How to Paint a Driveway

You must etch the driveway before you paint.

Before you attempt to paint your driveway, understand a crucial point: Driveways are made of concrete, a nonporous surface that does not accept paint well. If you apply paint directly over an under-prepared concrete driveway, heavy flaking will ensue. You must etch the concrete by applying a special solution. Once the driveway is properly prepared, it will accept new paint. You must apply a durable coating formulated with the ability to support the weight of a car.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure washer
• Water-based degreaser
• Coarse plastic brush
• Protective eyewear
• Concrete etch
• 5-gallon bucket
• Wooden stir sticks
• Floor squeegee
• Stiff-bristled brush
• 2-part epoxy paint
• Roller frame
• Shed-resistant roller cover
• Roller extension pole

Instructions

1. Dampen the driveway with a pressure washer. Scrub the concrete with a water-based degreaser and a coarse brush. Rinse the driveway with the pressure washer. Wait 4 to 6 hours for the driveway to dry.

2. Put on protective eyewear. Pour the concrete etch crystals into the 5-gallon bucket and add two gallons of water. Stir the contents with a wooden stir stick.

3. Spread the solution over the driveway using a floor squeegee. Wait 15 minutes. Rinse the driveway with the pressure washer. Wait 4 to 6 hours for the driveway to dry.

4. Mix the epoxy resin and catalyst in a 5-gallon bucket with a wooden stir stick.

5. Coat the etched driveway with epoxy paint, using a roller. Wait 6 hours before using the driveway.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply epoxy directly over a driveway unless you have etched it first, or you will end up with shedding.

• Don't use ordinary acrylic latex or oil-based paint on a driveway, or you will end up with chipping.

Resources

• RustOleum.com: Concrete Etch