Easy guide to painting stamped concrete without a professional's help
Yes, stamped concrete can be painted, and you can do it yourself. When the paving loses colour and shine but has no structural damage, there's no need to redo it: a water-based pigmentable resin is enough to bring back the tone and protect the surface again.
In this guide you have how to prepare the floor, which paint to choose depending on the case, the application steps and what it costs to do it yourself versus hiring it out.
If you're looking straight for the product, the concrete sealer Smart Varnish Repair renews colour and protection in an afternoon; if there are cracks, the Smartcover Repair mortar goes first.
If, as well as faded colour, there are cracks or chips, the order matters: repair first and paint afterwards.
Why paint a stamped concrete floor
Stamped concrete is and has been a very popular choice for decorating floors for decades. The technique is simple: fresh concrete is poured onto the surface, then shaped with a mould into different, amazing patterns and textures. A fast method that imitates a huge range of materials, such as paving stones or slate. It lets you reproduce whatever finish you want in a short time. Plus, its finish protects it from the elements, making it ideal for outdoor spaces.
But, like all good things, it requires some attention. Heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions can cause it to lose its original appearance. That's why painting your stamped concrete floor is key. It's a simple process that you can do with your own hands in just a few steps, and with the right paint the cost is contained. You'll enhance its colour and shine, while also giving it properties that make it resistant to water, hot tyres and pedestrian traffic. Here's how to do it.
How to paint stamped concrete step by step
As homeowners, we know how essential it is to keep our home in top condition. After all, it's where we live our daily lives, and it's worth keeping it in good shape. Painting stamped concrete may seem like a challenge at first, but it's actually easier than it looks. You don't need to spend a fortune on experts or products: with a little time and effort, you can do it yourself.
Below, we explain how to paint stamped concrete in just four steps. You'll see how quickly and easily you can refresh your old, worn-out floor. And the satisfaction of having done it yourself is priceless. It's a job you can tackle in a weekend to give your home a new look.
These are the simple steps you need to follow to paint your stamped concrete and enjoy a "new" floor with a fresh touch of colour. Keep reading, and you'll see it's not as complicated as it seems.
1. Preparing the stamped concrete floor
Cleaning is the first step. Before painting stamped concrete, it's essential that the surface is spotless, so make sure to clean it thoroughly. We recommend using a pressure washer to remove built-up dirt or leaf debris. You may need a little extra help with heavily soiled areas, but don't worry, we're here to help. With our Smart Cleaner, even the toughest stains will disappear. It's a highly effective, eco-friendly and biodegradable product. The stamped concrete must be completely clean. Wait for it to dry completely, and you're ready to start.
2. Mixing the paint for stamped concrete
The next step is to have a professional mix the resin with a colour tint so it's ready to apply. Sounds a bit expensive, right? With our Smart Varnish Repair you can skip this step entirely. This is a water-based, pigmentable resin that allows you to paint stamped concrete yourself, completely DIY. Forget about hiring someone and spending a fortune.
The sealer comes clear and ready to use, and you can add pigments to give it the tone you're after — stir it well before painting and you're set. Prefer a complete colour change in an exact shade? Then your product is Smartcover Repair, available in 24 colours.
3. Painting stamped concrete with coloured resin
Now that the surface is prepped and you've mixed the coloured resin, you can start applying it. There are two ways to do it:
The first option is to use a sprayer to paint the stamped concrete. Keep a distance of about 30-40 cm and spray the paint evenly. No excess product, to avoid puddles. It's best to do this on days without much wind, so there are no darker patches and the finish is uniform. The other option, simpler and the most suitable for DIY jobs, is the roller.
With a telescopic roller, which saves you working on your knees, and a bit of patience, you'll give colour to your stamped concrete. It's best to do it on days with a mild temperature, so you'll feel comfortable while painting too.
Let the first coat of paint dry for 4 to 6 hours and then, to give it more intensity, apply a second coat. It's a simple process you can do yourself in a day.
If you want to understand what that layer does and what types exist, here's everything about resin for stamped concrete.
4. Maintaining a painted stamped concrete floor
Stamped concrete needs little maintenance. To keep painted stamped concrete in good shape, just keep it clean. But if you notice that it starts absorbing water, it's time to apply a fresh coat of resin, although this is usually done every 3-4 years. It's a quick and simple job that you can do yourself over a weekend.
Price to paint stamped concrete
The price to paint stamped concrete can vary a lot depending on various factors such as the square metres you need to paint, the condition of the surface, the type of resin or paint used and the labour.
To give you an idea: if we're talking about the product alone, the price usually sits between $2 and $5 per m², with the final price much higher if you also hire the labour. This type of renovation carried out by a professional can come to between $29 and $35 per m² — the same range it costs to repair stamped concrete with a professional, according to the breakdown in the guide to the price of stamped concrete.
But the good news is that with Smart Varnish Repair you can save a lot, because you can bring the colour and shine back to your stamped concrete floor yourself. That said: if the floor has cracks or chips, you first have to repair the stamped concrete and paint afterwards.
Types of paint for stamped concrete
We've already explained how to paint stamped concrete and bring it back to life like the experts do. And as you've seen, it's very easy to achieve with our Smart Varnish Repair. A ready-to-use, water-based paint that saves you time and money.
But do you know all the options available on the market? Here's a quick rundown of the types of paint for stamped concrete that exist. So you can freely and consciously decide which of them suits you best.
Water-based paints
Water-based paints dry very fast. This allows you to apply successive coats in no time, saving you time for other important tasks. Plus, with a wide range of colours that mix easily with water, they guarantee an endless palette of options. They are durable, water-resistant and won't yellow over time. You can choose between matte, satin or gloss finishes, depending on your preference. And they are non-toxic and easy to clean. A type of paint for stamped concrete that's in high demand and perfect for DIY jobs.
Solvent-based paints
Solvent-based paint forms a very hard, resistant layer on the painted surface. When applied, it triggers a chemical reaction that makes it resistant to water and other chemicals, as well as being compatible with a wide variety of materials. Its resistance makes it an ideal choice for industrial floors, which it protects for the long term. However, it does have some downsides: over time it tends to yellow, it is toxic and it requires a professional due to its specific nature, making it unsuitable for application by private individuals.
Methacrylate-based paints
In factories, warehouses and car parks, methacrylate-based paint stands out for its high resistance and durability.
The great thing about this paint is that it acts as a shield against wear, abrasion and chemicals, protecting floors for a very long time. Beyond that, it withstands use in high-traffic areas. It is the preferred choice in industrial and commercial settings, the most widely used high-resistance paint. Its only limitation: it can only be applied by a professional due to its toxic components.
What's the best paint for stamped concrete? Smart Varnish Repair
At Smartcret, we care about you and your needs. That's why our Smart Varnish Repair is the perfect paint for all DIY enthusiasts looking to save time and money. It is a water-based resin for stamped concrete floors that creates a protective layer to enhance and restore the appearance of the surface. It also dries quickly and is very easy to apply and maintain. With it, renovating your floor is much easier than you might imagine.
This sealer is ideal for outdoor use, as it protects stamped concrete from various types of wear, including foot traffic, abrasion, water and sun exposure. It's a DIY solution to keep your stamped concrete floor in top condition. Plus, it enhances the colours of the concrete, giving them an extra touch of vibrancy. All at a keen price. You can buy your Smart Varnish Repair sealer in our online store.
