Which paint for concrete to choose for external and internal work

Selecting the appropriate paint for concrete surfaces can significantly impact the appearance and longevity of your project. Regardless of whether you’re painting an indoor garage floor or an outdoor patio, the paint you choose must be able to endure the unique circumstances it will encounter. It can be challenging to select the ideal option for your needs when there are so many to choose from.

Selecting paint that is resistant to moisture, UV rays, and weather fluctuations is essential for outdoor projects. However, indoor surfaces may require a finish that is stain- and scuff-resistant. Knowing the features of various paint kinds will enable you to choose wisely and guarantee an eye-catching, long-lasting finish.

This post will discuss the different paint kinds that are appropriate for concrete surfaces on the inside as well as the outside. We’ll examine the advantages and disadvantages of each kind so you can choose the best fit for your particular project. Let’s get started and learn which paints are best for concrete surfaces.

For durability, appearance, and protection, selecting the appropriate paint for concrete surfaces is essential, regardless of whether the work is being done inside or outside. Choose weather-resistant paints for outdoor spaces that can resist inclement weather and UV rays. Select paints for indoor use that are durable and easy to clean. Making the best decision for your unique requirements requires taking into account variables like moisture levels, foot traffic, and the type of finish you want to achieve.

Requirements for paints

Additionally, wear-resistant concrete paints for outdoor work need to have:

• Water resistance (after painting the facades, moisture should not penetrate into the room, so the water absorption of the composition should be 0%).
• Fire resistance (the composition must be non-flammable).
• Resistance to ultraviolet radiation. If you buy light-resistant paint for concrete walls, the surface will never fade. First of all, this concerns decorative compositions that should not fade, even on the walls located on the south side of the house.
• High level of adhesion. Thanks to this, the facade paint will better “stick” to the base and stay on it. If the composition has low adhesion, then the painted walls will quickly begin to peel.
• Resistance to temperature changes. If the walls are covered with a composition that is unstable to frost and heat, then the coating will quickly lose its appearance. Therefore, it is better to choose a paint material that can withstand from -40 to +40 degrees.
• Vapor permeability (so that condensation does not form on the walls).
• Resistance to mechanical damage.

Practical! Naturally, if you didn’t take the necessary precautions to prepare the concrete walls for painting—such as cleaning the surface and caulking any cracks—none of these qualities would have the desired outcome.

Let’s now examine the primary varieties of concrete paints intended for outdoor use.

Types of paints for outdoor work

There are many different types of paint available on the market today.

Lime

These kinds of paints leave a reasonably thick layer of protection on the surface. Lime compositions are characterized by a very "meager" consumption (150 g/m 2) and are therefore practically clean. Prior to using this type of paint, the surface must be leveled, cleaned, primed, and wet.

On a hot, sunny day, applying lime compositions to walls is not possible. The paint and varnish coating has a maximum 3-year service life.

Water-based

Water-based concrete paints for outdoor use are characterized by their good color selection, low cost, low consumption, and ease of application. However, there are numerous drawbacks to these eco-friendly compositions:

• quickly wear out;
• unstable to moisture, mechanical stress, chemicals and temperature changes;
• do not have protective properties.

As a result, processing concrete fences and building facades with such paints is uncommon.

Water-epoxy

Many people are hesitant to utilize water-based paints and varnishes when determining how quickly to paint concrete. It is important to keep in mind, though, that the composition of these facade paints includes unique additives and synthetic resin, which combine to create an effective protective layer.

These two-component concrete paints for outdoor work require you to combine the contents of package "B" with the solution from can "A" before using them. The first layer of primer is applied and left to dry for eighteen hours after 15 minutes. You can then paint the walls once more.

These kinds of paints are useful for painting a variety of surfaces, including fences, interior spaces, basements, and foundations of buildings. Although water-epoxy compositions are safe for the environment, they can only be used in warm weather. 250 g of paint material are used per square meter.

Oil

Although oil paint is less expensive than "water-based paint," it has more protective qualities, is impervious to moisture, and is resistant to UV rays.

Among the drawbacks of these compositions, the lengthy surface drying process and low vapor permeability are noteworthy. Additionally, a concrete wall needs to be properly prepped (leveled and primed) before painting.

Acrylic

Concrete acrylic paint is resistant to abrasion, moisture, fungi, and bacteria because it is based on polyacrylates and copolymers. It is simple to clean walls treated with this composition using regular detergents. Furthermore, elastic acrylic paint for concrete has good vapor permeability and dries quickly. Acrylic’s primary benefit is that it keeps its color for the full ten years of its useful life.

Acrylic paint that is environmentally friendly can be used on concrete surfaces, walls, fences, facades, and interior surfaces of homes. Moreover, expanded clay concrete can be painted safely with this composition.

Such paint’s high price and relatively high consumption (400 g/m 2) are its only drawbacks.

