How to Paint a Concrete Walkway
Sam Lutz • September 9, 2014
The process of painting a concrete walkway is a multi-step, multi-day project. Concrete is porous, which means that it absorbs moisture from the environment around it. This project requires a special type of paint that will be absorbed by the concrete for an extra-strong bond. If the wrong type of paint is used, or if steps of the process are skipped, the bond between the concrete and the paint may be poor, and over time, the paint will peel.
Prep the Area
Paint applied to a dirty surface may not adhere properly, so you’ll begin by cleaning the concrete walkway. Use trisodium phosphate (TSP) to clean any large grease or oil stains on the walkway. For walkways without grease stains, you may skip steps 1 through 3 of the prep process.
Materials:
- Trisodium Phosphate (Tsp)
- Bucket
- Stiff-Bristled Push Broom
- Power Washer (Available for Rent at Home Improvement Stores)
Process:
- Mix 1 part trisodium phosphate with 20 parts water in a large bucket.
- Pour the TSP and water mixture onto the concrete.
- Use the stiff push broom to brush TSP into the stains and dirty parts of the walk way.
- Rinse the walkway with a power washer until no dirt remains.
- Wait for the concrete to dry 24 hours before proceeding to the next step, to give the concrete time to fully dry.
Prime the Concrete
Concrete primer is important because it fills minor cracks in the concrete, and creates a bonding surface between the concrete and the paint.
Materials:
- Concrete Primer
- Long-Handled Paint Roller
- Angled 2 Inch Paint Brush
- Paint Tray
Process:
- Paint the concrete with the primer, using long-handled paint rollers. Cut in the edges with an angled paint brush. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions, which will vary from one brand of primer to the next.
- Wait for the primer to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the side of the can.
- Clean the painting materials thoroughly for the next steps in the process.
Paint the Concrete
For the thickest, most durable layer of paint possible, you’ll need to apply at least two or three coats. Plan this step ahead of time, to ensure that the weather will hold.
Materials:
- Concrete Paint
- Paint Stirrer
- Long-Handled Paint Roller
- Angled 2 Inch Paint Brush
- Paint Tray
Process:
- Shake the concrete paint, then stir it after opening.
- Pour the concrete paint into the paint tray.
- Apply the concrete paint onto the walkway with a long-handled roller.
- Cut in the edges of the walkway with the angled paint brush.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the curing time. Allow the paint to dry for the indicated length of time.
- Repeat steps 1 through 4 for each additional coat of paint.
Tips and Resources
- For a decorative touch, try painting the concrete walkway with a subtle design or pattern.
- Newly poured concrete is highly alkaline, which can negatively affect paint adhesion. Some masonry primers can be applied over freshly poured concrete, while others require the concrete to cure for a length of time. If your concrete walkway is newly poured, check the manufacturer’s instructions on the masonry primer before applying.
- To avoid painting the ground around the walkway, lay tarps around the walkway.
- Repair any deep, wide crevices in the concrete with exterior-grade concrete patch compound before painting the walkway. The process for filling cracks is demonstrated in this online tutorial:
If you still have questions about the process of painting an exterior concrete walkway, this article
may provide some additional insight. For questions about the actual painting process, stop in or call Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture. We love helping our customers with paint related questions!
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