by Marla Hansen

Created on: June 07, 2010   Last Updated: June 08, 2010

Nothing says a conscientious homeowner lives in the neighborhood more than the clean, fresh, detailed appearance of their home. Painting your concrete foundation will increase your home’s curb appeal with that special, detailed, finished look so easily attained by even the beginner Do-It-Yourselfer.

Step One

Begin by making sure there is no soil up against your foundation. Any soil that is pushed against the foundation can be easily moved back with a flat edged square-point shovel. The entire concrete foundation should be clearly exposed and free of any and all debri before going any further.

Step Two

It is important that your concrete foundation be clean before painting in order to achieve the best possible adherence of your paint. Therefore, no matter how tempting, do not skip this vital step in preparation. If there is old paint on the concrete, it is strongly suggested that sandblasting be done before painting. A decent sand blaster can be rented for approximately $70 a day, or a new one can be purchased for around $300. If the foundation has never been painted, power washing the surface with trisodium phospate is sufficient. Once your concrete foundation is clean, be sure to allow plenty of time for it to completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step Three

Patch any and all holes, nicks or gashes in your foundation using a ready mix concrete patch. You will want to be sure to smooth out any repairs in order to get an even, matching surface.

Step Four

Once your foundation has been thoroughly cleaned, dried and patched, if necessary, you are ready to apply the sealer followed by the primer. An application of a quality, masonry, clear sealer will prevent moisture from seeping through your foundation into your basement or crawlspace. The sealer is a crucial step in helping to prevent mold and mildew from entering your home through your foundation. Purchase a complimenting primer to apply after the sealer has completely dried.

Step Five

You are now ready to paint! Choosing a high quality, vinyl, enamel paint will save you time and money in the end. Choose your color carefully being sure to coordinate with your homes existing scheme. Apply several coats rather than one thick coat of paint. This will give you a harder surface with a better bond. Painting with rollers will make the job go quickly however, be prepared to use a brush to get into the nooks, crannies and spaces rollers can’t reach. Once you are finished, allow adequate drying time before allowing any shrubbery or other exterior influences to touch the newly painted surface.

Step back and enjoy the fruits of your labor and a job well done!

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