Would you like to transform the look of your driveway by painting it and are wondering what paint to use? There is a wide array of paint that you can choose from, but not all paint is suitable for a driveway. Make sure to choose the right paint so that it can last for a long time. To help you get started, we have shared tips and information about the best paint for driveways.
What kind of paint do you use on a concrete driveway? The best kinds of paint to use for a concrete driveway are those that contain binders. Avoid using oil-based or acrylic house paints because they will not last on concrete. Acrylic paints are prone to peeling and cracking. It cannot withstand the traffic that concrete driveways take on a daily basis.
Transform the look of your driveway by using the right paint. Is painting concrete a good idea? What is the difference between concrete paint and concrete stain? How do you paint concrete driveways? What are the kinds of paint for concrete driveways? Read the rest of the article below for the answers to these as well as other common questions about painting concrete driveways.
Can You Paint Concrete?
You can paint any concrete surface just as long as it is in a good condition. Make sure that the surface is clean and does not have any coatings or sealers. Otherwise, this will prevent the paint from adhering to the surface of the concrete. Avoid using concrete paint for painting driveways because it is not ideal for high traffic areas and is also vulnerable to abrasion. It is recommended that you use an acid-based stain that provides better wear resistance.
Is Painting Concrete a Good Idea?
Painting concrete driveways is a good idea because it helps keep the concrete from cracking. Concrete that is unsealed makes it easier for water to creep in and freeze. As a result, it can cause expansion and cracks on the concrete. Furthermore, painting concrete makes it easier to clean. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if it is a good idea to paint your driveway. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to.
Difference between Concrete Paint and Concrete Stain
The difference between concrete paint and concrete stain is in how they react with the concrete. Generally, concrete stains that are acid-based penetrate and react with the minerals and salts in concrete. This leads to deep and rich translucent tones. How long the color will last before it starts to wash or peel away will have to depend on the components of the concrete.
Kinds of Paint for Concrete Driveways
The different kinds of paint for concrete driveways include masonry paints, two-stage epoxy floor coverings, epoxy terrazzo options, one-step sealing and priming, and concrete color stains. Let us learn more about these kinds of paint for concrete driveways below.
Masonry Paints
Masonry paint can be used on concrete because it contains binders that let the paint expand and contract as the concrete warms and cools. Before you start painting concrete, it needs to be prepared by doing muriatic acid cleaning, removing old paint, sealing, and priming. Make sure to follow the necessary steps in preparing the concrete before painting it.
Epoxy Terrazzo Options
Another option that you can use is epoxy terrazzo. It includes small pieces of marble or granite that create a mosaic-like floor. Once the surface is dried, you can shine it up using a floor polisher.
Two-Stage Epoxy Floor Coverings
Two-stage epoxy floor paint can be used for concrete driveways. It can also include colorful aggregate bits that can be spread onto the wet paint and add depth and color to the concrete surface.
One-Step Sealing and Priming
You can also use a primer that seals concrete to save time and money. Make sure to clean the surface of the concrete before you start painting it. Oil and grease on concrete can make it hard for paint and primer to adhere to it. On the other hand, you do not need to seal the concrete if you want to use a two-stage epoxy coating.
Concrete Color Stains
You can also use colorful concrete strains for your driveway. You can find water-based concrete stains for the permanent color of your concrete. On the other hand, you can also find acid-based stains that changes color as it reacts with the concrete. You can also check out this article that discusses if crushed concrete makes a good driveway. We have shared helpful tips and information that you can refer to.
How to Paint Concrete Driveways
To paint concrete driveways, there are a few steps that you should follow which include cleaning and priming the driveway and masking the edges. Make sure that the concrete does not have any existing sealers, coatings, or curing compounds or it will not properly adhere to the concrete. Let us find out more on how to paint concrete driveways below.
Step 1 – Cleaning and Priming
The first step that you need to do is to clean and prime your driveway. Sweep the driveway to get rid of dust and grime. Next, mix an etch primer into a bucket of water and use the mixture to scrub the driveway. Allow the primer to sit on the surface for about twenty minutes before washing it off.
Step 2 – Mask the Edges
The next step is to mask the edges. Use masking tape on the surrounding surfaces of your driveway that you do not want to get paint on such as your garage doors, the garden edges, and the drain cover.
Step 3 – Add Mineral Turpentine to Thin the Paint
You need to add mineral turpentine to thin the paint. Driveway paint is thick and heavy-duty which can make it challenging to apply. To have an even coating, add mineral turpentine to dilute the paint. Make sure to add about 100 ml of turpentine for every liter of paint. Wear a mask or a respirator when painting to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Step 4 – Paint the Driveway
Once you have cleaned and prepared the driveway, you can start painting it. Paint the edges and detailed areas of your driveway using a paintbrush. Next, paint the rest of the surface using a roller. Start at the back of your garage all the way to the exit point. Allow the paint to cure and dry before you apply the second coat using undiluted paint. It will take about seven days for the paint to fully dry before you can use your driveway.
✅ Video – DIY Advice on How to Paint a Concrete Driveway
Bunnings Warehouse shared the video below on YouTube. In the video below, the step-by-step instructions on how to paint a concrete driveway is shown. Painting your driveway will make it more attractive and there are other benefits to it as well. Check out the video for more information.
Is Concrete Paint Slip-Resistant?
Not all concrete paint is slip-resistant. You need to be careful when walking on painted concrete because it can be slippery when wet. The good thing is that there is anti-slip concrete floor paint that you can purchase on the market. These paints include fine aggregate that provides the surface with a light sandy finish. However, if you cannot find slip-resistant concrete paint, you can also mix anti-skid additives into the final coat of paint. This will give the paint some traction. We have also written this article that discusses if all concrete driveways crack. You can check out the article to learn more about the topic.
How Long Does Driveway Paint Last?
How long driveway paint last will have to depend on various factors which include the type of driveway, the amount of traffic that it gets, and the paint that you use. You can find a wide array of driveway paints to help and maintain its appearance. There are also paints that effectively seal and protect your driveway from stains and wear and tear. You can find different products that will suit your preferences and the type of driveway that you have bitumen, asphalt, and acrylic.
Why Should You Paint Your Driveway?
Painting your driveway will not only make it more durable but also increases the value of your property. Using the right paint will make your driveway resistant to cracks, wear, and tear. Moreover, it will make your driveway look fresh and new all year long. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, can you pour concrete over crushed concrete? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed what kind of paint to use on a concrete driveway. If you are looking for paint for your concrete driveway, see to it that you choose a product that is specifically formulated to be used on concrete. Concrete paints are thicker and more durable as compared to regular paints. They contain binders that make them expand and contract along with the concrete. We hope that this article has answered your questions about concrete paints. Choose from a wide array of products available on the market. Thank you for reading!