Best Paint for Exterior Concrete Walls

Exterior concrete walls are exposed to the elements and over time, they experience a lot of wear and tear.

A coat of paint not only hides discoloration and damage but also offers a protective coating that extends the life of the walls and also provides a much-needed makeover to the tired walls.

And, if you’re wondering which is the best paint for exterior concrete walls, then in our guide, we have provided all the information you need to make a suitable choice.

Kilz Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint

Best Paint for Exterior Concrete Walls

The Kilz Self-Priming Paint is a high-quality water-based acrylic latex paint that is suitable for interior and exterior use. The paint provides excellent water repellent, as well as adhesive properties.

The self-priming paint is alkali-resistant up to a pH of 12.0. It can be easily applied using a brush, roller or sprayer and is very easy to clean.

Suitable for rough and textured masonry, brick, stucco and drywall surfaces, the paint helps to enhance textured surfaces.

Pros
  • High-quality paint.
  • Quite inexpensive.
  • Easy to apply.
  • Offers very good adhesion and coverage.
Cons
  • The paint’s consistency is quite watery.

Best Paint for Exterior Concrete Walls Buying Guide

Best Paint for Exterior Concrete Walls

When purchasing the best paint for exterior concrete walls, here are a few things that you must keep in mind.

Intended Usage

When choosing paint, it is important to consider its intended use. For example, some paints may not work well outdoors as they will indoors. And so, for exterior concrete walls, you must choose exterior-grade paint.

Most concrete paints available on the market are typically exterior/interior paints, but you must be sure that the paint you purchase will work well outdoors. Also, some paints do not work very well on vertical surfaces.

For example, epoxies and floor paints are usually heavy and tend to run down the wall before they dry, causing running, streaking and uneven coats. So, for exterior concrete walls, you must make sure to choose a concrete block/brick or wall paint.

Weather Resistance

Your exterior walls are usually exposed to the harsh UV rays of the sun and the elements, which can cause the paint to fade and crack.

To prevent this, and ensure that your paint doesn’t wear, choose weather-resistant paint. Exterior-grade wall paints will hold up longer and need fewer repairs and touch-ups.

Finish

Concrete wall paints come in a range of finishes, from gloss to matte. Matte paints tend to hide dirt and flaws better than gloss paints and this is especially beneficial for exterior concrete walls.

When shopping for exterior concrete paint, it is a good idea to determine the finish of the paint and choose one that suits your personal preference best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Paint for Exterior Concrete Walls

Should I Prime the Exterior Concrete Walls Before Painting?

Yes, it is recommended to prime the exterior concrete walls before painting because the primer fills the small pores and holes and soaks into the concrete, preventing moisture and in turn, the growth of mold and mildew.

Should I Sand the Concrete Walls Before Painting?

Before painting the walls, you must fill all holes, cracks and other defects to achieve a smooth surface. And, after all the cracks and holes are filled, it is essential to sand, chip or grind any pieces that stick out from the concrete to make it smooth.

How Long Does Exterior Concrete Wall Paint Last?

Typically, a new coat of exterior concrete wall paint will last for up to 3 to 5 years, after which it must be repainted.