Ever looked at a plain, gray cement wall and thought, “This could be so much more”? Cement walls are strong and durable, but they can also look a bit dull. If you’re thinking about painting them, you might feel a little lost. There are so many kinds of paint out there, and not all of them work well on cement. You want a paint that looks good, lasts a long time, and is easy to put on. But how do you pick the best one?
Choosing the right paint for your cement walls can be tricky. You don’t want to spend money on paint that peels or fades quickly. You also want to make sure the paint protects your walls from moisture and wear. It’s a common problem, and many people struggle to find answers. This post is here to help you cut through the confusion.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for in paint for cement. We’ll explain the different types of paint that work best, what features to consider, and even give you tips on how to get a beautiful finish. Get ready to transform your drab cement walls into something amazing!
Our Top 5 Paint For Cement Walls Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Zinsser 02774 PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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KILZ Self-Priming Masonry | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Rust-Oleum 379908 Concrete Interior Wall Paint | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Paint For Cement Walls Detailed Reviews
1. Zinsser 02774 PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of seeing yucky mold and mildew on your walls? The Zinsser 02774 PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint in Eggshell White is here to help! This paint is designed to keep your interior spaces looking fresh and clean. It’s a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or any area that tends to get damp. You can trust this paint to do its job and keep those unsightly spots away.
What We Like:
- This paint is self-priming. This means you don’t have to sand your walls before you paint. It saves you time and effort.
- The paint film is mold and mildew-proof. Zinsser guarantees this for 5 years. That’s a long time to worry-free painting!
- It resists dirt and moisture. This makes it easier to clean your walls.
- The finish is washable and scrubbable. You can use soap and water to clean up messes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mildewcide only prevents mold and mildew on the paint film itself. It won’t fix existing mold problems on your walls.
This Zinsser paint offers a fantastic solution for common home moisture issues. It’s a smart choice for a cleaner, more beautiful home.
2. KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of damp basement walls or water stains on your exterior masonry? The KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint offers a robust solution. This premium paint is designed to tackle porous concrete and masonry, creating a protective barrier both inside and out. Its advanced nanotechnology and alkali-resistant coating work together to stop water infiltration and provide a tough, attractive finish that lasts.
What We Like:
- Effectively waterproofs and seals concrete and masonry surfaces.
- Uses nanotechnology to create a strong water barrier.
- Provides a durable and decorative finish that resists alkali.
- Suitable for a wide range of applications: basement walls (above and below grade), retaining walls, cinder blocks, stucco, and brick.
- Easy to apply with rollers, brushes, or an airless sprayer.
- Fast drying time: dries to touch in one hour and can be recoated in four hours.
- Available in a convenient 1-gallon size in white.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires proper surface preparation, including priming and filling cracks with hydraulic cement for below-grade applications.
- Not suitable for floors or walls with active water leaks.
- Coverage can vary significantly based on surface porosity (75-125 sq ft per gallon).
- A minimum of two coats is recommended for best results, meaning you might need more paint than initially estimated.
For projects needing reliable waterproofing and a fresh look, this KILZ paint is a solid choice. Just be sure to follow the preparation steps carefully for optimal performance.
3. KILZ Self-Priming Masonry
Rating: 9.1/10
Transform your home’s exterior or interior with KILZ Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint. This one-gallon can of flat gray paint is designed to give your textured surfaces a beautiful, natural look. It works great on brick, stucco, and even drywall, both inside and outside your house. You can trust KILZ to make your project look its best.
What We Like:
- Excellent hiding power covers imperfections well.
- Great adhesion sticks firmly to surfaces.
- Water-repellent finish protects against moisture.
- Self-priming saves you a step in the painting process.
- Works on smooth, rough, and textured masonry, drywall, stucco, and brick.
- Alkali-resistant up to pH 12.0, meaning it stands up to common alkaline conditions.
- Easy to apply with a roller, brush, or sprayer.
- Cleans up easily with just soap and water.
- Accentuates textured surfaces for a natural appearance.
