Overlays are another option for rejuvenating existing concrete, especially discolored or pitted surfaces. These products — typically a blend of cement, aggregates and polymer resins — go on like a super thick paint to smooth surfaces and add color.
Sealing a concrete sidewalk protects the surface from stains and weather damage, plus it enhances the appearance. Sealers are available in matte, satin and high gloss finishes and some can be tinted to add a subtle hint of color.
Because concrete paint is a surface coating and vulnerable to abrasion, it's not the best choice for high-traffic areas such as concrete driveways. For these applications, an acid-based stain or dry-shake color hardener will offer better wear-resistance.
Concrete is porous. Therefore, the first coat of paint will absorb into the substrate potentially giving a patchy finish. Many builders on concrete floors use a machine that creates a power floated floor. Due to the porosity of concrete, most paint systems require the first coat to be thinned down.
Earth tones that mimic natural materials are the most popular concrete colors among homeowners. But you can also color concrete blue, orange, green, black or other colors. Plus, many concrete contractors can blend custom colors exactly to your liking.
There are several types of top coat to consider for concrete floors, including acrylics, urethanes, paint and epoxy; paint and epoxy may be the most well-known. Paint is usually applied to a clean, prepped floor.
But if you prefer a more natural finish for your concrete, you may want to consider using a concrete sealer with a clear coat. This kind of sealer will either leave the surface of your concrete looking as-is or slightly enhance your concrete's surface. It won't drastically change it.
As long as your walkway isn't cracked all the way through, you can coat the slab with a concrete resurfacer, a no-shrink blend of Portland cement, sand, and polymer additives that fills divots and makes a uniform finish.
Diamond polishing is one of the most common methods used to get a shiny glass-like surface. It uses industrial diamonds to smooth, grind, and ultimately polish the surface. The grit you use determines the level of sheen youll get on your floors. The finer the abrasive grit, the better.
Masonry paint (also called elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating) is a good choice for concrete painting because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Exterior house paint can crack and peel on concrete.
However, bear in mind that concrete paint will obscure concrete's natural texture and isn't suitable for concrete that takes a beating, such as a concrete floor. For almost all exterior applications, concrete stain is the superior solution.
Colour sealing is preferred for driveways, carports, pathways and patios. Paint is a thick coating, gets slippery more easily, is prone to flaking and difficult to re-paint once worn. We do not paint concrete. We use high-grade colour sealers to achieve a longer lasting, better looking result.
How long does concrete paint last? Most brands suggest that you apply a new coat every 3–5 years, depending on use. Some may last much longer if the area is protected from the elements or seldom tread upon. Is painting concrete a good idea?
The best kind of paint to use on a concrete floor is epoxy paint because of its durability. You can also use latex paint, though it won't hold up as well as epoxy. Acrylic paint also works well, especially for exterior concrete walls as it can withstand harsh weather.
As previously stated, concrete is porous and can absorb moisture. If you are painting interior concrete, it is vital to seal it. This will prevent moisture from seeping in underneath the paint and causing mold. Use a masonry sealer and follow the manufacturer's directions on how many layers to apply and when.
Sparkle Grain is recommended where you want a decorative, hard, nonslip surface. The glitzy grit is designed for light to heavy usage on floors, patios, walkways, driveways, steps and ramps in places from homes, shopping centers and wineries to museums, schools and stores.
Answer: A concrete overlay is a thin color concrete cement based products that go over existing concrete for repair or decorative reasons. Overlays can be applied as thin as a feather finish up to in most cases 3/4″ depending on the desired finish.
If you're looking for a way to completely cover or erase imperfections in your concrete floors, your best bet is to have an epoxy applied. Epoxy has come a long way over the years. Today's epoxy floors are far more dimensional and stunning than the epoxy floors of the past.