Before attempting the patio painting project I have been informed of having to do, need to know before hand how to prep the patio cement.

Specifics & Details:
Cement patio surface is smooth type with areas of high foot traffic. Cement has been in place for many many years. Surface cleaned yearly with soap, brushed and scrubbed, then hosed off. Frequent cleaning done with water only from hard spray water hose.

Questions Are:
What, if anything other then cleaning with water only, should or might need to be done prior to surface painting???

If something should need to be done prior, exactly what? Kindly provide specifics and details.

If some chemical is needed for either cleaning or prepping, exactly what is it???? Kindly provide specifics and details.

As of presently, FYI, type of paint or brand nor color has yet been selected by the boss lady...LOL!...


However, the DIY project has been outlined and the task assigned to yours truely....

Kindly provide specifics and details. Boss lady may hold you accountable....

 

I don't like to paint concrete patios because there is a high failure rate. The main reason for paint failure is moisture migrating up thru the concrete lifting the paint. Some slabs are worse than others mainly because of the conditions under the slab. Slabs poured over gravel/sand and/or have a vapor barrier are less likely to have coating failures. IMO, a solid concrete stain is a safer bet than using a porch and deck enamel. I'm partial to the H&C brand that SWP sells.

The biggest thing with prep is making sure that the concrete is both clean and dry. I normally use a pressure washer along with TSP and an old broom to scrub with. Add bleach to the mix if there is any mildew. Rinse well. Slick finished concrete might need muratic acid to open up the 'pores' enough to accept the coating but generally an older slick finished slab is porous enough. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the slab to dry out after cleaning before applying any coating.

It's always good to follow the instructions stated on the can since the manufacture wants you to be a satisfied customer. Advice might change some depending on coating used and the slab's condition and environment.


Let the misses know all my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee

 

Hi: Mark

Thanks for the professional advice and suggestions....

I never thought of using a stain....

Maybe I should have worded the question using a coating? Instead of paint? Which would then have included paint and/or stain??? At least you got my intent.... Cement needs a coating of some sort.

Next two questions since you mentioned them.

H&C brand??? Define and/or explain what H&C brand means. H&C stands for what?

SWP sells??? Who or what is SWP?...

Intent is to buy the brand(s) you would use, suggest and/or prefer. Since you're a professional and the retail store in my area may not have as knowledgeable person on duty day I show up...

 

SWP - sherwin williams paints

H&C is a brand name of concrete stains. I've always bought it at SWP, I think they bought the company so I'm not sure if it's sold elsewhere. Generally if you go to your local paint store [most any brand] they will have someone there that is knowledgeable about the coating you need to use for the job at hand. When they don't know, they have the advantage of asking the pros that trade there. Paint depts in larger stores generally have poorly informed help and usually stock coatings based more or low price than quality.

Almost all my painting experience is in the southeast. Painting conditions and best coatings to use can change a little depending on the environment so it's always best to check with the locals to make sure what works best in one locale is always the best choice for yours as well.


H&C Concrete - A comprehensive line for all your decorative concrete needs

I've only used their solid solvent based stains but they have a wider range of stains/sealers than they used too.