You might be wondering if you can paint an old concrete driveway. Painting your driveway is a good way to upgrade its look without spending a lot of money on repairs and materials. Choosing the best driveway paint based on the material of your driveway will make your property visually appealing and also improve its value. What if you have an old concrete driveway? Can you paint over it? We will discuss the answer below.
Can you paint an old concrete driveway? Concrete driveways can be painted as long as it does not have large cracks and holes. Any damages to the concrete should be repaired first before painting. Moreover, any driveway surface can be upgraded with a fresh coat of paint and this includes concrete.
If you are tired of looking at your dull concrete driveway, it is time for an upgrade. Why not paint your driveway? Start by inspecting the concrete surface for any cracks and holes that need to be repaired and determine if your driveway is in good condition to be painted. Below, we have shared tips and information about concrete driveway painting that you can refer to.
Is Painting Concrete a Good Idea?
Painting concrete can be beneficial to your driveway. It can help prevent cracks and stains. Aside from that, the right paint will also make the surface durable. If concrete is unsealed, water can easily get through it and freeze. This causes issues like cracks and holes. Painting concrete driveways also makes them easier to clean and maintain. We have also shared this article that discusses if you can paint over a painted driveway. Check out the article for more information about the topic.
How to Paint an Old Concrete Driveway
To paint an old concrete driveway, there are a few steps that you need to consider which includes cleaning the driveway, inspecting the surface for any hole and cracks, and doing some repairs. Make sure that the concrete surface is clean and prepared before you start painting. Let us learn more about these steps below.
Step 1 – Clean
The first step that you need to do is to clean the driveway. Get rid of the dirt, dust, and debris with the use of a leaf blower. Use a pressure washer to remove tough dirt and stains. If the concrete has been painted before, scrape off any flaking or loose paint. You can also wash the concrete with a water and soap mixture. Let it thoroughly dry.
Step 2 – Inspect
The next step is to inspect your driveway. Pay attention even to the smallest cracks that you find. Remove dirt and debris that gets stuck between the cracks.
Step 3 – Repair
Before you start painting, you need to repair all of the cracks and other damages that you find in your driveway. For cracks that measure less than ¼ inches wide, use a concrete repair caulk to fill them up. Do this using a caulk gun. Fill the cracks with caulk and smooth them out with a putty knife. Make sure to blend the edges of the caulk with the surface of the driveway. Use premixed mortar for cracks that measure ¼ to ½ inches wide.
Step 4 – Paint
Once you have cleaned and repaired the concrete surface, it is time to paint them. Choose the proper concrete paint for driveways. Do not use regular paint because it will not last for a long time. One of the best paint that you can use is epoxy concrete paint. Mix the paint thoroughly and pour it on the paint tray. Apply a thin coat into the surface and work in small sections. Start at the edges first before moving on to the rest of the surface area. Let the first coat dry before applying the next coat of paint.
✅ Video – Can You Paint a Concrete Driveway?
Shui Painting shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to paint a concrete driveway. If you are thinking about painting your concrete driveway, make sure to use the right paint. Check out the video below for tips and information.
How to Find the Best Concrete Paint
To find the best concrete paint, you need to consider a few factors which include color, use, elements, and waterproofing. There are different types of concrete paint available on the market so you have different options. You can always ask for advice from experts if you are not sure of the best paint that you can use.
Color
One of the things that you need to consider when choosing paint for your concrete driveway is color. Most of the concrete paints are available in standard colors. If you prefer to have concrete or cement paint that will add color to your driveway, check with the brands that provide the most variety.
Use
Consider the amount of traffic that your driveway gets daily. This includes foot and vehicle traffic. Expensive paint brands for the driveway provide different features that you can choose from. These features include durability, stain resistance for easy cleaning, and waterproofing.
Elements
You also need to consider the weather in your area. Your driveway is exposed to various weather conditions which makes it prone to damages. Choose high-quality paint that can provide protection from rain, snow, sun, and dangerous UV rays.
Waterproof
Another thing that you need to consider when choosing paint for your concrete driveway is its waterproofing feature. Some paints can peel and flake when exposed to too much rain. Make sure that you choose paint that can hold back moisture and water for it to last long and also to protect the concrete.
Do I Need to Prime Concrete Before Painting?
You may need to prime a concrete before painting depending on the type of paint that you would like to use. Some paint brands require an etching primer so that the paint can stick into the porous surface of the concrete. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what kind of paint do you use on a concrete driveway? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
How Long Does Concrete Paint Last?
How long concrete paint lasts will have to depend on various factors which include the type of paint, the traffic that it gets, and the different weather conditions that it is exposed to. Most paint can last for about three to five years before a reapplication is needed. We have also shared this article that discusses if driveway paint last. You can check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
What Is Concrete Sealer?
A concrete sealer protects the surface of the concrete from damage, stains, and corrosion. Take note that concrete is a porous material that can absorb water and salt easily. This makes it prone to cracks, shrinkage, and other damages. To make sure that the concrete is water-resistant, you need to apply a sealer that forms a wall and prevents water absorption. Moreover, the sealer will also protect the surface of the concrete from stains preventing it from getting into the pores.
How Long Will a Painted Driveway Last?
How long the painted driveway will last will have to depend on various factors which include how well it is painted. Driveways that are properly primed and painted can last for up to 30 years. You will need to repaint them every few years to maintain a fresh look. The weather in your area can also affect the life span of your driveway. Driveways that are exposed to too much sun can crack because of the heat. Moreover, the amount of traffic that your driveway receives can determine how long it can last.
When is the Best Time to Paint Your Concrete Driveway?
The best time to paint your driveway is when the weather is not too hot or too wet. Check the label on the paint because it usually has the right temperature range listed. The paint needs the right temperature so that it dries properly. Do not paint your driveway when there is high moisture in the air or if the weather is gloomy.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Driveway?
The best kind of paint for a driveway will have to depend on the material that your driveway is made of. Take note that specific driveway materials require a specific type of paint. Regular paint should not be used on driveways because it will not last long. An ideal paint to use is epoxy paint. It is scuff-resistant, does not fade, cracks, blisters, or peel. On the other hand, epoxy-based floor paint can be expensive as compared to regular paint and they also have limited color options. You can also check out this article that discusses if rain helps asphalt cure. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if you can paint an old concrete driveway. We have found out that you can paint an old concrete driveway as long as it is in good condition. Moreover, we have shared tips on how to paint a concrete driveway. It is important that you properly clean the surface of the concrete before painting. You also need to repair cracks and holes and remove flaking paint if the concrete has been painted before. Thank you for reading!