The contents
Concrete is an extremely durable material used in virtually any construction. It is used for the supporting structure of the building, decor, fencing and other purposes, because nothing is restricted in terms of characteristics. However, constant exposure to moisture, microorganisms, plants and other natural factors gradually destroys it, which affects the life of the material. To prevent these processes use a special paint for concrete, creates a protective layer on its surface.
The purpose and requirements for the paint ↑
Paint on concrete for outdoor use is applied not only to decorate but also to protect the material from external influences. It allows to increase its service life, but also enhance the overall durability of the surface. This coating helps protect the material from:
- Water and moisture
- High temperatures
- Microorganisms
- Mechanical impact
Providing complex protection to significantly extend the use of concrete.
Paint for concrete is significantly different from conventional paint products. It must meet the following requirements:
- Moisture
- Refractoriness
- Resistance to temperature changes
- Water vapor permeability
- Adhesion to concrete
- Resistance to mechanical and chemical attack
The paint should be evenly cover the entire concrete and to omit the pair. This will create a natural ventilation without disturbing the concrete to perform its functions. Otherwise, the paint will soon collapse, covered with small cracks.
Types of paint for concrete ↑
There are many types of coatings used for concrete. They differ in certain properties and characteristics that are necessary for paint selection for a specific task. To do this, use two types of coatings: water-soluble paints and organic solvents.
Water-soluble paints are the most popular. Their main component is water, so they are free to tolerate high humidity. They are reliable and meet all the requirements for concrete coatings. However, they cannot be used at subzero temperatures
The second type of paints based on organic solvents. They can be used at temperatures below zero, and in some ways they are superior to the first type. But they are highly flammable and very toxic, so the demand is less.
Among these types note the following types of outdoor paint concrete:
- Latex
This type is easy to apply, has a low consumption and low cost. However, they are unstable and are destroyed by prolonged thermal and chemical effects.
- Oil
These inexpensive paints tolerate moisture and almost neutral to the sun. Well suited for concrete. But their water vapor permeability is minimal, and the concrete must be pre-prepared for painting.
- Acrylic
Acrylic paint for concrete flexible and have a high resistance to abrasion. They are safe for humans and the environment, have high water resistance and vapour permeability. This is the best option for concrete, but the cost of such coatings is high.
- Silicate
This type of paint has a high resistance to low temperatures and light. The speed of drying is high, and adhesion. But they need to be applied in several layers.
- Rubber
One of the subspecies of acrylic paints. They are extremely comfortable, and their distinctive feature is a nice texture, indistinguishable from ordinary rubber. The paint has a great life, perfectly transfers moisture and protects the concrete from external stimuli and resistant to breakage. With proper application is a long time.
- Facade
This type of paint specifically designed for facades. It has a high water vapor permeability, resistant to sun and weather conditions. Exterior paint is often not a separate type, because it is an additional feature to the previous options.
In addition they emit and wear-resistant paint for concrete. This additional attribute, which is achieved by adding certain components in the composition. Durable paint best for concrete, it will allow you to avoid a quick fix, but this type often has low rates of water vapor.
Painting the concrete with their hands ↑
The process of painting concrete is no less important than the paint itself. If the work is bad, then any surface will soon peel off, revealing the concrete. To avoid such problems is best done according to all instructions to properly prepare the surface and apply paint product.
Painting concrete is in several stages. Among them:
- Surface preparation. The concrete is thoroughly washed using the powerful detergent and tools. It is necessary to completely withdraw any dirt and fungus on the coating surface. A small portion of dust will significantly reduce adhesion and cause delamination.
- Cleaning from oils. You need to use special tools, removing from the surface of any greasy and oily stains.
- The test sink. The surface is washed with high pressure cleaner for best results.
?It is important! If work is carried out with a concrete floor, you should wear clean shoes or Shoe covers. Dirt can remain on shoes or feet, hitting the concrete. It is better to protect the working portion of the tape, to know exactly its boundaries. - Eliminate external faults. With putty eliminates all cracks and big bumps on the concrete.
- The primer surface. After drying, the concrete must be primed. The primer should be resistant to weather and temperature extremes, it is the Foundation for paint.
- Painting. After the primer has dried, it begins the process of painting. The surface is evenly covered with paint. It is better to use a sprayer, but a roller or brush is also nice.
- Drying. After fully painting the surface you must give it to dry completely. Minor damage at this point is extremely harmful, because can reach the concrete. With such a plot may begin the destruction of the coating.
This approach will create a solid coating that will not collapse in 2-3 years. The concrete in this case, it will last much longer, and its appearance will be much better.
How to remove paint from concrete ↑
Sometimes the old coating prevents the repair or just spoils the appearance. You can’t put a new layer without preliminary preparation, but the life of such paint will be much less. Therefore, you must remove it without a significant investment of time and effort.
For such problems using the following methods:
- Chemical
- Heat
- Mechanical
The first method is to use special reagents. A special chemical solution is prepared and applied to the surface of the concrete. It significantly softens the paint and allows you to remove it with a spatula without too much effort. Instead of a spatula you can use the tools of a high pressure or a normal hammer with an appropriate attachment. This method is quick and does not damage concrete, but the reagents used will have high toxicity. They are dangerous when injected into the skin, so it is necessary to use protective clothing.
Thermal method is the impact on the paint construction Hairdryer. It works with almost all surfaces and can significantly soften them, then remove with a simple spatula. The method is convenient and easy, but takes a long time, and the acrid smell of chemicals is extremely toxic.
Mechanical method is the most complicated. He is a regular manual removing the coating with a spatula. But to simplify, you can use a drill or hammer with an appropriate attachment. It can be quicker and requires no special tools, but the dust and noise of this method much in the way. And the surface of the concrete becomes rough and requires polishing.
Painting concrete is an important process. It is necessary to choose the correct coating, prepare the surface and to ensure a quality painting. But the paint is not uniform always looks beautiful. In this video you can see the decorative painting of concrete, greatly improving its appearance:
