pros and cons of painting concrete patio

Before repairing the crack, clean away any crumbling concrete using a wire brush and then vacuum away the debris. Hard Rock Concrete Coatings specializes in making your concrete something spectacular. Many of todays concrete floor paints are water-based so they are easy to work with and safe to use indoors, allowing you to turn a drab concrete floor into an attractive surface in just one weekend. The finish is more custom and can even take on a look of stone or wood. Offers a broad selection of standard and custom colors. Is It Best to Paint or Stain a Concrete Patio? Paint can hide stains and reduce the work required for that prep step, but degreasing prep is likely to remove most stains anyways. Paint is easier to touch up, but it will require this attention regularly due to its propensity to chip and flake. Its a bit confusing, but I promise it becomes more clear as youre working on it, and I tried to show as much in the photos as I could. But if you want to give your painted floors more style and character, try some of these decorative enhancements. Even the best premium concrete floor paints have a relatively weak bond to the surface. The floor often has to be prepared, which means it should be free of moisture, grease and surface bumps. Staining requires more applications of layers, a much stronger concentration of chemicals, and a curing process. If you need something that will penetrate and offers you a long-lasting coating. May require occasional touch-ups, especially in high-traffic areas. Learn more about choosing concrete paint. Step 5:Lay down the tape, but account for the distance of the actual tape itself, so youll have to paint every other row, and then fill in the taped region after. Now that youve made your choice in the concrete stain vs. paint debate, its time to add some color to your concrete floors. I painted two coats, just to make sure it was true white. Contact Us, Paint Sprayer vs Roller (Best for Interior & Exterior). Special promotions, product training, product releases, news and more! Apply the crack filler using a trowel or putty knife, smoothing away the excess. Is It Cheaper To Polished Concrete Or Tiles. Many people believe that paint is the only way to add opaque color to concrete, aside from integrally coloring the concrete before its poured. A concrete floor doesnt have to look drab and gray. Using a coating over the surface of fresh concrete does more than just give it a decorative touch. Check out Direct Colors DIY Concrete Stain and Seal Kit. When you try to rush through the job is when you end up making a mess. While painting concrete can result in stenciled patterns that mimic natural stone or tile, its hard to beat the unique texture and appearance of the actual material itself. Because paint is opaque, it can also cover up discolorations and stains on your existing concrete pad. This can bring either pros or cons. Unlike paint, stain is typically immune to fading from the sun. If you live in a mild climate, painting may not be an issue. Which Lasts Longer Concrete Stain or Paint? Paint is tricky to get even and smooth since it tends to show brush marks and gather dust while drying. Is very economical, especially if you do the work yourself. However, there are many alternatives to painted concrete that may have you wondering if it is the right remodeling technique for your home. Concrete dye pigment is combined with a mixing solution to disperse the pigment, and appear opaque on any and all concrete surfaces. This also means that stain produces a unique but harder to control effect as it reacts with the concrete, while paint gives the same results every time. Subscribe to our newsletter and learn something new every day. Your concrete patio can upgrade in just a few steps with acid staining or concrete paint. The average duration of pa is up to 3 years. Youll also want to think about the level of durability required for the project. Your options for acid staining colors arent quite as diverse as paint, either. Before painting cement floors, though, homeowners usually are advised to consider hiring a professional to do the job, which can add to the expense. Your email address will not be published. Need to cover up a badly stained or discolored concrete patch? Apply a primer coat using a paintbrush or roller. No matter what you choose, youll end up with an updated, unique patio that youll enjoy using for years to come. For its longevity, durability, and resistance to foot traffic, concrete stain takes the win in this round. They both decorate concrete floors. To try before you buy, check out these DIY Trial Kits of Concrete Stain and Sealer. For more information, check out this guide on where and how to use concrete dye. In a busy home, concrete stain is the clear winner, even for rooms with lower levels of use. For example, some products are formulated to remove water-based paint, and others will only work on oil-based paint. The painting process begins with carefully cleaning the concrete. Step 6: Once all of the black areas have been painted, and the tape has been pulled off, youll notice that because of the cement surface, a lot of paint has bled underneath the tape. Some reasons you might not want to choose paint for your concrete patio include upkeep and weathering. The power washing cleans away the grit, sand and stains better than anything else. Learn the pros and cons, and get tips for choosing and applying concrete floor paint. With our experience and top of the line products, we can guarantee satisfaction. While a concrete stain maybe a little more work to touch up, it rarely needs it. Concrete is perfect for kitchen countertops because, Decorative concrete coating is a decorative treatment option for homeowners