The Best Concrete Paint Options - Top Picks from Bob Vila

By Glenda Taylor, Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi

Updated on Jun 24, 2024

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Sprucing up masonry surfaces requires special concrete paint. We recently tested six best-selling masonry paints on concrete pavers to see how easily they applied and how well they protected the pavers. Our favorite is a paint made by Benjamin Moore, INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Paint, thanks to its consistent coverage, moisture resistance, and durability. Plus, it comes with anti-slip grit in the mix, making it safer for walking on the painted surface.

Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for paint for patios, sidewalks, and other types of masonry, including brick and stucco. Find out how the following products earned a spot on this lineup of the best concrete paints via our hands-on tests.

There are as many concrete paints as there are reasons for painting concrete. We considered the paint brand since manufacturers like Benjamin Moore are highly respected in the painting world. Still, we didn’t automatically exclude paints made by smaller manufacturers if they contained quality ingredients and came highly recommended by users.

In our hands-on tests, we painted masonry so we could see firsthand how the paints performed. For most of the tests, we painted clean, dry concrete pavers, but we also painted bricks to test the quality of whitewash paint. While some formulas needed just one coat, others required two.

After allowing the paints to cure for 3 weeks, we tested them for water and abrasion resistance. We awarded points based on a rubric: The better a paint performed, the more points it earned. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our top pick and categorize the paints for their best use.

Choosing the best paint for concrete depends on several factors, and our list has something for nearly every scenario. Whether you’re looking for concrete wall paint or concrete floor paint, you’ll find a top performer here. Find out the pros and cons we discovered in our tests.

Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Coverage 4.8/5; Durability 4.3/5; Odor 5/5; Value 4.8/5

Finding a concrete patio paint in a color you like can be tough, but INSL-X Sure Step comes in six colors, plus white. This acrylic paint is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. While you can use it on walls, it comes with nonslip grit designed to keep floors from becoming slippery.

We applied two coats of Sure Step to our concrete pavers, and it dried to a durable, uniform finish that withstood power-washing and abrasion testing. Our testing period was 3 weeks, so we can’t promise it will last for years, but it came through our tests unscathed, and we wouldn’t hesitate to use it on our own concrete patio.

The nonslip aspect sold us on this floor paint for concrete. A regular floor enamel can become hazardous when wet, but Sure Step’s built-in traction makes it an excellent choice for pool decks and other walkways. Because this concrete coating is water-based, cleanup was easy with soap and warm water.

Read our full review: INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Paint

Get the INSL-X concrete paint at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Coverage 4.8/5; Durability 4.3/5; Odor 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Concrete painting doesn’t have to be a pricey project. This affordable Kilz paint provides a mold- and mildew-resistant finish well suited to damp basements, all at a great price.

We used a brush to apply the paint to our concrete pavers. The first coat seemed slightly scant, so we applied another, as Kilz recommends a second coat if desired. The finished concrete surface looked uniform, smooth, and free from brushstrokes.

This paint can be used on horizontal and vertical surfaces, but it’s not meant for floors or walkways. After the paint was cured, we washed the paver with water and scrubbed it with a nylon brush to test its water and abrasion resistance. The paint held firm.

Get the Kilz interior/exterior concrete paint at Walmart.

Our Ratings: Application 4/5; Coverage 4.8/5; Durability 5/5; Odor 4/5; Value 4/5

This concrete floor paint from Kilz applies as easily as latex paint (no mixing here) but has the high-durability characteristics of an epoxy product.

We applied the paint using a roller since brushing it on isn’t recommended. It dried to the touch in 2 hours, and we applied a second coat after 4 hours, though the thick formula went a long way. It withstood both water and abrasion resistance testing.

Kilz specifically states that this product is not for vertical surfaces, so don’t buy it if you want to paint basement walls. But, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty concrete floor paint without the hassle of mixing two-part epoxy, this Kilz product might be just the ticket.

Get the Kilz one-part epoxy concrete paint at Lowe’s or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Application 4.8/5; Coverage 5/5; Durability 4/5; Odor 4.5/5; Value 4/5

If you’re upgrading an old brick fireplace, you might like the Giani Brick Transformations whitewash paint. This acrylic water-based product is a sheer paint for cement and brick, but it’s most commonly used on brick because the fresh look tones down red and brown brick colors. It’s a cross between a paint and a concrete stain.

Giani suggests diluting the paint to get the right look. We used a paint brush to apply a 1:2 ratio of water to paint and then used a rag to wipe off the excess. This gave the bricks an updated look while allowing some of their natural red hue to show through.

This is an interior-grade paint, so we modified our water and abrasion resistance tests to mimic what the paint might face from regular cleaning. We brushed the surface of the dry bricks with a stiff nylon brush, then spritzed water on them and wiped them down. The paint stayed put on the bricks—none came off our rag. As a final test, we sanded some whitewashed brick to see if we could remove the paint. Some of the paint came off, but as far as typical cleaning goes, the Giana whitewash paint held up well.

Get the Giani concrete paint at Amazon or The Home Depot (complete kit).

Our Ratings: Application 4.5/5; Coverage 5/5; Durability 5/5; Odor 4/5; Value 4.3/5

Rust-Oleum’s EpoxyShield garage floor coating kit is a high-quality, two-part epoxy kit with everything you need to coat your garage floor with a tough and attractive finish. This traditional epoxy requires thorough mixing, but it’s very durable when it cures.

