Painting Concrete Patio - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

kcel · 03-09-2008, 03:30 PM

I have a 20 year old 16' x 24' concrete patio. It's weathered with a lot of hairline cracks. I am thinking about applying paint or some type of coating to
improve it's appearance. I'm not going to do the work myself, just looking for
ideas about the best product to use. Does anyone here have any experience with this type of work?

concretemasonry · 03-09-2008, 04:13 PM

A simple answer - don't do it!!

You will end up doing it again very soon if you are concerned about appearance - which you seem to rate as important.

Without getting any real information on the location and climate, a better answer is not possible.

Patrick · 03-09-2008, 04:18 PM

If you do ANYTHING, you want to use a stain. NOT A PAINT!!!

Sir Mixalot · 03-09-2008, 04:31 PM

I've had good results w/ H&C concrete stains.

Here's a link: H&C Concrete stains

kcel · 03-09-2008, 07:14 PM

Thanks for the responses. I am just south of Kansas City, MO.
I had someone recommend coatings like those used on pool decks. Anyone
familiar with elastomeric coatings? These supposedly are good for filling in cracks and small gaps.

Sir Mixalot · 03-09-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcel

Thanks for the responses. I am just south of Kansas City, MO.
I had someone recommend coatings like those used on pool decks. Anyone
familiar with elastomeric coatings? These supposedly are good for filling in cracks and small gaps.

I don't no man. Good for stucco walls. But for decks w/cracks? That stuff tends to blister if any water/moister gets under it.

Any Season · 03-09-2008, 07:52 PM

I'm not sure why you wouldn't just do it yourself, it is impossible to do incorrectly. Go to Sherwin Williams and get H&C concrete stain and a few tubes of SW 'Stampede' caulking and fill your cracks then just roll the stain over it. You can even have them mix in some 'sharkgrit' to give it some texture. You will be in and out for under $150 and 2-4 hours.

A W Smith · 03-09-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcel

I have a 20 year old 16' x 24' concrete patio. It's weathered with a lot of hairline cracks. I am thinking about applying paint or some type of coating to
improve it's appearance. I'm not going to do the work myself, just looking for
ideas about the best product to use. Does anyone here have any experience with this type of work?

I can remember long ago my parents let a friend of the family "decorate" the concrete patio with a brick colored paint. Well not exactly paint. More like some faux finish random blotching . What a mistake. When they were done it looked like someone took road kill squirrel and blotted it against the patio randomly.

dincao · 03-09-2008, 08:43 PM

This past summer i stripped about 2,000 sq ft of epoxy coating off a couple concrete patios in a housing project... they wanted a stain and i applied the h&C product w/ sharkgrip and it turned out fantastic....just be sure to pressure wash and etch concrete before stain...

kcel · 03-10-2008, 09:33 AM

It sounds like stains are the way to go. Will most stains conceal the areas where the cracks are patched? What type of acid is used to prep the concrete?

Dmax Consulting · 07-22-2008, 11:39 AM

Kcel,

I see many posts telling you to use the H&C product. It is a great product when the concrete is in good condition. However, if you have a lot of cracking, this product is not designed to fill hairline cracks. I suggest using Sherwin-Williams SherCrete Flexible concrete waterproofer. I have used it for patios, basements, and pool decks. Super tough, flexible, low VOCs, almost any color, easy to apply and cleanup. Call a sherwin williams store for info.

lseehwtohms · 07-22-2008, 10:10 PM

i have been doing epoxy flooring for 8 years now and stain is the way you want to go for your application ..epoxy will discolor after time in outdoor weather ...plus thermo shock will be another problem along with normal things like moisture and surface prep ,,,use a roll down stain or even a acid stain sprayed and than sealed with a good cure and seal type of sealer ..

PROINTHEKNOW · 07-28-2008, 08:27 AM

Benjamin Moore Has A Product That Is A Latex Non Skid That Acts As A Cool Deck Surface Also. It's Called Anti Skid M55. Comes In Several Colors And Can Be Tinted To Light Colors. You Will Need To Fill Ctacks With An Elastomeric Caulk First Also Prime With A 100% Acrylic Primer After Cleaning First.

JBBS · 07-28-2008, 11:56 AM

Have it overlaid and be done with it! Acid stain the overlayment, seal it, done.

monsterplow · 08-04-2008, 08:14 AM

It must be etched with muriatic acid b-4 any coating applied.

correct

painterdude · 08-04-2008, 03:48 PM

If the concrete is broom finished(rough surface) it does not need to be etched due to the porosity of the floor. Conrete stain(xylene based) is the best, but difficult and noxious to use. A good water based product for pool deck is fine. SW shield plus, tuff top etc. is fine after you caulk the cracks. Apply 2 coats(read the back of the can for great info) for quality job...just be careful when wet. Adding sharkskin or just some sandbox sand will make it more safe. Be carefull with the acid using rubber boots and gloves along with long pants. Be sure to wash it away with water to neutralize it. Remember only if its smooth troweled and just to be safe, etch it twice. good luck, pd

**genecarp** · 08-04-2008, 04:43 PM

check this out

http://www.skimstone.com/c/index.php

JBBS · 08-04-2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsterplow

It must be etched with muriatic acid b-4 any coating applied.

correct

Depends on what coating it is. For acid stain, no. The acid stain reacts with the lime deposits in the concrete and the resulting reaction is the color. Acid washing is just taking more of those deposits away and can affect the staining effect. A good way to neutralize acids from washing or staining would be an 8-1 ammonia mix. Then rinse.

monsterplow · 08-05-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsterplow

It must be etched with muriatic acid b-4 any coating applied.

correct

Again , any older concrete must be CLEANRD and etched b-4 any coating is applied.

New concrete must be cured atleast 28 days.

TITAN FINISHING · 08-20-2008, 02:20 PM

One option for your needs would be a quartz floor application. This would be perfect for your exterior surfaces as it provides a non-slip surface. Just be careful about what products you use as they are not all Uv stable or recomended for exterior applications.