Do You Paint or Stain Bi-Level Exterior Sand Concrete?

Preparation

• Preparation is critical in painting or staining an exterior concrete foundation. An older foundation must be thoroughly cleaned of any dirt or stains. Sand-blasting or power-washing is recommended. A thorough scrubbing with a wire brush might be adequate for a smaller area. A new foundation can only be painted after it is completely dry, which takes about 30 days in normal weather. The concrete contractor can tell you when it is safe to paint or stain the material.

Primers

• A foundation that is above ground level has less moisture problems than painting concrete that is in contact with the ground where water can leak through. A sealant may not be necessary in this case, but a primer is important to give the paint a surface to hold onto. A block filler primer is good for older concrete while a 100 percent acrylic emulsion conditioner is good on new masonry. After the primer dries, paint over it with an exterior concrete paint of your choice.

Staining

• Staining concrete actually colors the top layer of the material that makes up the foundation. A commercial acid-based chemical is mixed with water then applied to the concrete. Using rags to wipe the chemical onto the foundation is better than using a brush. Wipe a section of the foundation in one direction then repeat in another direction to make sure the stain goes on evenly.

Color Range

• Depending upon the chemical in the stain, the results can range through the spectrum, from orange-brown, dark brown and tan to green and bluish-green. Applying the stain more than once will darken the color and leave behind a wall that is one-of-a-kind. It takes several days for the full color to reveal itself. Because there is no guarantee on the exact shade or even the effectiveness of the stain, it is a good idea to practice on an inconspicuous area first.