We applied EpoxyShield with a brush—one coat is all we needed. Rust-Oleum simplifies the process by instructing the user to pour the contents of Part 2 directly into the Part 1 can, so no measuring is required.

It’s vital to apply the product to clean, dry concrete so that the paint forms a strong bond. The instructions explain how to test the concrete for moisture; if it’s present, you’ll want to apply a moisture-stop product before painting.

EpoxyShield aced our water and abrasion resistance tests. The kit comes with optional decorative paint chips and traction grit, but we think the finished surface would be pretty slippery without the grit. The paint chips add some much-appreciated visual interest. Applying EpoxyShield is a bigger project than just rolling on paint, but it’s a great option if you’re looking to update a garage floor.

Get the Rust-Oleum concrete paint at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Application 4.8/5; Coverage 4.5/5; Durability 4.3/5; Odor 4/5; Value 4.3/5

Check out Kilz porch and patio floor paint if you’re looking for a product that applies easily over painted surfaces like decks and patios. This latex enamel resists mildew and creates an attractive finish.

We applied two coats of paint to our concrete pavers. We painted two pavers because the manufacturer suggested allowing up to 4 weeks before washing. If the paint didn’t hold up to cleaning at our 3-week test, we wanted an additional paver to retest at 4 weeks. But it impressed us in both our moisture resistance and abrasion resistance tests.

One slight downside is that this enamel was pretty slippery when wet. For that reason, we wouldn’t apply it to a pool deck.

A 1-gallon can of Kilz floor paint can cover as much as 400 square feet with an attractive, durable finish. It self-levels into a uniform surface without any visible brushstrokes.

Get the Kilz porch and patio concrete paint at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

The following are important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a concrete coating.

While several concrete paints are “interior/exterior,” others aren’t. If you want to use the paint outside, ensure it’s labeled as outdoor concrete paint. Likewise, some paints don’t work well on vertical surfaces, and others are not intended for floors. Be sure to choose a paint suitable for your project.

Good paint for outdoor concrete should withstand the elements all year round. Choose paint with weather resistance instead of letting Mother Nature have her way with your concrete surfaces. While no paint will last forever in harsh conditions, exterior-grade paints and epoxies hold up longer and require fewer repairs between coats.

Consider color when choosing the best concrete paint for your project. While colors like “slate” and “battleship gray” are the most common concrete paint colors, a few products offer more hues. For unique colors and effects, you might consider epoxy paint. Some have base tones and color flakes that you can scatter on the surface to change the look of your floor.

Glossy surfaces reflect light and create a smooth, durable, and easy-to-clean surface. A shiny finish also reduces the likelihood of noticing scratches and scuffs. Epoxy surfaces are naturally glossy; you can often buff them with a floor buffer if they become dull.

One thing to remember about glossy paints is that they can be slippery, as moisture won’t absorb as easily. If you choose a glossy paint for a floor, ensure it’s nonslip.

When cleaning up messes on painted surfaces, soap and water work on both latex and epoxy floors, but epoxy withstands regular cleaning much better than latex. While latex paint will begin to break down after being washed multiple times, you can mop epoxy floors without damaging the finish.

Latex paint applied to an average floor lasts around 2 years before another coat is needed, but on walls, it can last longer. Epoxy floor paint lasts much longer, making it the better choice for a floor with a low-maintenance finish.

Familiarize yourself with the most common types of concrete paint so you can get the right concrete paint for your project.

Acrylic latex paint is a water-based product that spreads easily on masonry surfaces. It doesn’t take any special tools, brushes, or rollers; it’s a very straightforward DIY product.

Acrylic latex is budget-friendly compared to epoxy but less durable. A concrete garage floor could require a new coat of acrylic paint every 2 to 3 years, though it will last longer on vertical surfaces. Some formulas have small particles mixed throughout the paint to create a nonslip surface, ideal for walkways, steps, and floors.

Epoxy paint is great for painting outdoor concrete surfaces. It’s an extremely durable, long-lasting cement sealer paint that can take harsh treatment, making it ideal for garage floors. Epoxies can create shiny, glossy surfaces with decorative color flakes, making them a popular choice in high-end residential garages and vehicle showrooms.

They’re more expensive than latex and can be challenging to apply, depending on the thickness and the concrete’s porosity. Still, the result is a rock-solid floor covering impervious to water and resistant to stains.

We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about concrete paint to give you some guidance as you shop. If you don’t find your answer here, contact your paint manufacturer’s customer service department.

Some concrete epoxies are waterproof, but most concrete paints meant for exterior use are water-resistant, though they will wear down over time.

Concrete paint can be dry to the touch in as little as an hour but could take up to 24 hours to completely dry.

You can remove concrete paint with a paint stripper and a pressure washer.

Latex paints can last around 2 years before needing a fresh coat. Epoxies can last much longer, especially if you go the extra mile and maintain them with regular waxing and buffing.

It depends on the product and the existing surface. Some paints are self-priming, while others require a primer to be applied before painting concrete.

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools and other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.

Today’s energy-efficient space heaters warm individual rooms, so users needn’t heat unoccupied areas of the house. We tested the most popular space heaters on the market to find out which ones performed the best.

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.

Learn more about BobVila.com Editorial Standards

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.