I’m thinking about painting the exposed part of my poured concrete foundation before I put landscaping in place. Does anyone have any suggestion on either using a paint or a stain? I typically always paint with Benjamin Moore for interior work, but does anyone have any suggestions on what brands work best for exterior cement like foundation walls? What is the best way to clean the surface first? I was thinking about first using a power washer, followed up with a good stiff brush scrubbing with an appropriate cleaner, finished up with more power washing. I would let this dry well for a day or two and then apply the stain or paint. I’m looking for an application that will hold for a few years. I have seen some foundations that were painted and then pealed and looked awful after only a year or two. I’m assuming that just like with interior work, proper prep and quality materials are the key to long lasting paint job. Any suggestions or warnings?
Ryan
Replies
Use a paint or stain designed for concrete. Or maybe cover it with vinyl siding.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Edited 8/6/2004 5:18 pm ET by Ed Hilton
Is there the ability or desire to do something better than painting... like stucco, stone veneer, or maybe Novabrik?
I've just never seen a painted foundation that didn't scream "YUK".
Obviously, this is my personal opinion.
Edited 8/6/2004 5:42 pm ET by Rich from Columbus
Paint will always peel, because moisture gets behind it to pop it off. Stucco breathes, Fog coat is the color stuff in stucco without the sand. http://www.lahabrastucco.com/C2_products_index.htm
Thanks guys for the input. I’m going to rethink the paint idea.
Ryan