That grey concrete garage floor or tired-looking driveway doesn’t have to stay dull forever. Painting concrete is one of the smartest ways to refresh your outdoor spaces, protect surfaces from Melbourne’s harsh weather, and boost your property’s kerb appeal. But here’s the thing—it’s not as simple as slapping on a coat of paint and calling it done.
This guide walks you through exactly how to paint concrete properly, with tips tailored for Melbourne’s climate. You’ll learn what materials you need, how to prep the surface right, and when it’s worth calling in professional exterior painting help.
What You’ll Need: Tools and Materials
Before you start, gather everything in one trip to Bunnings or Mitre 10:
Materials:
- Concrete paint (epoxy for floors/driveways, acrylic masonry paint for walls)
- Concrete primer or epoxy primer
- Concrete crack filler or hydraulic cement
- Concrete etcher (like Berger Jet Dry Active Etch)
- Degreaser for oil stains
- Concrete sealer (if not using epoxy)
Tools:
- Pressure washer or stiff broom
- Wire brush and scraper
- Paint roller with long nap (12-18mm)
- Paintbrushes for edges
- Painter’s tape
- Buckets and mixing sticks
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask)
Don’t skimp on quality paint. Dulux, Taubmans, and White Knight all make excellent concrete coatings available locally.
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Concrete Surface
This is where most DIY jobs fail. Concrete’s a porous surface that holds onto dirt, oil, and moisture like a sponge.
Start by clearing the area completely. Sweep away loose debris, then attack stubborn stains. Oil spots? Hit them with a concrete degreaser and scrub hard. Mould or mildew (common in shaded Melbourne courtyards)? Use a bleach solution—one part bleach to three parts water works well.
Now pressure wash the entire surface. Work in sections and let it dry for at least 48 hours. Melbourne’s humidity can slow drying, so check the forecast. If rain’s coming, wait. Painting damp concrete is the fastest way to waste your weekend and your money.
Here’s a pro tip: tape a plastic bag to the concrete overnight. If you see condensation in the morning, it’s still too wet.
Step 2: Repair Cracks and Damage
Walk the surface carefully. Look for cracks, holes, or crumbling edges.
Fill anything larger than 3mm with concrete crack filler or hydraulic cement. These products are available at any hardware store. Push the filler deep into cracks, smooth it level with a putty knife, then let it cure according to the package directions—usually 24 hours.
Once dry, sand any rough spots flush with the surrounding surface. You want a smooth, even base for paint to grab onto.
Step 3: Apply Concrete Primer (Why It Matters)
Can you skip primer? Sure. Will you regret it in six months when your paint starts peeling? Absolutely.
Primer creates a bond between the porous concrete and your topcoat. For garage floors and driveways, use an epoxy primer. For walls or less demanding surfaces, an acrylic concrete primer works fine.
Many DIYers skip the etching step if they use a quality primer, but for best results—especially on smooth or previously sealed concrete—etch first with a concrete etcher. This opens up the surface pores. Follow the product instructions, scrub it in with a stiff broom, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry.
Apply primer with a roller, working in sections. Let it cure fully (check the can, but 24 hours is typical in Melbourne’s temperate climate).
Step 4: Choose the Right Paint for Your Concrete
Not all concrete paint is created equal. Here’s what to use where:
Garage floors and driveways: Two-part epoxy paint. It’s tougher, resists chemicals and tyre marks, and lasts 5-10 years with proper prep. Water-based epoxies are easier to clean up but just as durable.
Outdoor patios and paths: Acrylic masonry paint designed for exterior use. Look for UV resistance and breathability to handle Melbourne’s sun and rain cycles.
Indoor concrete walls: Standard acrylic latex works if traffic’s light. For basements or laundries, choose mould-resistant formulas.
Want a non-slip finish for steps or pool surrounds? Mix in anti-slip granules or buy paint with them already included.
If you’re tackling a large commercial space or multi-level car park, this is where commercial painting services make sense. The equipment and expertise save time and deliver a professional-grade finish.
Step 5: Apply the Paint (Technique Tips)
Mask edges with painter’s tape. Trust me—it’s worth the extra 15 minutes.
Start by cutting in edges and corners with a brush. Then load your roller (don’t oversaturate it) and work in 1-metre square sections. Roll in a W pattern, then fill in. This spreads the paint evenly without leaving lines.
Always work from the farthest corner back toward your exit. Nothing’s worse than painting yourself into a corner—literally.
Apply thin coats. Two thin coats beat one thick coat every time. Thick paint takes forever to dry and can bubble or peel.
Between coats, wait the full recommended time. In Melbourne, that’s usually 24-48 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Don’t rush it.
Step 6: Seal and Protect Your Work
If you’ve used epoxy paint, you’re done—it’s self-sealing. But if you’ve gone with acrylic masonry paint, especially outdoors, add a concrete sealer as a final step.
Sealers protect against moisture penetration, UV damage, and staining. They make cleaning easier too. Apply with a roller or sprayer once the final paint coat is fully cured (usually 72 hours).
For high-traffic driveways, avoid foot or vehicle traffic for at least a week to allow full curing. Yes, it’s a pain. Yes, it’s necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Concrete
Painting damp concrete: You’ll get bubbling, peeling, and total failure within months. Always do the plastic bag test.
Skipping primer: Paint needs something to grip. Bare concrete is too smooth and porous. Primer solves both problems.
Using the wrong paint: Interior latex on an outdoor driveway won’t last a season. Match the paint to the job.
Applying thick coats: Patience wins. Thin coats dry properly and last longer.
Ignoring Melbourne weather: Don’t paint when rain’s forecast within 48 hours or when temps are above 30°C. Early autumn and spring are ideal.
Taking on too much: A small patio? Go for it. Your entire driveway, garage, and paths? Consider calling residential painting services for efficiency and guaranteed results.
When to Call the Professionals
Look, painting concrete is absolutely doable for most homeowners. But some projects are better left to pros—especially if you’ve got:
- Large areas (driveways over 50 square metres)
- Heavily damaged or uneven surfaces
- Outdoor areas requiring specialised coatings
- Time constraints (professionals work faster)
- Commercial or rental properties needing warranties
The experienced Melbourne painters at Hawthorn Painting handle concrete projects regularly. We’ve got the gear, the products, and the know-how to deliver results that last. Plus, we work around your schedule and Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
Painted concrete can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years depending on the prep work, paint quality, and traffic levels. Do it right once, and you won’t have to think about it again for years.
Ready to transform your concrete surfaces? Whether you’re tackling it yourself or want expert help, get a free quote from our team. Call us on 0411 822 780 to discuss your project.