Updated for 2025: This guide has been refreshed with the latest techniques, expert advice, and essential tips to ensure your concrete painting project delivers a durable, long-lasting finish.
Painted concrete isn’t just for looks. It can also help protect your concrete from weathering, crumbling, abrasion and general wear and tear. But before you start painting your concrete, a fair amount of preparation work is required to pull off the perfect finish. As concrete is a porous surface that can trap dirt and moisture, it’s essential to clean and seal it before painting.
Benefits of Painting Concrete Beyond Aesthetics
While painting concrete enhances its appearance, it also provides several practical benefits:
Moisture Resistance: A properly painted and sealed concrete surface prevents water absorption, reducing the risk of cracks and mold growth.
Improved Durability: High-quality concrete paint adds a protective layer, shielding against foot traffic, stains, and environmental damage.
Temperature Regulation: Light-colored concrete paint can reflect heat, keeping outdoor surfaces cooler in the summer.
Dust Control: Bare concrete floors can create dust, but a layer of paint seals the surface, making cleaning easier.
Concrete Painting Summary
- Ensure your concrete is free of moisture using moisture metre.
- Strip off old paint with a wire brush and scraper then fill any cracks and holes with concrete filler.
- Clean your concrete with trisodium phosphate and rinse away with a power washer.
- Apply masking tape around your concrete’s edges.
- Paint around your concrete’s perimeter with your concrete paint, then use a paint roller to fill in the rest.
- Wait to dry and scrape lumps. Apply your final paint coat.
- Once dried, remove your paint tape and admire your work!
Concrete Painting Supplies You’ll Need:
- Trisodium phosphate
- Hose or Pressure washer
- Metal-bristle brush
- Concrete filler
- Wire brush
- Paint scraper
- Handheld sanding tool
- Putty knife
- Concrete paint
- Paint roller
- Paintbrush
Read more about the painting tools you will need here.
How to Paint Concrete in 11 Steps
If you’re thinking of painting concrete surfaces to refresh your outdoor spaces, another option to consider is concrete pavers. Concrete pavers are durable and stylish and require less maintenance than painted surfaces. Whether you’re creating a patio, pathway or driveway, these pavers are functional and beautiful for any outdoor project. For larger landscaping needs, such as building durable retaining walls, explore the high-quality Concrete Sleepers in Adelaide. They offer a robust and versatile solution designed to withstand the test of time while enhancing your outdoor aesthetics.
Whether you’re painting a concrete patio, floor or concrete retaining wall, the painting method is pretty much the same. Here’s a guide on the difference between Follow these 11 steps on how to paint concrete for a professional-looking finish that will last:
Step 1 – Check Your Concrete for Moisture
Before painting your concrete, use a moisture metre to test for moisture on the surface. Alternatively, you can place a plastic bag on your concrete and check for condensation after 24 hours.
If your plastic bag has any moisture, the concrete is too wet to paint. You’ll then need to use specific products, or contact a professional restoration company, to dry and seal the concrete before painting.
Step 2 – Strip off Old Paint
If you’re repainting your concrete, there’s a good chance you’ll see peeling paint or bubbling paint. Strip off all the old paint using a scraper and wire brush.
Step 3 – Patch Damaged Areas with Concrete Filler
Many homeowners who own concrete floors or other surfaces are likely to see some wear and tear over time. Damage is bound to happen, whether it be from foot traffic, pets, harsh chemicals or other causes.
Fill in any cracks, gouges or holes in your concrete with a patching compound. This will give you a nice, even surface to work with. Once dried, sand the area smooth with medium-grade sandpaper.
Step 4 – Clean Your Concrete
In addition to removing any debris caused by the patching and sanding, you need to clean your concrete surface to remove any grease, oils or other contaminants.
Begin by pouring trisodium phosphate (TSP) onto your concrete and scrub with a metal bristled brush. After 20 minutes, the TSP should begin to bubble. This means the dirt and grease are breaking down and can be rinsed away with a hose or power washer. Once you’ve thoroughly rinsed your concrete, wait for 24-48 hours until it has dried up completely.
Step 5 – Use Painter’s Tape to Mask Off Edges
If you’re painting a concrete floor, it’s essential to mask off its perimeter to avoid getting paint on neighbouring surfaces. To do so, run a line of painter’s tape around the edge of the area you’re painting.
Step 6 – Prime Your Concrete
Epoxy primer is a popular option for concrete, as it absorbs well into porous surfaces and creates a sturdy grip for your paint to adhere too. It’s also extremely durable – perfect for concrete that experiences a lot of wear and tear.
To apply, use a paint roller or brush to spread the primer evenly over your concrete surface. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long you should wait before applying your coat of paint.
