How to Paint Concrete Surfaces
- 1). Sweep concrete surfaces with a push broom if you're painting a floor. For a wall surface, concrete lawn ornaments or other items, you may skip this step.
- 2). Put on rubber gloves and clean the surface with muriatic acid and a damp rag.
- 3). Wipe down the concrete surface with a wet rag. Muriatic acid residue can inhibit primer adhesion, so make sure the rag is fully saturated to help wash off the muriatic acid. For outdoor concrete surfaces, a garden hose helps you further rinse the surface clean. Wait for the surface to dry before continuing.
- 4). Apply elastomeric primer to the surface if it is very rough, using a medium-nap roller or a synthetic-bristle paintbrush. Elastomeric primer is formulated to fill cracks and smooth out porous surfaces, so it is ideal for concrete and similar masonry surfaces. Garage floors are sometimes smooth and coated with a glossy finish to protect against engine oil drips. For these and other smooth concrete floor or wall surfaces, a basic epoxy primer works equally well.
- 5). Paint the surface with epoxy paint. A heavy-nap roller or synthetic-bristle brush works well with epoxy paint.
- 6). Apply a second coat of paint after the first coat dries. Don't use the surface for a full 24 hours after the final coat dries. In a garage, don't park a car on the freshly painted concrete for seven days.
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