Painting concrete pavers is an excellent choice if you want to add some color to your outdoor living space. But before you run to the hardware store, you need to know what kind of paint and primer is best for the job.
The best option for concrete pavers is acrylic paint with a high-build formula containing binders and solvents to help it stick to the pavers’ surface. The primer should also be acrylic-based. Using a primer helps create a good bond between the paint and the paver.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 4 factors to consider when choosing paint for concrete pavers
- What type of paint to use
- What finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for concrete pavers
The 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Concrete Pavers
1. Purpose of the Pavers
The primary purpose of your concrete pavers is the first factor to consider when choosing a paint. Will they be used for foot traffic, vehicular traffic, or both? The answer to that question will guide you in selecting the right paint to withstand traffic and wear and tear.
2. Weather and Climate
Your climate and the weather in your area can impact the longevity of your painted concrete pavers. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, such as strong UV rays, heavy rain, or snow, you must opt for paint that resists these weather elements. In contrast, you have more options if you live in an area with a mild climate.
3. Type of Paint
The most critical factor is choosing the type of paint you need for the project. The importance lies in that some paints are specially formulated for concrete surfaces and will provide a better bond than regular paint.
4. Paint Quality
Selecting high-quality paint for your pavers can save money and time and reduce overall maintenance costs. High-quality paint guarantees adhesion and long-lasting durability.
In comparison, lower-quality paints are less resilient and tend to peel within the first few years of application, requiring regular maintenance and ultimately costing you more money in the long run.
Invest in a high-quality paint formulated to resist stains, chips, and scratches and maintain your concrete pavers’ overall quality throughout the years.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers, silicone oils, defoamers, stabilizers, or metal. It is water-soluble and very stable, with good adhesion to many surfaces.
Pros
- Durable and weather resistant
- Quick drying time
- Easy to clean up with soap and water
- Can be used for a variety of painting techniques
- Non-toxic and safe for use indoors
Cons
- It can be difficult to remove
- May require multiple coats for full coverage
- Not suitable for outdoor use in extreme temperatures
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint is a type of paint that uses oil as its primary solvent. It is known for its durability and resistance to water, making it a popular choice for painting concrete surfaces.
Pros
- Durable and resistant to water
- Good coverage
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting finish
Cons
- Takes longer to dry than other types of paint
- Strong odor while drying
- Requires mineral spirits or turpentine for cleanup
- Not environmentally friendly due to VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
What Paint Finish Is Best?
When it comes to painting concrete pavers, the paint finish you choose can significantly impact the durability and overall appearance of the finished product. The two primary options are satin and gloss finish.
A satin finish provides a non-reflective, subtle sheen perfect for a more subdued, low-key look. This type of finish works well with concrete pavers with an understated texture or design, as it won’t detract from the overall look.
Additionally, a satin finish is more forgiving regarding minor surface imperfections, making it an excellent choice for old pavers with cracks or other issues.
A gloss finish, on the other hand, provides a high-reflective, shiny finish that’s perfect for creating a bold statement with your concrete pavers.
This type of finish works well with concrete pavers that have a smooth, uniform surface, as it will highlight the texture and color of the pavers.
Ultimately, deciding which paint finish to use for your concrete pavers will depend on your style and the look you’re trying to achieve.
The Best Paint and Primer for Concrete Pavers
Best Paint
KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating is the ultimate solution if you’re looking for the best paint to apply to your concrete pavers. It’s specifically designed to provide a durable, protective finish that enhances the look of your porous concrete, masonry, stone pavers, or brick surfaces.
One of the most notable features of this advanced formula is its ability to fill in hairline cracks, which helps to prevent further damage and maintain the beauty of your pavers.
KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating can withstand hot tires, dirt, and grease, making it an ideal option for driveways, garages, walkways, patios, porches, and pool decks.
You’ll appreciate the slip-resistant surface this product creates, especially for pool decks and walkways. And not only is the product easy to apply, but it won’t require much maintenance, saving you time and money.
When it comes to coverage, KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating covers approximately 60 square feet per gallon (1.4m² per liter).
Apply two coats to achieve optimal results. Additional coats may help hide previous surface imperfections or cover over dark colors. The paint dries to touch in one hour, but you should wait three to four hours before recoating.
Best Industrial-grade Paint
Sherwin-Williams ArmorSeal Tread-Plex Acrylic Water-based Coating is a top-quality industrial paint that is highly recommended for painting concrete pavers.
This paint is specifically designed to provide a tough, alkali-resistant finish that can withstand hard wear, abrasion, grease, oils, and cleaning equipment, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
One of the key benefits of Armorseal Tread-Plex is its fast drying time, which is a significant advantage in industrial settings where time is of the essence. Additionally, it has a slip-resistant property which makes it perfect for areas that are prone to slipperiness.
The abrasion resistance of ArmorSeal Tread-Plex is unparalleled, making it suitable for areas that need to handle heavy loads and frequent traffic. Its outstanding application properties ensure that it goes on smoothly and evenly, leaving no blemishes or spots on the surface.
Apart from its excellent attributes, Sherwin-Williams ArmorSeal Tread-Plex Acrylic Water-based Coating is also easy to clean up, thanks to its one-component, water-based formulation. The cleanup process is a breeze, requiring only soap and water, allowing for a quick return to service.
Best Primer
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 All Surface Primer is the top choice for those who are painting concrete pavers.
This primer is versatile and can be used on various surfaces such as drywall, wood, masonry, metal, and glossy surfaces. It is also ideal for use on new or previously painted surfaces, making it an outstanding multipurpose primer.
Moreover, this primer has a unique water-based formula that ensures uniform sealing and sticking to the surface without sanding. This feature saves time and energy, making the primer a perfect choice for those that want to complete their projects quickly.
Another benefit of using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 All Surface Primer is its fast-drying feature. It dries within 35 minutes and is ready to topcoat within one hour.
With excellent stain-blocking resistance, this primer can be used with any oil or latex topcoat, making it suitable for various applications.
Additionally, its one-coat hide saves time and money, making it a popular choice among professional painters. It improves the hide and coverage of topcoats, ensuring that your painting project looks flawless.