How to Choose the Best Concrete Paint

Looking for the best concrete paint? You’re going to want to consider more than just color and surface finish.

There are lots of projects that might require the use of special concrete paint, including any time you’re painting concrete or cement surfaces in your garage, basement, or backyard. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for these areas, and—depending on which hue you choose—can bring in an unexpected pop of color to an otherwise unassuming space.

Of course, any time that you’re painting a non-traditional surface you need to make sure that you’re using the right type of paint. In this case, you’ll want a paint that’s optimized for use on concrete, keeping in mind that the best concrete paint will almost always carry over for use on cement surfaces as well (though you might want to ask the store associate when you place your order, just in case).

Here’s how to pick out the perfect concrete paint to get the job done right, plus additional tips on how to get optimal results when painting concrete or cement surfaces at your home.

Why paint concrete?

Painting concrete can give it a completely updated look, and it’s a great way to take otherwise drab surfaces and turn them into interesting focal points in your space. For instance, a coat or two of paint can serve as a cost-effective alternative to drywalling a cement block wall when you want to finish your basement. It can also provide some creative visual interest to normally drab spaces—like the floor of your garage.

Other benefits include the fact that painting is a super easy and affordable DIY project, and it also provides good coverage if you’re looking to hide imperfections but don’t necessarily want to spring for new concrete slabbing (a standard square foot block of concrete will run you about $6, meaning you’d end up spending about $600 for a 10 foot x 10 foot slab, versus $50 or so for a gallon of concrete paint).

What about concrete paint vs. stain? Acid-based stains are another popular option for revamping concrete surfaces and actually penetrate into the concrete itself for longer-lasting coverage. However, concrete is a notoriously non-uniform material, so without that top layer of saturation you’re unlikely to end up with even coverage.

Concrete paint, on the other hand, fills pores right on the surface, meaning you end up with a much more even look. Do be aware though that paint won’t last quite as long as stain—especially if you’re driving on the surface or giving it a lot of foot traffic. Chips and peels are common, and you may need to do an occasional touch-up to keep the surface looking nice.

Choosing the best concrete paint for your project

The best concrete paint is highly durable and able to hold up to pressure and use. It’s also stain and fluid resistant, and provides you with a non-slip surface so that you can safely walk on it.

There are two main types of concrete paint that fit the bill: acrylic latex and epoxy. Which one you choose for your project depends on the overall look that you want to achieve, how much you want to spend, and how much effort you want to put into the job.

Acrylic latex concrete paint

This is a water-based formula that applies pretty much like any other standard acrylic paint you might use in your home.

The biggest benefit to opting for acrylic latex paint for concrete is that there are no special tools, materials, or process steps to follow—just paint as you normally would. The downside is that this type of concrete paint isn’t super durable. While it should last for a long time on walls, if you use it on concrete flooring you’ll likely have to redo it every few years.

Note too that acrylic latex paint isn’t inherently non-slip, so if you plan to be walking on it you’ll want to look for a formula with slip-resistant additives mixed in.

Epoxy concrete paint

The other best concrete paint option is epoxy, which is a go-to choice for the pros. It’s a two step process—prior to rolling it on you’ll need to mix your epoxy formula, which consists of a resin and a hardener—which can be a bit intimidating for home improvement DIYers.

Epoxy offers a number of key advantages over acrylic latex paint, namely a much more durable and long-lasting surface and much more expensive-looking one, too. Epoxy-painted concrete or cement will have a nice glossy sheen, making it an ideal choice for painting rooms that you intend to show off.

Still not sure which way to go? Here’s a quick look at how acrylic latex and epoxy paints compare:

Acrylic latex paint

Epoxy paint

    • More durable
    • Longer lasting
    • More weather resistant
    • Glossier finish
    • Stands up better to regular cleanings

    Both varieties of concrete paint can be found in a wide range of colors, and both will effectively cover up a standard gray concrete slab. To figure out the best one for your needs, consider what your intended use is for the space. If it’s a walkable surface that you intend to spend a lot of time on, epoxy may be the way to go.

    How to prep concrete floor for paint

    Choosing the best concrete paint is one thing—actually painting concrete is another. You’ll have a specific painting process to follow depending on whether you go with acrylic latex or epoxy concrete paint, but your basic prep work will look pretty much the same either way.

    Use these steps to prep your concrete or cement floor prior to applying your paint so that you get even coverage and don’t accidentally end up trapping any dirt or debris under your pretty paint job.

    Do a moisture test

    Sweep, scrape, and wash

    Patch any cracks

      • Watch the weather. If it’s too cold or too hot your concrete paint won’t be able to set properly. Look at the directions on your paint can to see what the optimal temperature is, which is usually at least 35 degrees Fahrenheit. And in addition to temperature, avoid painting if the air is too humid, since that too will interact with the finish.
      • Prime first. A great concrete paint starts with primer. Look for concrete-specific primer, also called block primer, which will help even out the surface and provide you with much more effective coverage.
      • Use a brush for the perimeters and roll on the rest. Just like painting an interior wall, the most efficient way to paint concrete surfaces is to paint your edges with a brush and then fill in everywhere else using a roller. Be careful though not to paint yourself into a corner!