How to Select the Best Concrete Paint or Stain

If you have a porch, patio or driveway that could use a makeover, consider concrete paint. If you do the proper prep work, porch and floor paint can be used on concrete, wood or even primed metal. There are a few types to choose from. We’ll explain the differences and benefits of each.

Acrylic
The most popular porch and floor paint is made of 100% acrylic. Acrylic paint is easy to apply and can be cleaned up with soap and water. It’s chemical based and has some elasticity, so it’ll expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions. Acrylic concrete floor paint will dry quickly, is fade-resistant and is tintable to most colors that we sell. It’s also low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so it’s environmentally friendly and has little odor.

Latex
Latex concrete patio paints are water based and the most environmentally friendly. Latex paint can endure exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and is fade-resistant. It doesn’t crack, peel or yellow.

Oil Based
Traditionally, oil-based exterior paint has been the strongest and most durable finish of all types. But latex and acrylic paint have improved, and they’re more environmentally friendly. Oil-based paint has a high-gloss finish that can stand up to the elements. It dries quickly and is scuff- and peel-resistant.

Concrete stain is a great option if you’re looking for a transparent or semi-transparent finish. Apply one color for a natural stone appearance, or you can create a custom pattern with several colors. Concrete stain is also available in solid colors. The most popular finish is clear, but concrete stain colors include white, brown and gray. You can also purchase a tintable base to match dozens of popular hues.

Concrete stain can be used on patios, walkways and pool decks. It can even be used inside for mudrooms, laundry rooms or basements. Look for concrete floor stain that resists dirt, stains, salt and fading. For long-lasting results, use a clear sealer as a top coat. Use a concrete stain that includes a sealer for quick application and convenience.

To create a protective surface in a garage, consider garage floor paint. Garage paint can be composed of polycuramine, latex or acrylic, but the two most popular applications are epoxy or oil-based paint. They’re ideal for interior concrete areas like garages, workspaces or basements.

Epoxy

Epoxy is easy to apply and highly resistant to automobile fluids like battery acid, brake cleaner and oil. Epoxy-coated floors prevent hot tires from pulling up the floor paint, which is known as hot-tire pickup. For a more durable, longer-lasting finish, use a garage floor primer before painting.

Oil Based
Oil-based garage paint comes in a glossy finish and a wide variety of solid colors. The latest oil-based paints can be applied directly to the surface without acid etching. With an oil-based paint, you don’t need to use a primer, base coat or top coat, so it’s convenient and easy to apply. This paint resists chemicals, scratches, chips and UV rays. It can also be used on porches, sidewalks and patio floors.

Color
The most popular concrete paint and stain colors are gray, brown, black and white. But there are pre-tinted or tintable stains and paint that come in hundreds of colors to suit any porch, driveway, pool or garage.

Sheen
Depending on the look that you’re trying to achieve, exterior concrete paint and stain are available in finishes ranging from flat and matte to satin, semi-gloss and gloss.