Masonry paint, also called elastomeric paint, is a good choice for concrete steps because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Other types of paint can crack and peel on concrete. Make sure the concrete is very dry before you paint.

What can I cover my concrete steps with?

How to Cover Concrete Stairs

  1. To cover over concrete stairs, run a line of carpet from top to bottom. …
  2. For a retro or shabby chic look, consider covering concrete stairs with tile. …
  3. For a basic solution to drab concrete stairs, paint them.




How do you waterproof concrete steps?

Here’s a step-by-step summary of how to seal concrete:

  1. Remove all oil, grease, stains, dirt, and dust from the concrete.
  2. Strip any existing sealer from the surface.
  3. Open up the concrete with an etching solution.
  4. Apply a thin coat of sealer using a roller or sprayer.
  5. Wait for the first layer of sealer to dry.

Can concrete steps be painted?

How porous concrete is. It’ll soak up paint like a sponge, so use masonry or concrete primer and paint. Apply with a synthetic roller that has a 1-inch nap. The long fibers grab lots of primer and paint, and they’ll help speed up the job.

Can I paint my front concrete steps?

Clean the steps really well. Make sure the steps are completely dry before painting them. Prime the steps before painting them with a cement primer (this will prevent chipping). Paint with a cement paint.

How can I make my concrete front steps look better?





You can simply repaint it, add bricks, tiles, wood panels or decorative stones. Also you can place plants, lanterns and other decorative details at your front steps. All these steps can give a whole new look to your resurface concrete patio.

How do you cover unsightly concrete?

  1. Paint your cement patio. Paint is an inexpensive and simple way to make an ugly cement patio more appealing. …
  2. Tile the patio. …
  3. Conceal the cement patio with modular wood tiles. …
  4. Lay pavers.
  5. How do you seal outside steps?

    How to Waterproof Stairs

    1. Sweep dust and dirt off the concrete, using a broom. …
    2. Apply painter’s tape along the edges of stairs, preventing sealer from seeping onto surrounding areas. …
    3. Mix the concrete sealer, using an electric mixer. …
    4. Seal the edges of the concrete, using a paint brush.

    What is the best product to seal concrete?

    • BEST OVERALL: Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer.
    • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer.
    • BEST PENETRATING: Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek 8500 Penetrating Sealer.
    • BEST ACRYLIC: Eagle Armor Seal Urethane Acrylic Concrete Sealer.
    • BEST EPOXY: TotalBoat Table Top Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit.
    • Is there a sealer for concrete?

      There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming sealers and penetrating sealers. Film-forming sealers include acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes that form a coating on the surface of the concrete. Film-forming sealers, especially acrylics, are more susceptible to wear and will need to be reapplied frequently.

      What is the best paint for outside concrete steps?



      Masonry paint

      Masonry paint, also called elastomeric paint, is a good choice for concrete steps because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Other types of paint can crack and peel on concrete. Make sure the concrete is very dry before you paint.

      What is the best kind of paint to use on concrete?

      Epoxy-based paints provide high durability and stain resistance, making them ideal for garage or patio floors. Masonry paints are designed for brick and other masonry applications, but also provide effective coatings for concrete.

      What kind of paint do you use on outdoor stairs?



      At one time, oil-based paints were considered the industry standard for exterior use, but acrylic and latex paints have caught up in durability. Acrylic is chemical-based and dries faster, but water-based latex is easier to clean up, according to Carleton Clark at Hillis Brothers Painting.

      What is the most durable paint for stairs?

      Most people opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes when it comes to the best paint for stairs, as both are durable and look good on hardwood floors. These paint types are also typically used as floor paints.

      How do you paint outside stairs?

      How to Paint an Exterior Wooden Staircase

      1. Clean the entire staircase, including the bottom of the treads, with warm soapy water. …
      2. Fill gaps, holes and cracks with exterior-grade two-part epoxy wood filler, says Minwax. …
      3. Chip away flaking paint with a scraper.

      What kind of paint do you use on steps?

      Semi-gloss paint is the most widely used and most widely used type of paint for stairs. Paints with semi-gloss finish have a harder finish and are easier to clean than those with a glossy finish.

      Do you paint treads or risers first?



      Once the stairs are ready, it’s best to start by painting the risers. That way, you can remove any paint you get on the treads before staining them; and painted risers are relatively easy to protect from stain. Choose semigloss or gloss paint — both are easier to keep clean than flat paint.

      Do you need to seal painted stairs?

      After your new paintwork is complete, you need to protect it. I prefer to use clear water-based urethanes for this. The water-based urethanes tend to stay clear for years.

      Is it better to stain or paint stairs?

      Stains are generally more durable than paint, and lighter tread paints may begin showing scuffs and marks before stains or darker paints. Painting over dated, stained wood on spindles, risers, and handrails is one of the most cost-effective ways of transforming your staircase or stairwell.

      How do you refinish stair treads?

      Steps to Refinishing Your Stair Treads:

      1. Sand. Start by sanding down the treads to bare wood with the 80 grit sandpaper. …
      2. Clean. Vacuum between passes, then wipe down the treads with a tack cloth. …
      3. Sand again. …
      4. Clean again. …
      5. Treat the wood. …
      6. Stain the treads. …
      7. Apply the Finish. …
      8. Sand, then repeat two more times.


      Should you polyurethane painted stairs?

      Polyurethane is supposed to protect any painted or stained surface. Plus, it makes it easier for you to wipe down the protected surface in the future. Please note that when you apply this, it has a cloudy appearance but it dries completely clear.