Best Paint For Concrete: Top 5 Picks Reviewed

Does your concrete floor look dull and boring? Maybe you have a stained garage floor or a cracked patio that needs a facelift. You want to make it look better, but choosing the right paint can be confusing. There are so many types, and you don’t want to pick one that peels or fades away too quickly.

Choosing the wrong paint can lead to wasted money and a lot of frustration. You might end up with a finish that doesn’t hold up to foot traffic, car tires, or the weather. That’s why understanding your options is so important. This post will help you cut through the confusion.

By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a good concrete paint. We’ll talk about different kinds of paint and what they’re best for. You’ll discover how to pick the perfect color and finish to transform your concrete surfaces from drab to fab. Let’s dive in and find the best paint for your project!

Our Top 5 Paint For Concrete Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Paint For Concrete Detailed Reviews

1. EVOLVE Porch & Floor: Fast-Dry

EVOLVE Porch & Floor: Fast-Dry, High Durability, Scratch-Resistant Paint for Wood & Concrete Surfaces (Battleship Grey, 1-Gallon)

Rating: 8.8/10

Ready to give your outdoor living areas a serious upgrade? The EVOLVE Porch & Floor paint in Battleship Grey is here to help you transform your porch, deck, or patio. This paint is designed to make your outdoor spaces look fantastic and stay that way for a long time. It works great on both wood and concrete surfaces, giving them a fresh, new look.

What We Like:

  • Transforms your outdoor spaces: Make your porch, deck, or patio look brand new.
  • Long-lasting durability: It protects against sun, rain, stains, and lots of foot traffic.
  • Slip-resistant and safe: The paint has a special formula that prevents slips, even when wet.
  • Low maintenance: Cleaning is a breeze, saving you time and effort.
  • Professional-looking finish: It gives a smooth, even look that will impress everyone.
  • Easy application: Applying this paint is straightforward and quick.
  • Enjoy worry-free outdoor living: You can relax and enjoy your space without constant upkeep.
  • Upgrade your outdoor living: Get beauty, toughness, and convenience all in one product.
  • Available in three attractive colors: Pick the best shade for your outdoor area.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 1-gallon size might be too much or too little depending on the project size.
  • Battleship Grey is a specific color choice, and more options might be desired by some.

This EVOLVE paint offers a fantastic way to refresh your outdoor areas. You’ll love how it looks and how easy it is to maintain.

2. KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint

KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, Interior/Exterior, White, 1 Gallon

Rating: 8.9/10

Tired of damp basements and water stains on your exterior masonry? The KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint is here to help. This tough, white paint works on both the inside and outside of your home. It seals and waterproofs concrete and masonry surfaces, keeping moisture out and your walls looking great. It even uses special nanotechnology to create a strong barrier against water.

What We Like:

  • It waterproofs and seals concrete and masonry surfaces effectively.
  • The nanotechnology creates a durable barrier against water infiltration.
  • It provides a long-lasting, decorative finish.
  • It can be used on a variety of surfaces like basement walls, brick, and stucco.
  • It dries quickly to the touch and can be recoated in just 4 hours.
  • The white color is a clean, classic choice for many projects.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It is not suitable for floors or walls with active water leaks.
  • Uncoated or chalky surfaces need to be primed first with KILZ Premium Primer.
  • For below-grade applications, holes and cracks must be filled with hydraulic cement before painting.
  • A minimum of two coats is required for the best results, which means you’ll use more paint.
  • Coverage can vary greatly depending on how porous the surface is.

This KILZ paint offers a robust solution for waterproofing your basement and exterior masonry. It’s a solid choice for protecting your home from water damage and enhancing its appearance.

3. KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete & Garage Floor Paint

KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete & Garage Floor Paint, Slate Gray, Satin, Interior/Exterior Concrete Paint for Basement Floors, Porches, Driveways & Pool Decks, 1 Gallon

Rating: 9.3/10

Ready to give your concrete floors a serious upgrade? The KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete & Garage Floor Paint in Slate Gray is a fantastic option for transforming your basement, garage, porch, driveway, or even pool deck. This paint promises a durable, satin finish that looks great and holds up to daily wear and tear.

