paint, as it's cheap, easy, and fast. Did you know you can read answers researched by wikiHow Staff? If no moisture is present, the wall is already sealed. Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC. When old paint on concrete walls are chalking, powder comes off and sticks to your hand once you touch it. References Before applying anything, get a clean damp rag or brush to scrub the surface clean. Paint. Non-concrete paints tend to erode, chip, and even mold. The best way to paint a retaining wall is with a roller. {"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":"