who want to spruce up driveways, patios, and walkways. Exterior concrete paint is applied carefully with rollers and brushes. In most cases, painting a concrete floor yourself is an easy job requiring minimal experience. Concrete dye is a practically opaque, easy-to-apply material for concrete surfaces. It does not fade, peel, or scale. The moisture, aging, and other factors can cause the acid stain to take differently. Applying a clear concrete sealer over a painted concrete floor isnt necessary, but it will help to protect the paint from scratches, peeling, and abrasion. Read on to determine the best option for your home. 3 Longer-Lasting Alternatives to Concrete Floor Paint Apply a base layer of one paint color and then use a sponge or rag to randomly add contrasting colors. Rather than rip up the concrete to lay a new foundation, painting the concrete is a cheap and affordable way to cover that crack, while infusing new life into your kitchen or garage. Even in the coldest months of the year, a firepit or outdoor heater can transform a patio into an exterior living space. Epoxy paint can also be applied in various patterns or textures to provide additional versatility. Painted concrete floors can add flair to any room in the home and are easy to color match to your existing decor. Due to the impenetrable layer created by epoxy paint, the underlying concrete remains safe. Wait for the floor to dry completely before moving forward. The damage that will reveal the underlying concrete will also need repair for stabilization, so its a rare occasion that anyone is unlikely to deal with as a homeowner. Take this Direct Colors customer, for example, that made their entire tattoo parlor an homage to Alice in Wonderland using only Direct Colors concrete coloring products. Step 3: Paint the entire surface white with the Valsapar porch + floor paint in white, I couldnt find the white online, but we picked ours up at Lowes. Generally, youll need to apply two coats for the best coverage, allowing the first coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. Even in a room that is rarely used, paint over a concrete floor can wear away before anyone notices it. Most stained floors in a home just need occasional cleaning to look their best. Beyond stains, painting concrete also protects flooring from water, rust, heat and other forms of detriment. Once the paint is applied to the surface, a sealer usually should be added over it, which can make painting cement floors a complicated job that may take days to complete. Common among these are severe weather, constant foot traffic that brings solid outdoor particles, mud, the debris of sand and dried leaves, and more. For additional advice on weighing the pros and cons of painted concrete, it is suggested you speak to an experienced concrete contractor. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your yard and host a barbecue or two on your concrete patio. I love how Lauras tile came out, and I also love that it wasnt a super new project, so I was able to get an idea of how it holds up through time, and her patio still looks super fresh! Both are beautiful and functional options, but you may find one suits your tastes better. If theres a need to disguise marks that will show through the new stain, you can also consider a decorative design that uses dark colors of stain to strategically hide these issues. We take the time to make each job unique so it will be something that we and the customer can be proud of. The biggest thing you have to do is make sure you give yourself plenty of time and start the job knowing that you need to take your time and do it right. For some homeowners, the con of staining a concrete patio is that the colors can be a little unpredictable. Stay tuned for a full reveal coming soon, 2017 STEFFYS PROS AND CONS | A NYC PERSONAL STYLE, TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE BLOG | Blog Design by. Paint requires a perfectly degreased surface, so the homeowner usually needs to apply muriatic acid first. However, concrete floors can also be restained, colored, and resealed to fix any problems that might come up. It was SO worth it, and since painting it weve been using the space so much more! Heres what you need to know before you get started. But polished concrete is easier to maintain and more durable long-term, which makes polished concrete a, Today concrete countertops are gaining popularity not only as a flooring material but also as a kitchen countertop. You can upgrade with new patio furniture and planting fresh blooms around the backyard, but the best way to wow your summer guests is to add a concrete coating to your patio. Read more about cookies in our Privacy Policy. While staining tops the floors with a thinner layer of coating, it gives a rich tone. Chemical stripping agents can be useful when removing paint from concrete surfaces. While some individuals may choose to hire a professional service, it's possible to complete this project at home with elbow grease and a little patience. products and updates. Allow it to dry fully before applying paint. For example, concrete staining uses chemical processes to permanently change the color of a concrete surface. Is painting a good solution for sprucing up your concrete floors? Concrete Pool Deck Paint Claim your free business listing on Superpages. They made it darker, and more true black for us at Lowes. It is possible to stain your patio yourself, but you will likely get better results with the help of an experienced professional. If the concrete floor was previously covered by carpet or tile, you will also need to scrape off any remaining adhesive residue (see How to Remove Carpet Glue from Concrete Floors). No homeowner wants his or her concrete floor or patio to have