Acrylic-silicone

These kinds of paints are applied in two layers, separated by three hours. The surface dries rapidly, and 100–300 g of material are used per square meter. Furthermore, the composition is far less expensive while possessing all the benefits and qualities of acrylic paints.

Crucial! These kinds of paints need to be diluted (up to 20–30%) with water.

Latex

Another kind of acrylic compositions are wear-resistant paints on a latex basis, which are primarily composed of copolymers and PVA glue. These paints and varnishes have comparable qualities to acrylic ones, but they are nearly half as expensive. The composition’s "tendency" to burn out and a shorter service life are the reasons for the low price.

Polymer and vinyl

Concrete polymer paints can be applied to surfaces at any time of year because they are not "afraid" of the cold. Additionally, these kinds of compositions create a strong layer on the base that is unaffected by chemicals and stable under mechanical loads. Such concrete paint can be applied with a roller, sprayer, or ordinary brush for outdoor projects.

Practical! Make sure to prime the base of any concrete fence or wall with a paint and water mixture before applying polymer paint.

Bright and consistent color is a defining characteristic of vinyl and polymer materials. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

However, bear in mind that vinyl paint has a service life of 5-7 years and polymer paint has a service life of up to 20 years when choosing what to paint a concrete floor or any other surface.

Additionally, rubber paint is a brand-new paint type available today. We’ll talk about it in greater detail.

Features of rubber paint

Paint with a rubber base is a relatively new product on the market. It is made up of numerous ingredients (adjustives of silicone, acrylic, and other ingredients), which makes it simple to apply and results in a long-lasting, moisture-resistant coating on the surface.

Rubber paints also offer the following benefits:

• noise absorption;
• environmental friendliness;
• the ability to choose from a wide range of colors;
• resistance to chemicals, fungi and mold;
• high elasticity;
• good vapor permeability;
• waterproofing properties.

Furthermore, if you ever want to update the finish, rubber paint on concrete is simple to remove. It is sufficient to use "gentle" washes for this.

Practical! The paint turns matte after it dries.

Rubber paint is most frequently applied to concrete surfaces in garages, apartments, gyms, balconies, and other spaces. Street paths, blind areas, and fences are frequently treated with this composition because it maintains its properties at temperatures ranging from -55 to +60 degrees. Modern rubber paint is a good option if you’re choosing what to paint the foundation.

Practical! Paint is applied to surfaces in two or three stages because it cannot be applied in a thick layer.

If you are doing the painting yourself, it is also worthwhile to take into account a few painting advices for concrete floors.

How to paint concrete surfaces

To paint correctly, carry out the following easy adjustments:

• Before you paint the concrete yourself, remove debris, dirt and dust from the surface to be painted.

Practical! Make sure the concrete screed on the ceiling is intact if you are applying the composition to a multi-story building’s floor. Fix any chips that may be present.

• Apply a primer to the base (if necessary).
• Mark the boundaries of the area to be painted with masking tape.
• Mix the composition thoroughly and pour a small amount of paint into the tray.
• Dip the brush into the tray by 1/3.
• Evenly apply wear-resistant paint on concrete for the floor (it is better to paint along the edges with a brush, and in the center – with a roller).

Practical! For work, you can also use an airless sprayer with a 200 Bar pressure.

• Wait until the first coat of paint has dried (good air circulation must be ensured in the room) and apply the next coat, if the instructions for the composition indicate that a two-layer coating is required.

Remember that you must prepare a solvent for brush cleaning and take care of your personal protective equipment (gloves, respirator, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty) before painting a concrete floor or wall.

Painting is best done two to three degrees above the dew point.

Type of Paint	Suitable for
Acrylic Paint	Both external and internal work; offers good weather resistance and durability
Epoxy Paint	Primarily for internal work; provides a hard, durable finish ideal for high-traffic areas
Polyurethane Paint	Both external and internal work; excellent for areas exposed to chemicals and heavy use
Silicate Paint	Best for external work; highly breathable and resistant to weather conditions

The durability and aesthetic appeal of concrete surfaces require careful consideration when selecting paint, whether for internal or external applications. Choosing a paint that is resistant to UV rays and severe weather is crucial for outdoor projects. Strong adhesion, water resistance, and color retention make exterior acrylic or epoxy paints great options.

When it comes to interior concrete surfaces, aesthetic preferences and ease of maintenance take center stage. Paints such as latex and acrylic are widely used indoors because they offer a smooth finish, are simple to clean, and come in a variety of colors. Moisture-resistant paints should be taken into consideration for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms or basements, in order to stop the growth of mold and mildew.

In the end, the paint selection is determined by the particular requirements of your project. It’s critical to consider the surrounding conditions, the amount of wear and tear the surface will experience, and the desired finish. You can make sure that your concrete surfaces are not only protected but also improve the overall appearance of your room by carefully choosing the right paint.

Video on the topic

Choosing paint for different types of work

SELECTING PAINT FOR EXTERIOR WORK

Rubber paint NEOMID

How to inexpensively paint a facade? Can façade paint be used for interior work??