We have a small set of steps leading up to a concrete or cement landing outside our back door that is starting to show some wear from its previous paint job.
What kind of paint should I be using to recover this area? Do I need to prime? Does the old paint need to be stripped off, and if so, how?
Thanks. I get such good advice here!
Replies
I'm not a big fan of painted steps, but I did this for a client who requested it. I used a good grade of exterior latex, with sand added (for traction), and it has held up very well. Prep is important. Get everything clean and dry first, scrape off any loose paint or whatever.
edited to add: I'm in So. Cal. Your situation may vary.
View Image bakersfieldremodel.com
Edited 9/19/2009 4:25 am by Huck
I would scrape off any loose paint although stripping would give you fresh surface. Wash, let dry completely and use masonary paint with sand added if treads are to be painted. Masonary paint I used was thin so I had to double coat, but they seem to stand up best to masonary leaching. It was also flat. When you buy the paint, read instruction to see if old paint must be removed, paintable if primed, etc. Good luck.
Use an alkali compatible primer first like Loxon and polyurethane floor enamel. Or epoxy floor paint (add grit to either).
I've done the epoxy floor paint also. Worked good, and held up well.
Again, I added sand (they sell a fine sand for that purpose). I just made sure to get a flat finish for exterior use. As a mailman in a previous life, I learned to hate painted concrete steps in the rain - some of them are dangerously slippery when wet!View Image bakersfieldremodel.com
Just did this myself. Strange as it may sound, I used a pressure washer to clean it, let it dry for a couple weeks, and had some siding stain (it soak in) custom tinted to match concrete. The dumped it onto the concrete from the 1 gallon bucket, and used a cheap $3.00 polyester broom to spread it out. Looks like, actually better than, fresh concrete.
Jon Beuchert, aka WSJ
Colgate, Wisconsin