Concrete paint is a great way to dress up dull surfaces, and the best ones also seal and waterproof them.
Some of the paints are acrylic latex, while others are epoxy. Both have their pros and cons, so make sure you know which one is right for your project.
Depending on where you're going to use the product and how much traffic it will get, it may need more than one coat. You'll also want to wait for it to fully dry before you walk on it.
Water-based
Water-based concrete coatings include acrylic polymers that attach themselves to the surface and in the top layer of the concrete, guarding it against stains, fading, and more. They are usually milky white in appearance and may have a matte finish after curing.
If you want a more glossy look, you can purchase an epoxy sealer that will add a hard, glossy surface. However, this type of coating can wear out more quickly and must be reapplied more often than other types of protective coats.
SureCrete's ColorTec Acrylic WB is a 30% solids, low VOC (less than 100 grams per Liter), strong binding, color, satin acrylic sealer for overlays or any cement based product. It contains a hybrid, self-cross-linking acrylic resin with built-in water repellents and tenacious penetration and adhesion. Pigments are specifically formulated for UV stability, will not blush, and retain long gloss retention.
Oil-based
Penetrating concrete sealers provide a barrier across the surface of the concrete, which keeps it from absorbing water, soil, and chemicals. They also prevent stains from entering the pores of the concrete, which can help keep floors from looking dirty and discolored.
However, penetrating concrete sealers aren’t 100% stain-proof and can allow oil based liquids to penetrate the concrete if they sit for a while. This can be a problem in factories where cutting fluids and lubricating oils are used, or in garage floors where forklifts move heavy machinery around or wood pallets get dropped and slid.
Newer concrete sealers are oleophobic, which means they repel oil more effectively. This is a much better method of oil staining prevention, as the oils and other petroleum products are more likely to run or bead onto the surface rather than sit flat on it. Older, hydrophobic concrete sealers simply don’t do this very well and are much more prone to allowing oil stains to set in.
Stain
When it comes to coating concrete, many homeowners choose a stain instead of paint. This is because staining provides a more natural look and usually does not chip or peel like a paint film.
However, you must take the time to properly prepare the concrete before you apply a stain. This includes removing any grease, dirt, oil or other contaminants that could inhibit the stain from penetrating and coloring the concrete.
Another important consideration is the type of stain you use. There are many types of stains to choose from, including acid stains, water-based stains and solvent stains.
In general, water-based stains are easier to apply and dry faster than acid stains. They are also available in a wider range of colors. They are safe to use and are lower in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than acid stains.
Paint
A paint concrete coating can be a great way to transform an old, dull masonry surface into a clean and shiny new one. The best ones protect the concrete from fluids, resist stains and provide a non-slip surface for safe walking.
There are many types of paints to choose from when painting a concrete surface, including latex, epoxy and acrylic-based formulas. Each type offers different features and is best suited to specific surfaces and uses.
Epoxy paint is often used on garage floors because of its durability, long-lasting shine and decorative color flakes. However, it requires more prep work and is more expensive than latex.
On the other hand, acrylic-based concrete paints are cheaper and easier to apply, but may not be as durable. Some are also more prone to peeling than others.
