How to prepare and paint outdoor concrete path?

[selvins]

Hello

We are wanting to paint the concrete path/steps at the back of our house.

As you can see the area gets quite wet, and has a lot of peeling paint on the surface. Can anyone help me out with

1. How to get the old paint off 

2. How to prepare the concrete for painting, what products to use

3. What products/paint to use that is nonslip, water/mold resistant and gives a thicker coverage to cover up the cracks/chips in the concrete

thanks in advance

Steph

[JacobZ]

Hi @selvins,

Thank you for your question about repainting previously painted concrete.

Unfortunately, due to the condition of the current paint, you will likely need to have the concrete ground back to bare before it can be recoated. Due to the risks involved in concrete grinding, I would suggest engaging a company that specialises in concrete grinding for their assistance.

When the paint has been ground off, you should use Gripset Betta Concrete Crack Filler to fill any cracks in the concrete.

Once the cracks have been filled, you can use the Dulux Concrete and Paving Range, which is a 3-stage system comprising an Etch & Clean, Concrete Primer and paint.

You can use Dulux 4L Concrete & Paving Super Grip Medium Tint which is a high-quality concrete paint designed with slip resistance in mind.

Have a look through How To Paint Concrete Floors for some further guidance.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[selvins]

Thanks Jacob. That's a clear list to follow. With regards to the first step of grinding the concrete.. that could be expensive to hire someone. Could we hire the Coates floor grinder you have at Bunnings and do it ourselves? Can you tell me what the risks are that you mentioned?

[JacobZ]

Hi @selvins,

While it is possible to use the For Hire: Coates Floor Grinder to remove the paint, you would also need a For Hire: Coates Concrete Mower to get into the corners and tight spaces. 

These tools are not what I would call beginner-friendly, as they are designed for heavy grinding applications. There is a risk of injury from them kicking under heavy loads, as well as risks caused by the creation of airborne silica dust, which is the cause of silicosis.

I'd suggest educating yourself on the risks involved with silicosis here - Crystalline silica and silicosis | Safe Work Australia.

Although it is possible to do this yourself, I would strongly suggest you at least get a quote for the work before making a decision.

If you choose to do it yourself, you must ensure you wear the correct personal protective equipment including steel-capped boots, gloves, eye protection, long work clothes and a respirator.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob