How to Paint a Concrete Driveway

Having a decrepit driveway can bring down your home’s curb appeal and value. However there is an easy way to fix that. A freshly painted concrete driveway can create a newness in your front yard. Below are the steps required to paint a concrete driveway.

Clean

Sweep all dust and debris from the driveway with a broom. Be sure to note any holes or scratches that will need to be patched with concrete fillers, and be sure to let the filler dry. Sand the fillers afterwards to create an even surface.

Also be sure to remove any oil or grease stains by mixing ¼ cup of trisodium phosphate in a gallon of warm water. Wear protective gloves and use a bristle brush to scrub any stains out.

Lastly, be sure to rinse your driveway down with a hard stream from a hose. Concrete is porous, so you will need to allow up to two days for a completely dry surface.

Colors

While driveways are usually a flat black surface, they can be painted any color. Some homeowners have been very successful in tying their color scheme into their driveway. Although remember, a lighter color driveway can be susceptible to spills and stains. Some popular colors are beiges, grays, and pinks.

Paint

Painting your concrete driveway is best done on a cooler day, or in the morning before the day heats up. Both concrete and paint get very hot in direct sunlight and can be hard to work with. Professionals sometimes recommend using a concrete bonding primer before you begin painting. Concrete bonding primer acts similarly to wall primer, providing the paint a good texture to stick to.

With a wide brush, paint in the edges of the driveway. With a solid border, it’s easier to fill in with a roller, and allows that step to be finished more quickly. Begin at the top of the driveway and then roll in sections about 3 feet wide working from side to side. Make sure to keep a wet edge and work in patches until you reach the street.

Be sure to give your paint time to dry before starting the second coat. When your second coat finishes drying, be sure to follow the paint manufacturer’s guidelines for how long to wait before driving or walking on your newly painted driveway.

Need some help?

Our experts at CertaPro Painters® of SW Washington would love to help you with your project. We offer a wide variety of services, including power washing. Give us a call at 360-836-1133 with any questions, or schedule a free online estimate today!