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What Paint to Use on the Inside of Concrete Walls?

Add a coat of the right paint to brighten and decorate interior concrete walls. Concrete or concrete block is often used in the construction of basements and garages. While sturdy and durable, the concrete is typically very drab in appearance. It takes more than a traditional paint job to spruce up the gray walls. The right paint and process are necessary to achieve an attractive and long-lasting result.
  1. Acrylic

    • Acrylic paint offers lasting color for interior concrete walls. A gloss or semigloss acrylic, when applied correctly, is washable, making it good for rooms where little hands will be touching the walls. For a concrete block wall, consider using a filler in the masonry areas and smoothing it with a trowel to create a completely flat surface. Prime or seal the entire wall to prevent excessive absorption of the paint. Roll the paint onto the primed and dry surface with a long-haired roller. Cover the entire area with two coats of the paint and wait for it to dry. Evaluate the need for a third coat depending on the coverage of the first two coats.

    Latex

    • Latex is a common paint for interiors. If other parts of your home are painted with this water-based paint, you may wish to create a uniform appearance in your home and use latex on a concrete wall. Latex is an option for interior concrete walls — as long as you use the correct procedure. Seal the wall with a polymer-based sealant. Apply two to three coats of the latex paint and allow it to dry. Finish the process with a clear coat designed to protect and seal. This seal assists in preventing fading and allows the wall to be washed.

    Epoxy

    • Varieties of epoxy paint are made for use on walls. If you're choosing an epoxy, be sure the formulation includes thixotrophic additives. These additives allow the epoxy to stick to the wall and not run off. Consult with a professional at the paint store to make sure you purchase the proper product. When painting, be sure to provide plenty of ventilation. There are distinct advantages to painting an interior concrete wall with epoxy paint. One of these advantages is that no priming or sealing is required. The paint does not require a clear coat finish and is not highly affected by moisture.

    Tinted Primers

    • If you only want a small amount of color for an interior concrete wall, tinted primer may be the solution. Tinted primers seal the concrete the way a regular primer does, but instead of being clear, they have added pigments that give a slight color or tint to the wall when applied. Spray on the primer for smooth coverage. A second coat, though not necessary for sealing, may be desired for additional color on the wall. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully, as some tints are designed for a two-step mixing process.