Step 7 – Paint Around Your Concrete’s Perimeter
Stir your paint well and use a medium brush to apply paint around the edge of your concrete. This will provide good coverage when working on corners, edges and other tight spaces.
We recommend Masonry paint for concrete as it offers excellent durability and resistance to weathering. In areas susceptible to water damage like your home’s exterior, the paint’s binding properties will help waterproof your concrete.
Step 8 – Use a Roller to Paint Your Surface
Now it’s time to roll on the concrete paint over the rest of your concrete surface. For smooth surfaces, use a short-nap roller as you’ll need less paint for an even finish. Rougher surfaces, meanwhile, can be painted with a long-nap roller as they’re designed to hold larger volumes of paint.
If you’re painting your floor, ensure to start from the farthest corner of the room and work your way back towards the door. Painting in this fashion will avoid trapping yourself at the corner of the room.
Step 9 – Scrape Away Excess Paint
Once the paint has had enough time to dry, use a putty knife to smoothen out any lumps or bumps on the surface. You’ll then want to sand rough spots and sweep away all remaining debris.
Step 10 – Apply your Top Coat
Once your concrete surface is smooth and ready, apply a topcoat to finalise your paint job. This time, you’ll want to be firmer with your roller, applying more pressure to cover any holes that the first paint coat couldn’t. Wait until dried.
Step 11 – Remove Your Painter’s Tape
Finally, you’ll want to remove the painter’s tape around the edge of your concrete. If done correctly, you should have a clean and professional-looking paint job!
While these steps are broadly applicable, when painting concrete retaining walls for example, a few additional considerations are key. Ensure thorough cleaning to remove outdoor grime and moss.
Choose a paint and primer designed for outdoor use, offering enhanced durability against weather elements. Applying a waterproof sealant can also be beneficial, providing extra protection for your retaining wall against moisture and wear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Concrete
Even with careful preparation, mistakes in painting concrete can lead to poor results. Here’s what to avoid:
Skipping the Primer: Concrete is porous, so applying paint without a primer can lead to poor adhesion and peeling over time.
Not Checking for Moisture: Painting over damp concrete can cause bubbling or flaking. Always check for trapped moisture before starting.
Using the Wrong Paint: Not all paints are designed for concrete. Use masonry or epoxy-based paint for durability, especially in high-traffic areas.
Applying Thick Coats: Thick layers take longer to dry and are prone to cracking. Always apply multiple thin coats for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Painting Concrete – FAQ
Can you paint directly onto concrete?
As long as your concrete is clean and prepped correctly, you can paint directly onto the surface. This is applicable for exterior surfaces such as concrete patios and garage floors, as well as interior concrete surfaces like kitchen counters and floors. However, you’ll need to ensure that the concrete is free of moisture or existing sealers that could prevent the paint from properly sticking to the surface.
How long does it take for concrete paint to dry?
This will depend on the type of paint you use, but most paints will take between 12-24 hours to dry completely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and avoid walking on the painted surface until it’s fully dry. If you’re planning on driving on your painted concrete, we recommend letting paint dry for at least 72 hours.
Can I paint over old concrete paint?
If your old concrete paint is in good condition, you can paint over it with a new coat. However, you will need to remove any loose or bubbling paint first before painting over the surface.
How do you get paint to stick to concrete?
Concrete paint will struggle to adhere to your concrete’s surface if it’s not prepared correctly. You’ll either need to etch the surface or use a concrete primer to help the paint stick. If you’re painting a concrete area susceptible to wear and tear, we recommend epoxy primer as it’s more durable and can be easily absorbed.
Troubleshooting Common Concrete Painting Problems
Paint is Peeling or Flaking:
This usually happens due to moisture trapped in the concrete or improper surface preparation. Always check for dampness before painting and use a primer to improve adhesion.
Uneven Coverage or Streaks:
Using the wrong roller type or applying too much pressure can create streaks. Opt for a short-nap roller for smooth surfaces and a long-nap roller for rougher concrete.
Paint Looks Too Thin or Transparent:
If the coverage is too light, apply additional thin coats rather than one thick layer. Allow proper drying time between coats for the best results.
NewlinePainting – Interior and Exterior Painting Services
For the better part of a decade, Newline Painting has provided high-quality interior and exterior painting services to homeowners across Australia. Our team of professional house painters in Melbourne has you covered on all concrete surfaces, providing you with a long-lasting finish that will transform your home’s appearance. We cover everything, including Presale House Painting, Fence Painting, Bedroom Painting, Garage Painting, and more!
If you’re interested in learning more about our services or would like to book a free quote, contact us at 1300 991 368 or book one on our website. Here are some tips about hiring interior house painters. We operate across Melbourne, including South Melbourne, Berwick, Hampton, Flemington, Brighton East