What We Like:

  • Its tough epoxy acrylic formula fights off hot tire marks, scuffs, cracks, peels, and fading.
  • You can use it inside and outside on concrete, masonry, stone, and brick surfaces.
  • It’s water-based, so it’s low in VOCs, meaning less fumes.
  • Application is a breeze with a roller or brush, and cleanup is simple with soap and water.
  • KILZ is a trusted brand with over 50 years of experience, so you know you’re getting quality.
  • The Slate Gray color offers a clean, modern look.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This paint is only for horizontal surfaces and shouldn’t be used where there’s constant heavy traffic like forklifts.
  • It’s not recommended for areas with hydrostatic pressure (water pushing from underneath).
  • This product is intended for residential use only.

This KILZ paint offers a robust and attractive solution for your concrete surfaces. It’s a reliable choice for adding both beauty and protection to your home’s floors.

4. Shuttle Art 25 Colors Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set

Shuttle Art 25 Colors Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set, 2oz/60ml Waterproof Acrylic Paint with 10 Brushes 1 Palette, Rich Pigmented Paints for Artists, Beginners on Rocks, Wood Crafts, Garden Statues

Rating: 9.0/10

Unleash your creativity outdoors with the Shuttle Art 25 Colors Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set! This comprehensive kit is designed for artists and beginners alike, offering everything you need to bring your garden and outdoor projects to life. From rocks to wood crafts and garden statues, these paints are built to withstand the elements.

What We Like:

  • A fantastic array of 25 vibrant colors, including 20 classic shades, 3 exciting glow-in-the-dark options, and 2 shimmering metallic finishes.
  • Each paint bottle holds a generous 2oz/60ml, giving you plenty of paint to work with.
  • The set includes 10 brushes, a mixing palette, a mini UV light for glow-in-the-dark fun, a color wheel, and an instructional guide – a complete package for your artistic adventures.
  • These paints are specially formulated for exceptional outdoor performance, offering superior water resistance and coverage that stands up to sun and rain, ensuring your artwork looks great for longer.
  • The glow-in-the-dark paints add a magical touch, perfect for creating spooky Halloween decorations or enchanting garden features.
  • Metallic paints add a touch of sparkle and shine, ideal for festive projects.
  • The paints work beautifully on a variety of surfaces like rocks, wood, garden statues, metal, and fabric, making them incredibly versatile.
  • It’s a wonderful gift for anyone who loves art, crafts, or enjoys decorating their outdoor spaces.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the set is very complete, some users might prefer a wider variety of brush types or sizes for more specialized techniques.
  • For very large projects, the 2oz bottles might be used up quickly, requiring additional purchases.

This Shuttle Art acrylic paint set provides a rich, pigmented experience perfect for bringing your outdoor visions to life. Its durability and included accessories make it a fantastic choice for both seasoned artists and those just starting their creative journey.

5. ALLFLOR California Paints Porch

ALLFLOR California Paints Porch, Patio, Floor Paint (1 Quart (Pack of 1), Light Gray)

Rating: 9.3/10

Tired of dull, worn-out floors? The ALLFLOR California Paints Porch, Patio, Floor Paint in Light Gray is here to refresh your spaces. This quart-sized can offers a tough, beautiful finish for all sorts of areas in your home. It’s designed to withstand everyday life and keep your floors looking great.

What We Like:

  • This enamel floor paint creates a super strong and long-lasting finish.
  • It’s made for tough conditions, resisting water, alkali, and blisters.
  • The colors don’t fade easily, even with lots of foot traffic.
  • It works on many surfaces like porches, patios, basements, and playrooms.
  • Applying it is simple with a brush or roller after cleaning the surface.
  • California Paints is known for its quality and wide range of color choices.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The product comes in a 1-quart pack, which might not be enough for very large projects.
  • Availability might be limited depending on your location.

This paint offers a fantastic way to give your floors a new lease on life. It’s a durable and attractive option for many different areas around your home.

Choosing the Best Paint for Your Concrete Project

Concrete surfaces are tough and last a long time. But sometimes, they need a little color or protection. Painting concrete is a great way to make it look new again or to add some style. This guide will help you pick the perfect paint for your concrete project.

1. Key Features to Look For

Durability and Longevity

You want paint that lasts. Look for paints made for outdoor use. They resist fading from the sun and peeling from rain and snow. Good concrete paint can handle foot traffic and even cars if it’s for a driveway.

Adhesion

This means how well the paint sticks to the concrete. The better it sticks, the longer it will last. Paints with good adhesion won’t chip or flake easily.

Water Resistance

Concrete can soak up water. This can cause problems like cracking in cold weather. Water-resistant paint protects your concrete from moisture damage.

