6 suitable concrete fence paints and step-by-step application
A concrete fence is a classic structure for summer cottages and the private sector. Smooth gray walls are often replaced by looped, lattice and textured canvases. Siding is used for decoration: stone, tiling, but also coating, combining plaster and tiling. A popular finish is paint. Choosing the right paint for your concrete fence will help extend the life of your fence.
Characteristics of concrete
An artificial building material made from a mixture of sand, gravel and cement is called concrete. For the construction of fences, aerated, pressed and reinforced concrete is used, as well as plastic fiber concrete with propylene and fiberglass. A concrete fence is a solid and reliable fence. But it is destroyed by moisture, because it has high absorbency.
The drops remain on the surface, penetrate the porous material and freeze. As a result, the surface of the fence cracks. Untreated concrete is also cracked and chipped by extreme temperatures.Due to its high absorbency, the concrete fence should be primed before painting to reduce material consumption.
Types of paint materials suitable for painting
Facade coatings are suitable for painting concrete, as they are designed for extreme weather conditions and temperature indicators. Different types have advantages and disadvantages.
Acrylic
Acrylic-based compositions are universal, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
To paint a large area, you need to buy paint from one batch, since the next one may have a different shade.
Oil
Compositions with drying oil are also considered universal and contain natural pigments.
Oil paints are diluted and washed off with acetone, white spirit.
Silicate
The basis of paints is liquid glass, ethyl silicate.
Silicate paint is resistant to precipitation, even acid rain. Silicate compounds are applied only on a clean surface, without traces of the old coating.
Rubber
Feature of paints - polyacrylic resins and antifreeze in the composition.
The painted surface is rubbery to the touch. The disadvantages of rubber paints appear more often on roofs. The coatings are considered to be among the most durable for vertical structures.
Epoxy
Heavy duty epoxy resin paints are highly adhesive and chemical resistant.
The long-lasting color of epoxy paints is difficult to cover.
Polyurethane
Compositions with polymer-polyols are also durable types of paint materials used in industry.
Two-component paints contain the toxic solvent toluene.
How to choose the right paint
Requirements for the composition of a concrete fence:
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to wind erosion, daily temperature drop;
- safety for ecology and health;
- vapor permeability;
- resistance to mechanical damage, household chemicals and exhaust gases.
For painting a concrete fence, durable facade coatings are suitable, designed for a temperature range of -50 ... + 70 degrees. The color of the white paint should be UV resistant.
The Best Manufacturers of Concrete Paint Materials
The following table contains companies producing paints and varnishes, known and verified by buyers for a long time:
| Name | The country | The description |
| Caparol | Germany-Ukraine | The company produces acrylic, silicone and latex paints for concrete facades. The appearance of the coating is matt, semi-matt. The materials are resistant to precipitation and contain antiseptics. |
| Dufa | Germany-Russia | The company specializes in the production of environmentally friendly water dispersion compositions. Acrylic latex and acrylic siloxane coatings are resistant to alkalis, sludge, exhaust gas and have good adhesion. |
| Tikkurila | Finland-Russia | The silicone acrylic facade paint protects the concrete from water and mold. The acrylate coating is scratch-proof and washable. |
| VGT / VGT | Russia | The company produces water-based acrylic compounds. Facade compositions are tinted, form a vapor-permeable, light-resistant coating. |
| SC Ural NOVA | Russia | Acrylic paint from the Chelyabinsk enterprise contains antiseptic additives and forms a matte finish. |
Finnish paints are the most attractive in terms of price-quality ratio. German quality is more expensive.A compromise option for a limited budget is Russian products made according to European standards.
The stages of coloring
Painting a concrete fence includes surface preparation and priming. Before the work, the fence is inspected. If cracks are present, a cement mortar is also required.
Preparatory work
The scene includes:
- surface cleaning - manually with a wire brush, using a drill or grinder. In case of severe contamination, the concrete is washed with water from a hose;
- repair - cracks and chips are covered with cement of a pasty consistency, mixed by weight with sand in a ratio of 1: 3;
- sanding - the adhesion of smooth concrete is increased using an abrasive flap wheel or sandblasting.
Places with mold are covered with an antiseptic, and protruding fittings - with an anti-corrosion agent.
Padding
For a concrete fence, use a deep penetration facade primer. Often the middle layer already contains an antiseptic. The primer base should match the paint base - water, acrylic, silicone. The main area of the canvas is primed with a roller. Joints and corners are coated with a brush.
Dyeing
To paint a concrete fence, use the following tools:
- roller - for a flat, smooth or slightly curved surface;
- brush - for textured surfaces, joints, small decorations;
- The spray gun is a universal tool for painting volumetric parts, textured and flat surfaces.
Before painting with a roller and brush, stir the paint in a jar. The thickened composition is diluted to the consistency of sour cream. For refueling, more solvent is added to the spray gun to make a spray liquid. The coloring starts from the top.The coating is applied in 2-3 layers.
Completion
The drying time of the paint depends on the specific composition. On average, the coating dries in 24 hours. After staining, the fence is varnished. Varnishing also protects the color from fading.
Features of color choice
The following options are suitable for painting a concrete fence:
- warm pastel colors - beige, sandy shade;
- green and blue tones;
- to emphasize the volumetric floral decor, the relief of brick and stone, terracotta shades are suitable.
In the finishing of concrete fences, the techniques of painting the base in a dark shade are used, and the rest of the canvas in a light shade. Also, a smooth surface is decorated with textured paint.
Imitation methods for brick or stone
Expensive coatings made of natural materials will be replaced by decorative paints. How to reproduce a stone or brick pattern yourself:
- cover the prepared and primed surface with the first coat of paint;
- after drying, draw a drawing with thin lines with a simple pencil;
- glue the contours with masking tape;
- apply a second coat of paint.
For the first layer, dark shades are suitable: brown, graphite, chocolate. The second layer should be lighter or lighter: terracotta, aqua, gray. To make the drawing voluminous, they also use textured paint or a long nap roller.
Potential problems and difficulties
After painting the concrete fence, the problem arises of the fragility of the coating. To prevent the paint from peeling, you must adhere to the following rules:
- work in dry, calm weather at temperatures above five degrees Celsius - the coating will gain strength after complete drying. The fresh layer is quickly destroyed by rain and wind;
- the paint applied in several layers will last longer if the first layer is applied with a roller, and the subsequent ones - in any convenient way;
- paint the outer surface of the fence in 3-4 layers;
- maintain a 24-hour interval between coats;
- two layers are enough to paint the inner area, since from the side of the site the fence does not suffer from exhaust fumes and strong gusts of wind.
The coating is cracking due to concrete shrinkage. The phenomenon is observed in the first year after installation. Therefore, the new fence must remain unpainted during the winter. With the onset of heat, it needs to be washed, and then proceed to staining.