How to Paint Over Concrete

Our Answer

Go Spartans?  Or more accurately, Go Away Spartans!  So you find yourself in a sea of green?  The best approach isn’t to necessarily strip the old paint as this is an almost impossible job when it comes to masonry.  Better yet, you should paint over it.  Here are the steps:

1.  Remove the loose paint.  Use a wire brush to remove as much of the old paint as comes off.  You can’t put good paint over bad paint or it will peel.  Now, if you REALLY want to remove the old paint, the best approach is sandblasting but that can damage the masonry if it’s not done carefully.

2. Next, apply a masonry primer.  I’d use an oil-based primer from a well known manufacturer like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams.

3.  The apply two coats of exterior masonry paint over the primer.

The problem with paint is that after you paint you have to eventually repaint.  But following this procedure will give you a finish that will keep that Michegan green from peaking out last as long as possible!