Achieve a Flawless Finish with Exterior Concrete Painting
                     Exterior Concrete Painting 
Guide for a Flawless 
FTranisnforims yohur dull concrete surfaces into stunning outdoor 
features with our comprehensive painting guide. Whether you're 
updating a tired patio, refreshing exterior steps, revitalising a 
driveway, or enhancing concrete walls, proper technique is 
essential for creating beautiful, long-lasting results that withstand 
the elements.
Transforming Concrete 
Surfaces
With the right approach, ordinary concrete can be transformed into an 
extraordinary feature of your home's exterior. Painted concrete not only 
enhances kerb appeal but also adds value to your property while 
extending the life of the surface.
Following expert techniques ensures your painted concrete will resist:
•Weather damage and moisture penetration
• UV deterioration and colour fading
• Staining and surface wear
•Mould and mildew growth
Understanding Concrete 
Paint
1 2 3
Acrylic Latex Epoxy Concrete Masonry/Elastomeric 
BCeosnt fcorre lotwe- tPraaffiinc tareas like IPdaeainl ftor high-traffic areas like PPearfienctt for textured surfaces and 
walls and decorative elements driveways and garage floors exterior walls
• Excellent colour retention and • Superior durability and • Fills minor cracks and 
UV resistance resistance to chemicals imperfections
•Water-based for easy cleanup • Forms a hard, seamless • Highly flexible to prevent 
• Good breathability prevents • Asuvrafialacbele in decorative flake • Ecrxaccekllienngt waterproofing 
moisture buildup systems • pThroicpkeerrt iaepsplication requires 
•More affordable option with • Two-part formula requires special rollers
decent durability precise mixing
Preparing Exterior Concrete 
SPropuer rprfepaaractioen iss the foundation of a successful concrete painting project. 
Skipping these critical steps will lead to premature failure of your paint job.
Clean Thoroughly
Remove dirt, oil, and debris using a pressure washer (1500-3000 
PSI). For oil stains, apply a degreaser and scrub with a stiff brush. 
Allow 24-48 hours to dry completely.
Etch Smooth Surfaces
Apply concrete etcher to smooth or sealed surfaces. This creates a 
profile for paint adhesion. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
Remove Old Paint
Strip loose or peeling paint with a wire brush or paint scraper. For 
extensive removal, use a chemical stripper or mechanical grinder.
Patching Cracks and Smoothing 
Defects
Addressing surface imperfections before painting is crucial for a professional 
finish and long-term durability. Even small cracks can expand over time, 
compromising your paint job.
Step-by-Step Repair 
Process:
1.Widen hairline cracks slightly with a chisel to create better bonding
1.Clean debris from cracks using a wire brush
1.Fill small cracks (under 1/4 inch) with concrete crack sealant
1.Fill larger cracks with concrete patching compound
1.Smooth with putty knife or margin trowel, feathering edges
1.Allow patches to cure completely (typically 24 hours)
1.Sand with 120-grit sandpaper for a smooth transition
Priming for Optimum 
Adhesion
A quality bonding primer creates the perfect foundation for your concrete paint, dramatically improving adhesion and 
longevity. This step is particularly crucial for exterior surfaces that face harsh weather conditions.
Primer Selection Application Drying Time
Technique
• Choose a primer specifically • Use a 9-inch roller with 1/2- • Allow primer to dry completely 
formulated for exterior inch nap for even coverage (4-24 hours)
• Lcooonkcr feotre "bonding primer" on • Apply in sections of 3-4 square • Test dryness in shadiest area
the label feet at a time • Extend drying time in humid 
• Consider moisture-blocking •Work primer into porous areas conditions
primers for ground-level with a brush • Do not apply paint over tacky 
• Tsuinrtfeadce psrimer can improve • Apply thin, even coat (avoid primer
topcoat coverage pooling)
Choosing and Applying Concrete 
Paainitn Stelection Based on 
Use:
Area Recommended Paint
Patio & Steps Acrylic latex with anti-slip additive
Driveway Epoxy or polyurethane
Walls Elastomeric or masonry paint
Pool Surrounds Concrete pool deck paint
Application Process:
1.Stir paint thoroughly (do not shake)
1.Cut in edges with a brush
1.Apply with a 9-inch roller in thin, uniform coats
1.Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks
1.Wait 4-24 hours between coats (follow manufacturer's instructions)
1.Apply minimum of two coats for durability
Sealing for Protection and 
Longevity
A quality concrete sealer is the final essential step that protects your painting investment from the elements. This transparent 
protective layer shields against moisture, UV damage, and daily wear while enhancing the colour and finish of your painted 
concrete.
Prepare the 
Choose the Right SEnusrufraec peaint is fully cured (typically 3-7 days). Clean the 
SSeeleaclte ar water-based acrylic sealer for painted surfaces. surface thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. The 
Look for "non-yellowing" and "UV resistant" on the label. surface must be completely dry before sealing.
Consider the finish you want—options range from matte 
to high-gloss.
Apply in Alternating 
Apply in Thin ADpiprelyc tthieo nsescond coat perpendicular to the first for 
UCsoea at spump sprayer or lambswool applicator for even complete coverage. Allow 2-4 hours between coats. Wait 
coverage. Apply thin coats—thick application leads to 24-48 hours before allowing foot traffic, and 72 hours for 
bubbling and clouding. Two thin coats provide better vehicle traffic.
protection than one thick coat.
Reach Us At
Us Specialty Coatings
1000 McFarland 400 Blvd 
Alpharetta, GA 30004
770-740-8123
[email protected]
usscproducts.com