Correct painting of concrete walls: how and what to paint indoors and outdoors

Any space, indoor or outdoor, can be made to look completely different by painting the walls of concrete. However, in order to guarantee a long-lasting and appealing finish, it’s imperative to know the proper methods and supplies.

Inside, a garage or basement can be made more livable and welcoming by painting the concrete walls. For a smooth and durable finish, selecting the appropriate paint type and properly priming the surface are essential.

Choosing weather-resistant paint and being aware of the effects of the weather are crucial when painting outdoor concrete walls. Applying the right technique and preparing the surface properly can help avoid fading, peeling, and other common problems brought on by exposure to the sun and rain.

To guarantee a polished finish, this article will walk you through the process of painting concrete walls both indoors and outdoors. You will acquire all the knowledge required to complete the task correctly, from surface preparation to the final coat.

How to paint: tips and recommendations

Examine everything thoroughly before choosing what and how to paint concrete walls. The professionals offer very easy-to-implement advice that will help you avoid common blunders and achieve the perfect surface.

• It is advisable to carry out all stages in protective glasses, if necessary – a respirator. This way you can avoid dust and microparticles of the paint getting into the lungs, protect yourself from the pungent smell of the composition.
• All tools are prepared before starting work – brushes are fluffed up and checked for bristles, rollers are soaked under a powerful stream of water, then wrung out, leveled. All packaging is removed, the tool is carefully folded in an accessible place.
• The ceiling and floor at the joints with the wall are protected with masking tape – it will easily peel off after all work is completed. Then, if necessary, some places can be carefully covered with a thin brush.
• Concrete paint for walls is applied in an ideal thin, even layer. A wall that was painted in three neat thin layers looks much more aesthetically pleasing and beautiful than in one thick layer, which causes streaks.
• Concrete walls are usually puttied in two layers: first with cement/gypsum plaster, then with a special finishing putty. This technology allows you to achieve a perfectly even coating.
• Each layer of paint is applied only after the previous one has completely dried.
• If the wall is new, then work can only begin after 28 days from the moment of pouring.

To ensure durability and a smooth finish, painting concrete walls correctly requires choosing the appropriate paint type and adhering to specific instructions. While exterior walls need weather-resistant paints to withstand the elements, interior walls must have paints that can withstand the moisture and temperature swings typical of interior environments. To get the best results, proper surface preparation—including cleaning and priming—is essential for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Choice of material

There are many considerations to make when choosing what paint to use to paint concrete walls. Prioritize your considerations by weighing the main varieties, their benefits and drawbacks, compatibility with the room’s functions, and price.

Thus, the most widely used paints are epoxy, which has rich color, resistance to wear, and moisture protection; acrylic, which is inexpensive, safe, and environmentally friendly; glossy, which is beautiful and non-toxic.

Synthetic and resilient paints that are resistant to sunlight, sudden temperature changes, and moisture are preferred when painting a concrete wall in a public area. However, it is preferable to select an environmentally friendly paint for an apartment that is based on natural oils or water. In this case, the surface won’t be impacted by outside factors, but it is crucial to select a product that is safe for health.

It’s also crucial to consider the function of the space used for painting. Therefore, moisture-resistant compounds are best for the kitchen and bathroom; however, acrylic-based interior paint works well for the living room or bedroom. Nowadays, a good number of materials are available on the market in Moscow and the surrounding areas, making it easy to select the one you need.

Oil paints

This kind of composition is typically employed when choosing what color to paint a streetside concrete wall on a balcony. Because the paint is highly toxic and has an unpleasant smell that takes a while to go away, this is the best choice for outdoor work.

• Affordability in terms of price
• High level of resistance to moisture, temperature, various external factors
• Excellent coating strength, durability
• Simple and easy maintenance – the paint can be washed even with cleaning agents

A lengthy drying period (at least one day), low elasticity and the possibility of cracks, and color instability (caused by drying oil turning yellow over time) are some of the drawbacks of oil compositions.

Water-based

Painters in apartments should use aqueous dispersions and emulsions when painting concrete walls. The materials are frequently used to finish interior surfaces and do not contain any toxic elements in their composition. It is necessary to specify on the label and instructions which types are intended exclusively for covering facades.

The ease of use, short drying times, lack of strong odors, safety and friendliness towards the environment, and self-tinting capabilities are some of the benefits of water-based paint.

Paint is relatively inexpensive; it costs an order of magnitude more than oil compositions, but still within acceptable bounds.

Acrylic

Paint for concrete walls can be used indoors and outdoors, making it a useful tool for a variety of tasks. A mark indicating the composition’s operating conditions, such as covering the internal wall, facade, ceiling, etc., must be present on the packaging (make sure to check when choosing). Acrylic paints are frequently used for artistic wall painting as well as eurofences.

• Environmental friendliness and safety
• Ability to achieve any shade and color
• Vapor permeability
• Resistance to external negative factors, mechanical impacts
• Preservation of color for a long time without changes in tone
• Good elasticity of the coating

Although the paints are not inexpensive, they provide an excellent value for the money, which is why the market for building and repair supplies is full of them.

Silicate

The base for this concrete paint is liquid glass. The composition is frequently used to finish the facade because of the resulting coating’s exceptional dependability and durability.

• Resistance to any type of chemical exposure – acid rain, reagents, etc..
• Fire resistance
• Preservation of color for a long time
• Biological resistance – the composition does not allow fungus and mold to multiply

This coating has enhanced protective qualities and is nearly impossible to remove due to its extreme wear resistance. However, handling silicate paint requires the use of personal protective equipment due to the composition’s toxic ingredients.

Rubber paints are frequently used to finish the outside. Concrete floors are a good fit for epoxy paints because they don’t react negatively to outside factors. Select fire-resistant compounds if the building needs to be protected from fire or other disasters. However, interior walls painted with textured paint or textured concrete paint will look great.

Impregnation for concrete

Applying a special product to the wall is a good idea before painting. The surface will be shielded from various harsh environments, moisture, and dust by an impregnation layer. Impregnation fortifies a material by penetrating its very structure. They create impregnations using acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy resins, and other materials.

The composition is applied to the wall, and after a few hours it dries and is ready for a coat of paint to be applied. It is advisable to verify with the manufacturer about the additional properties and color of impregnation, as they may vary.

Paint color

The traditional principles of design serve as a guide when selecting a paint color for concrete: light colors make a space appear larger and wider, while dark colors make a space appear narrower and smaller. There are shades of every color in the warm and cold spectrum.

Every color has a plethora of options; only white is offered in dozens or even hundreds. It is worthwhile to make decisions based on the item, apply color schemes to the surface, assess how light moves through the space, or use specialized software to model the room.

Painting concrete walls can improve their durability and appearance significantly, whether they are used indoors or outdoors. You can accomplish a polished and long-lasting finish by following the right preparation procedures, selecting the appropriate paint type, and applying it correctly.

It’s crucial to choose paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors to create a healthier atmosphere. In order to guarantee good adhesion and a smooth finish, the surface must be primed. For optimal results, always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Select weather-resistant paints for your outdoor concrete walls, like acrylic latex paint. A well-prepared surface, which includes cleaning and caulking any cracks, will improve paint adhesion and extend paint life. Adding a clear coat sealer to the paint can give it even more weather resistance.

Concrete walls can be transformed by taking the time to properly prepare and paint them, adding both visual appeal and protection. Your painted concrete walls will last for many years if the proper supplies and methods are used.

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