- Covers 250-400 square feet per gallon, depending on how rough the surface is.
What Could Be Improved:
- The flat finish might not be ideal if you prefer a shiny look.
- Coverage can vary significantly on very rough or porous surfaces, potentially requiring more paint than estimated.
This KILZ paint is a solid choice for anyone looking to refresh their masonry, stucco, or brick surfaces. It offers a durable and attractive finish with the convenience of self-priming.
4. Rust-Oleum 379908 Concrete Interior Wall Paint
Rating: 9.2/10
Transform your ordinary walls into a stylish, modern concrete look with Rust-Oleum 379908 Concrete Interior Wall Paint in Sidewalk Gray. This unique paint lets you achieve a cool, industrial vibe without the hassle of real concrete. It works on drywall, wood, and hardboard, giving them a sleek, faux finish that looks amazing.
What We Like:
- Gives walls a cool, unique concrete texture and appearance.
- Water-based formula works great on drywall, wood, and hardboard.
- The paint dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, so you can finish your project quickly.
- One quart covers about 30 square feet, making it efficient for smaller spaces.
- The semi-transparent matte finish lets the primer show through a bit for added depth.
- Cleanup is super easy with just soap and water.
What Could Be Improved:
- For the best results, you need to use Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 White Primer first, which is an extra step.
- The coverage is limited to 30 sq. ft. per quart, so larger projects will require multiple cans.
This Rust-Oleum paint offers a fantastic way to update your interior space with a trendy concrete look. It’s a user-friendly option for DIYers looking for a quick and stylish makeover.
5. Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint
Rating: 8.5/10
Looking for a versatile paint that can handle both your indoor and outdoor projects? The Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint in Flat White is a fantastic option. This quart-sized can of paint is designed for a wide range of surfaces. You can use it on wood, metal, plaster, masonry, and even unglazed ceramic. It’s a water-based acrylic formula that makes painting easier.
What We Like:
- This paint works on many different materials, both inside and outside your home.
- It has a low odor, which is nice when you’re working in enclosed spaces.
- The paint resists chips, so your projects will look good for a long time.
- It dries quickly, usually to the touch in about 30 minutes, helping you finish your projects faster.
- The flat finish hides small bumps and flaws on surfaces, giving your project a smooth, even look.
- It provides excellent coverage, meaning you might not need as many coats.
- A single quart covers up to 120 square feet, which is a good amount of space.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to prepare the surface before painting. This involves sanding with 180/200 grit sandpaper, then washing with a degreaser.
- The surface must be completely dry before you apply the paint for best results.
This paint offers a great balance of ease of use and lasting results. It’s a solid choice for many DIY tasks.
Choosing the Best Paint for Your Cement Walls: A Complete Guide
Cement walls are strong and durable, but they can look plain. Painting them makes them look great and protects them. This guide helps you pick the perfect paint for your cement walls.
Why Paint Your Cement Walls?
Painting cement walls does more than just add color. It seals the surface, stopping moisture from getting in. This helps prevent mold and mildew. Paint also makes the walls look smoother and more attractive. You can change a drab basement into a cozy room or a plain patio into a vibrant outdoor space.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for paint, keep these important things in mind.
Durability and Longevity
You want paint that lasts. Look for paints made for exterior or high-traffic areas. These paints stand up better to wear and tear. They also resist fading from the sun.
Adhesion
Good paint sticks well to cement. This is called adhesion. Paints with excellent adhesion won’t peel or chip easily. This is super important for surfaces that might get wet or touched a lot.
Moisture Resistance
Cement can soak up water. You need paint that repels moisture. This keeps your walls dry and prevents problems like mold. Look for paints labeled as “waterproof” or “moisture-resistant.”
Flexibility
Cement can expand and contract with temperature changes. The best paints are flexible. They can stretch a little without cracking. This helps the paint job last longer.
Ease of Application
Some paints are easier to put on than others. If you’re painting yourself, choose a paint that goes on smoothly with a brush or roller. Some paints might need special tools or techniques.
