How to color concrete (with pictures)

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

Coloring or varnishing concrete is a great way to renew the appearance of a patio, porch or path. You can learn how to paint concrete on your own, using a similar process to staining floors and walls.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Part One: Choosing the Colors

Step 1. Assess the condition of the concrete

Paints tend to penetrate and accentuate surface defects, just as wood paints do in knots. Remember that the varnishing of the concrete does not have a covering effect.

You can consider applying a new layer of concrete if the surface is cracked and deteriorated. You can entrust the task to a professional bricklayer

Step 2. Go to a home improvement store that has a large paint department

Those for concrete are semi-transparent and colors are added just like regular home paints.

You can also use acid paints; however they will be more difficult to apply than other types of colors. It also takes longer because after application, the surface must be neutralized.
You can choose two different colors and create a marbled effect. Use a lighter shade as a base and a darker shade for the second coat.

Step 3. Take a color swatch home and test it

You should always do a test before applying the color to the entire area.

Clean the concrete portion with an industrial product such as TSP. Apply the paint according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually you have to wet the concrete and apply the paint with a roller

Step 4. Measure the area of the concrete area you want to color

Step 5. Buy enough paint and sealant to fully cover the surface

Four liters of paint cover 60-120 square meters. Buy enough to give two coats if you want a darker, more even color.

Part 2 of 4: Part Two: Preparation

Step 1. Wash the concrete surface with water and an industrial cleaner

Work on 120X120 cm sections.

Step 2. If there are oil or grease stains, find a product formulated to remove them before washing

If you don't, the spots will appear through the color.

Step 3. Spray the area with a high pressure pump until there are no more soap bubbles

Move on to the next section and continue like this until all the concrete is clean.

Step 4. Put on clean, dry shoes once you have washed the concrete

You have to be careful not to bring dirt or the paint will not be uniform.

Consider putting tape or fences during cleaning and painting if the area is close to a public area such as a sidewalk

Step 5. Put plastic sheets on the patio, on the stairs, on the flowers, on the grass and on the other paths

Secure them with duct tape if possible.

Part 3 of 4: Part Three: Painting

Step 1. Rent a compressor with the spray painting accessory, if you don't have one

You can also use a roller, but the spray will apply a more even layer.

Step 2. Wait a cloudy day to apply the paint

Windless days are also best for applying spray paint.

Step 3. Wet the concrete with a garden hose and spray gun

It should be a mist, light enough not to let the water stagnate and flow, leaving an uneven layer.

Step 4. Spray the concrete with paint using the compressor

Work on 120X120 cm sections.

If you are using 2 different colors to create a marbled effect, don't wait to apply the second coat. You can do this right after the first one

Step 5. Let the first coat dry according to the instructions on the paint package

It usually takes 24 hours.

Step 6. Decide if you want to give another coat for a more vivid color

If so, wet the concrete again with water and apply a second layer of paint just as you did with the first.

Step 7. Pour some paint into a spray bottle

Check for areas that are not completely colored. Spray them by hand.

Step 8. Blot the hand-sprayed paint with a dry cloth to uniform it to the rest

Part 4 of 4: Part Four: Sealing

Step 1. Wait 24 hours after applying the last coat of paint before using the sealant

Choose a time when the concrete is in the shade.

Step 2. Apply the sealant with a 9mm thick roller

Use a roller that has a very long handle.

Step 3. Apply the sealant over the entire surface

Always move in the same direction. The sealant may be white as you apply it, but it will turn clear when dry.

Step 4. Wait two hours

Step 5. Apply a second coat of sealant perpendicular to the first

Step 6. Let it dry

The surface is ready.

Step 7. Wash the concrete annually with an industrial product

Apply new sealant every 3 to 4 years.

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