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What Kind of Primer Do You Use on Concrete to Make Your Paint Stay On?

Concrete walls are often left unpainted in basements, giving the area an uninviting appearance. Although covering the walls with drywall is an option to create a better living space, applying a coat of paint is a simpler and more economical solution. To get the best results, however, the walls must be primed with a primer suitable for concrete walls. Taking the time to prime the walls will keep the paint from chipping and peeling, giving you a more satisfactory end result.
  1. Acrylic Primers

    • Before painting any wall surface, the application of a primer is recommended. An acrylic all-purpose primer is suitable for any wall surface. For the best results on concrete walls, however, a primer designed specifically for concrete or block walls is recommended. According to the Housepainting 101 website, masonry primers are designed to protect a surface from lime burn, discoloration and efflorescence -- the white film that appears on masonry as a result of water moving through the concrete. Acrylic masonry primers are recommended for both interior or exterior concrete walls or stucco finishes. Block fill is an acrylic primer used for interior or exterior cinder block walls that are new or unpainted. If the concrete wall surface is heavily stained from substances like water, nicotine or crayons, a stain blocking primer is the best solution.

    Preparation

    • Choosing a primer is not the only consideration when painting a concrete wall. Just as with any painting task, a concrete wall must be prepared properly. Remove all dust and debris from the wall by sweeping or wiping with a cloth. If there is peeling paint, it must be removed by scraping it with a wire brush. Wash the wall with a mild detergent and water solution and a scrub brush to remove grime, grease and stains from the wall. When the wall is clean, repair cracks in the mortar and concrete by applying mortar and concrete patching material to holes or cracks. Be sure the wall is completely dry before proceeding to prime the surface. Moisture in the concrete will compromise the durability of the painted surface, causing the paint to peel and crack.

    Painting

    • Apply an acrylic masonry or block fill primer to your wall using a roller. Be sure to cover all mortar joints as well as the wall. Apply two coats of paint designed for use on masonry surfaces for best adhesion and durability.

    Tips

    • Allow fresh concrete to cure at least 28 days before painting. Use a concrete sprayer on exterior walls if you prefer. Be sure to cover landscaping to prevent getting paint on plants.