Important Materials and Types of Paint
Different paints work best for different jobs.
Latex Paint (Water-Based)
Latex paints are popular because they are easy to clean up with water. They dry fast and have less smell than oil-based paints. Many latex paints are good for interior cement walls. Some special outdoor latex paints can also work outside.
Elastomeric Paint
This is a super-stretchy paint. It’s perfect for cement because it can cover small cracks. Elastomeric paint is also very waterproof. It’s a great choice for basement walls or outdoor walls that might get a lot of rain.
Epoxy Paint
Epoxy paints are very tough. They create a hard, durable finish. These are excellent for garage floors and basement floors made of cement. They resist stains and chemicals well.
Masonry Paint
This paint is made just for surfaces like brick and cement. It’s designed to breathe, meaning it lets moisture vapor escape. This is good for exterior walls.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes paint great or not so great?
Surface Preparation is Key
Cleaning the cement wall is the most important step. If the wall is dirty or has old paint peeling off, the new paint won’t stick well. You need to clean it thoroughly. You might need to use a special cleaner for tough stains.
Priming Makes a Difference
A good primer helps the paint stick better. It also covers up stains and makes the final color look brighter. Always use a primer made for masonry.
Quality of Ingredients
Higher-quality paints use better ingredients. These ingredients make the paint last longer and look better. Cheaper paints might fade faster or chip more easily.
Environmental Conditions
Don’t paint when it’s too hot, too cold, or too humid. Extreme weather can affect how the paint dries and sticks. Always check the paint can for the best temperature range.
User Experience and Use Cases
Where can you use paint for cement walls?
- Basement Walls: Paint can make a damp, dark basement feel like a new living space. Moisture-resistant paint is a must here.
- Garage Floors: Epoxy paint makes garage floors tough and easy to clean. It protects the cement from oil and tire marks.
- Exterior Walls: Painting the outside of a house with cement siding protects it from weather. Masonry paint lets the wall breathe.
- Patio and Walkways: Special concrete paints can add color and grip to outdoor areas. They can also protect the cement from salt and ice.
- Interior Accent Walls: Use a bold color on a cement accent wall to add style to a room.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paint for Cement Walls
Q: What is the best type of paint for a basement cement wall?
A: For basement cement walls, elastomeric paint or a good quality latex masonry paint is best. These paints resist moisture well and can help stop water from seeping through.
Q: Do I need to prime cement walls before painting?
A: Yes, priming cement walls is highly recommended. A good primer helps the paint stick better, covers stains, and ensures a more even color.
Q: Can I paint over old, peeling paint on a cement wall?
A: No, you should not paint over old, peeling paint. You must scrape off all loose paint, clean the wall, and then prime it before applying new paint.
Q: How do I prepare a cement wall for painting?
A: First, clean the wall to remove dirt, dust, and grease. If there are stains, use a concrete cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Repair any cracks before priming.
Q: Is latex paint suitable for outdoor cement walls?
A: Yes, many exterior latex paints are designed for masonry and work well on outdoor cement walls. Look for products specifically labeled for exterior use and concrete.
Q: How long does paint for cement walls usually last?
A: With proper preparation and the right type of paint, a good paint job on cement walls can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or even longer. Factors like weather and traffic affect this.
Q: Can I use regular house paint on a cement floor?
A: It’s not recommended. Regular house paint isn’t tough enough for the foot traffic and potential stains on a cement floor. Use specialized floor paints like epoxy or concrete paint.
Q: What is “breathing” paint for masonry?
A: “Breathing” paint, like some masonry paints, allows moisture vapor trapped inside the cement to escape. This prevents the paint from blistering or peeling.
Q: Can I paint over a previously painted cement wall?
A: Yes, as long as the old paint is in good condition (not peeling or flaking). Clean the surface well and use a primer designed for painted surfaces before applying your new paint.
Q: How many coats of paint do I need for cement walls?
A: Typically, two coats of paint are recommended for good coverage and durability on cement walls. Some colors or highly porous surfaces might need a third coat.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.