Slip Resistance

If you’re painting a patio, pool deck, or walkway, you need paint that isn’t slippery when wet. Many concrete paints have additives that give them a bit of grip.

UV Resistance

Sunlight can fade colors over time. UV-resistant paint keeps its color bright for longer, even in sunny spots.

2. Important Materials

Concrete paint is made with different ingredients that affect its performance. Here are some common types:

  • Acrylic Latex Paints: These are popular because they are water-based, easy to clean up, and dry fast. They work well for many concrete surfaces.
  • Epoxy Paints: These are very strong and durable. They are often used for garage floors because they can handle heavy traffic and chemicals like oil. They usually come in two parts that you mix together.
  • Elastomeric Coatings: These are flexible. They can stretch and move with the concrete, which helps prevent cracking. They are good for surfaces that might expand or contract with temperature changes.
  • Silicate-Based Sealers: These actually soak into the concrete and harden it from the inside. They offer excellent protection against water and wear.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Preparation is Key

How you prepare the concrete surface is super important. If the concrete is dirty, oily, or old paint is peeling, the new paint won’t stick well. Always clean the surface thoroughly. You might need to pressure wash it. Letting it dry completely is also vital.

Primer Use

A good primer helps the paint stick better and makes the color look more even. Some paints don’t need a primer, but using one often improves the final result.

Application Method

Using the right tools makes a difference. Rollers are good for large areas. Brushes work for edges and details. Some paints can be sprayed. Applying thin, even coats is better than one thick coat.

Environmental Conditions

Don’t paint when it’s too hot, too cold, or too humid. Extreme temperatures can affect how the paint dries and adheres. Always check the paint can for recommended temperature ranges.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

People use concrete paint for many reasons.

  • Homeowners paint patios to make them look nice for outdoor living. They also paint basement floors to make them cleaner and more attractive. Garage floors get painted to protect them from car fluids and make them easier to clean.
  • For driveways, durable and slip-resistant paints are a must. They need to withstand cars driving on them and weather.
  • Around pools, slip-resistant coatings are essential for safety. They also need to handle pool chemicals and constant moisture.
  • Commercial spaces use concrete paint to improve the look of sidewalks, walkways, and industrial floors.

Overall, choosing the right concrete paint means looking at how long it will last, how well it sticks, and if it can handle the weather and use it will get. Good preparation and proper application will give you a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Paint

Q: What is the best type of paint for a garage floor?

A: Epoxy paints are usually the best for garage floors. They are very strong and can resist oil, grease, and heavy vehicle traffic.

Q: Do I need to prime my concrete before painting?

A: It’s often a good idea to prime. Primer helps the paint stick better and can make the color look more even. Some paints say you don’t need it, but priming usually leads to a better result.

Q: How long does concrete paint usually last?

A: With good preparation and the right type of paint, concrete paint can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years or even longer. This depends on the traffic, weather, and how well it was applied.

Q: Can I paint concrete when it’s damp?

A: No, it’s very important that the concrete is completely dry before you paint it. If it’s damp, the paint won’t stick properly and will likely peel or bubble.

Q: What’s the difference between concrete paint and a concrete sealer?

A: Paint adds color and a protective layer on top of the concrete. A sealer soaks into the concrete to protect it from within and can sometimes add a bit of sheen, but it doesn’t usually change the color much.

Q: How should I clean my concrete before painting?

A: You should clean it very well. This means sweeping away loose dirt and debris. You might need to scrub it with a concrete cleaner and water. A pressure washer can also be very effective.

Q: Can I paint over old paint on concrete?

A: Yes, but you need to make sure the old paint is in good condition. If it’s peeling or flaking, you’ll need to remove it first. Then, you should clean and possibly prime the surface before applying the new paint.

Q: Is concrete paint slippery?

A: Some concrete paints can be slippery, especially when wet. Look for paints that are labeled as “slip-resistant” or consider adding a non-slip additive to your paint, especially for patios or pool decks.

Q: How many coats of concrete paint do I need?

A: Usually, two thin coats are better than one thick coat. This helps ensure even coverage and better durability. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint can.

Q: Can I use regular house paint on concrete?

A: It’s best not to. Regular house paint isn’t designed to handle the wear and tear, moisture, and potential chemical exposure that concrete surfaces often face. Concrete paints are specifically formulated for these conditions.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.