Painting Concrete Is Easy and Cheap, But Will It Last in Nashville?
Learn more about painting concrete, and get ideas for smarter, longer-lasting ways to revive your concrete.When you’re looking for an affordable way to add color to a concrete surface, grabbing a paintbrush might seem like the simplest solution. Many Nashville homeowners assume painting concrete is a quick DIY fix.
But the results don’t always age the way you hope. Concrete paint can fade, peel, or leave the surface looking worn long before you expect. It’s helpful to understand these issues from the start so you can decide whether it’s the right long-term choice.
SUNDEK of Nashville resurfaced a worn front porch using Classic Texture to transform the space, providing a beautiful surface for the homeowners that appears brand-new.Is Painting Concrete a Good Option?
Painting concrete can work in certain scenarios, but it comes with limitations you should know about. Because paint sits on top of the surface instead of seeping into it, any damage—such as peeling, scratching, or chipping—will eventually reveal the plain concrete beneath.
Get a free estimateIf the area you plan to paint gets heavy use—like an entryway, walkway, garage floor, or driveway—you’ll see wear much faster. High-traffic surfaces often require frequent touch-ups to keep them looking good. The finished look is also something to consider: paint provides a solid, opaque layer of color, which works for some designs but doesn’t allow for the nuanced, variegated appearance that stains or dyes can achieve. Stains and dyes offer a more natural aesthetic and can mimic stone or other organic materials.
Surface condition matters, too. If your concrete is cracked or worn, paint won’t do much to disguise those imperfections unless the issues are extremely minor. In cases where damage is more significant, resurfacing is usually a better route.
Proper surface preparation is essential—but it’s also labor-intensive. Concrete must be cleaned, etched, and sometimes ground to create a profile that paint can bond to. Without the right tools and know-how, getting the surface ready can be just as much work as the painting itself.
The best long-term solution for reviving concrete is resurfacing. For a backyard retreat, SUNDEK of Nashville resurfaced the homeowner’s cracking steps and patio area using SunStamp and Custom Scorelines. See more of this project here.Is Painting Concrete a Good Long-Term Solution?
For long-term durability, painted concrete generally falls short. Because paint doesn’t penetrate the surface, it naturally begins to wear away—especially in high-traffic or outdoor areas. Over time, exposure to weather, foot traffic, and vehicle use will cause peeling and chipping, leaving the surface looking uneven and requiring ongoing maintenance. While painting may provide a short-term color change, it’s rarely the best option if you’re hoping for a finish that lasts.
Better Alternatives to Painting Concrete
It’s understandable to want to save money by tackling a project yourself—but with concrete, DIY fixes often lead to extra time, unexpected expenses, and results that don’t quite match your expectations. When you weigh the cost of tools, materials, and potential redos, hiring a professional, such as SUNDEK of Nashville, with extensive experience in concrete coloring may be the most cost-effective choice.
If your goal is to add color without the hassle or short lifespan of paint, consider these alternatives:
- Stain the existing surface: Concrete stains penetrate the slab, creating rich, long-lasting color that won’t peel away. They come in a wide range of tones and can be used to achieve everything from subtle earth tones to bold, translucent hues.
- Resurface the concrete: Coatings not only add color but also give you texture, patterns, and improved durability. They can mimic stone, tile, or custom designs and can even cover minor damage in your existing surface.
Both of these options can be applied directly over your current concrete without the need for demolition—saving you time, money, and the mess of tearing out old concrete.
Resurfacing opens many possibilities when a refresh is desired. For this pool deck in Bowling Green, KY, SUNDEK of Nashville removed the old pool deck coating then resurfaced the concrete using SunStamp. See more of this project here.Best Approach to Painting Concrete
If you’re confident in your DIY skills and still want to go the paint route, make sure you’re set up for success. Start by choosing a product specifically designed for concrete—regular exterior paint won’t hold up. Look for concrete or masonry paints formulated to bond tightly with the surface and resist moisture.
Just as important is proper prep work. Take time to research the best methods for cleaning, etching, and priming your slab so the paint can adhere correctly. The more thorough your preparation, the longer your painted surface will last.
Contractors Reviving Tired Concrete in Your Area
Are you looking for a contractor to update your concrete? We serve all of Tennessee and surrounding areas, including Paducah, KY; Bowling Green, KY; and Huntsville, AL.
Contact us for more information!
Call us at (615) 822-7134