a crack in it. And if you plan to do the work yourself, you should be aware of whats involved and the basic tools and materials youll need to achieve good results. Lets get straight to the point. Painting cement floors can be a simple way to improve the look so the floor does not look as plain. An added bonus is that the improved floor appearance also may appeal to potential home buyers when the house is on the market, because it often is considered an attractive upgrade. Tiles are cheaper per square foot than polished concrete. For more information, read our guide on How to Fix Concrete Stain Problems.. I got the idea to paint the floors from A Beautiful Mess DIY tile painting tutorial. If you want your paint job to last, it needs to be applied to dry concrete. Not only does this usually make the floor nice to look at, but it also can hide imperfections, such as stains and cracks. Learn about some simple tests you can conduct for. This is the most common concrete finishing available. A simple coat of epoxy paint is a quick and easy way to improve the beauty of your home or garage. The porosity of concrete makes it susceptible to staining from oil, grease and other detrimental chemicals. Painting concrete is one of the most affordable ways to update the look of a concrete floor, patio or garage. There are two types of paint commonly used: If you are able to power wash your concrete floor then you don't necessarily need any cement floor paint. By continuing to browse this website, you accept the use of cookies. Paint, even when its designed to properly bond with concrete flooring, only clings to the surface of the material. Before you buy primer and paint, be sure to research which ones are compatible with your cement floors to ensure the longevity of the finished look. decorative concrete coating or decorative. In fact, any colored concrete surface should be resealed from time to time, and more frequently depending on foot traffic and other factors. |. Rigorous cleaning is a must before undertaking any painting project. You can use it on your patio! All Rights Reserved. Whats the difference? Applying paint can allow homeowners to customize the surface the way they want it to look. Opting to paint a concrete floor instead of staining it also gives you a much broader array of colors to choose from, since most concrete paints are tintable. Use a caulking gun to disperse the filler in any gaping cracks and smooth it out with a putty knife. Thats because excess moisture in the floor could migrate to the surface and lift off the paint and even cause mold and mildew to form. The advantages of this simple flooring technique are detailed below: The drab, natural gray color of concrete can hardly be viewed as a decorators dream. Decorative Concrete Surfaces. However, alternative techniques may provide more long-term results. RELATED: Paint will only adhere to a clean surface, so this part of the process may need to be repeated once or twice to ensure the floor is spotless. Paint is more economical for you if you need to change the look on floors regularly. Clean off any brushes or rollers used for the primer, then apply the paint in as many layers as needed. The best way to clean and prepare a concrete floor for painting is to power wash it a couple days before you begin to put the paint on. One is water-based staining, and the other is acid-based stain, or also called acid-washing concrete floors. Acid staining begins with cleaning, just like paint coatings, but the process is much more intensive. The con of painting concrete is that it is not nearly as durable as staining. Before you decide to paint a concrete floor, there are some important factors to consider, such as the look you want to achieve, the best type of paint to buy, and the amount of foot traffic the floor will receive. Enter your email and well keep That's why I say you should wait a couple days after the washing. This is especially true when the space will be used as more than just a place to park a car or store belongings. Since its chemically bonded to the concrete surface thanks to its penetrating nature, concrete stain wont wear down or ghost even after years of daily foot traffic. Yes, but you will probably need to repair them first. Once its clean, the patio can be painted whatever color you might prefer. Most coatings for concrete also protect it from chipping, discoloring, and more. One of the greatest pros of choosing staining over painting is that the stain penetrates into the concrete rather than just building up on the surface, as with paint. Ill break down my process step-by-step and link everything I used below! After that time, the issues start to appear incrementally. The success of any painting project depends in large part on the condition of the surface you apply the paint to. It can be reapplied or sealed with clear gloss to preserve the quality. Luckily, there are methods and materials available to accomplish this task. Staining techniques are known for producing brilliant colors on concrete floors. Roll the paint onto the concrete floor surface evenly, rolling back over the paint to blend in any lines left by the edges of the roller. In some cases the floor needs an acid etch to prevent peeling and chipping paint, and this often needs to be performed by a professional to avoid the health risks that come with the process. Concrete also needs etching or roughing before paint will adequately adhere, which is extra work and can require the help of equipment. Staining is also a long process and is best accomplished with the help of concrete professionals, like Hard Rock Concrete Coatings. Each layer will need time to dry before you can apply a new one. What are Some Tips for Painting Cement Floors? An acrylic latex concrete paint is easier to work with and is applied similarly to latex-based house paint. Warm tones are often chosen to contribute to a rustic or outdoor lookperfect for your backyard patio. Before using paint stripper, you will need to learn which product will be most effective against different types of paint. All you need is paint and a roller to complete the job. But, concrete paint reveals the raw concrete surface below if it chips or peels. Provides good coverage, and can hide minor stains and imperfections in the surface. When it comes to coloring concrete, you have two main options: concrete stain vs. paint. If a primer is required, dont skip this necessary step. Despite improvements, stain consistently lasts longer and does not wear out as easily. Stain penetrates through the surface and into the concrete, so it cant visibly chip unless a large amount of concrete comes loose. Todays concrete paints last longer and resist wear better than it once did. It can get scratched when you move heavy furniture or can be damaged by bad weather. Paint is opaque and sits right on top of your concrete. Painting concrete is almost certainly the most affordable way to protect and beautify concrete surfaces. For the best results, apply a water-based sealer designed for interior use and make sure the product is compatible with the paint you are using. When it comes to concrete floors, the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned with a degreaser and water to remove all dirt and grime. If theres a chip or spalling big enough to expose raw concrete, a homeowner can use leftover concrete stain or a matching color to cover the gray and blend it in with the rest of the floor. Painting a concrete floor is not much different than painting any other surface in your home. We waited a few hours before continuing. Sadly, cracked concrete is often an inevitability. First, youll want to consider whether you have the time and resources to hire a professional for the staining and curing process. Most concrete floors will look amazing painted with one solid color. There are two standard techniques to achieve a stained floor. My squares are all 13 inches X 13 inches, and then theres a few on the side that are a bit less, but I let them run off of the side and it doesnt bother me visually. Assess the needs and design of your yard and determine which is the right choice for you. A concrete sealer will also give your floor a nice sheen and make it easier to clean. After this step, make sure the surface is very very dry before you paint the first white layer on. Apply a faux rug or decorative medallion to your floor using. You need a choice that will help you cut the curing process. As long as the floor is in sound condition, it can be painted. Once the paint is broken down, it can be peeled away from the surface using a scraper tool. integrally coloring the concrete before its poured, their entire tattoo parlor an homage to Alice in Wonderland, a short life span and quickly became worn or damaged, Direct Colors DIY Concrete Stain and Seal Kit, get even and smooth since it tends to show brush marks, DIY Trial Kits of Concrete Stain and Sealer, learn more about concrete stains and colorants. However, our concrete stain is easier than most homeowners might think to apply as a DIY project. To help you decide what is better for your concrete patio, let us uncover what paint and a stain are. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. Paint is particularly prone to chipping and wearing off when applied to concrete. Also, there are different types of paint, so this offers you numerous options depending on your flooring use and need. I painted every other half square, and then peeled off all of the tape and begin to slowly fill in all of the gaps using a measuring tape, and based on the loose guidelines that the already painted triangles created for me. Its a process that involves several applications of chemicals, as well as a curing process, but it leaves a unique look that can be made to appear like wood or stone. See these examples of. Determining which kind of paint to use on a cement floor depends on how much foot traffic is expected in an area and how much youre willing to spend. (Learn more about sealing concrete floors.). Adding plants, furniture and dcor can make a difference, but you can also update your current cement patio by changing the color. For additional design options, the use of tile or pavers may be preferred. It forms a thin layer that protects the surface. Glass Subway Tile Backsplash (Types & Designs), Best Wood For Shelves (Types & Pros and Cons), Plywood Kitchen Cabinets (Types & Grades), Types of Dracaena Plants (Varieties & Care Tips), Litter Box Sizes(Average Dimensions & Size to Get), 125 Best Man Cave Ideas (Furniture & Decor Pictures), 129 Fence Designs & Ideas [Front & Backyard Styles], Improves the floors aesthetic value by adding attention-grabbing waves, swirls, stenciled designs, marbling, and other visual effects, Does not chip, flake, or peel away, making it more durable, Compatible with other concrete floor finishes, such as clear urethane coating and polish, Has no impact on concretes strength and durability, Translucent appearance can reveal imperfections in the concrete floor, Acid stain requires professional installation with special tools and techniques for safety, Adds stunning colors to concrete structures, depending on the painters skill and creativity, Ideal for hiding surface imperfections, including cracks and stains, It can protect the concrete against temperature extremes and other environmental factors, Expert application recommended because of the number of required prep work, Tends to peel or chip when not applied correctly.

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