Can I Use House Paint on Cement?

Vertical Cement

• Interior latex house paint is appropriate for interior vertical cement surfaces. It is not appropriate on exterior vertical cement surfaces, which require an exterior acrylic latex paint. Vertical cement surfaces also require a base coat of latex primer, prior to painting.

Horizontal cement

• House paint is not appropriate for horizontal cement surfaces. A two-part epoxy paint or acrylic floor paint is best suited for these types of services.

Considerations

• Unlike vertical cement, horizontal cement surfaces require an acid etch, prior to painting. A base coat of primer is not necessary as long as horizontal cement is etched.