The 5 Best Concrete Paints That Seal the Deal
Updated: May 02, 2023The best concrete paint will seal your basement floor, deck or garage against spills, leaks and wear-and-tear—and look darn good doing it.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
The best concrete paint extends the life of your garage floor, deck or basement. Painting tough concrete surfaces preserves and protects floors, while also boosting their durability. If that doesn’t seal the deal: consider the surface appeal. The best concrete floor paint can also add a pop of color to utilitarian spaces. So whether you are remodeling, insulating or finishing a basement, concrete paint adds polish and practicality to your project.
Before you grab a brush and roller, check out our guide on how to paint a concrete floor. Next, use this list to find the best paint for your project. You don’t need to be a professional to dress up ho-hum flooring with these concrete coatings.
Best Overall
Fixall Skid Grip Coating
This workhorse concrete paint is your go-to for any area that requires an anti-slip surface. The acrylic paint works on both concrete and asphalt, and can be used on patios, pools, decks, driveways, steps, ramps, basement flooring and more. Since it’s designed to be skid-resistant, Fixall is ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces, extending its usefulness into high-traffic areas. Available in a variety of colors, this product makes a statement anywhere it’s applied.
Pros
- Easy application with a brush or roller
- Prevents flaking and peeling
Cons
- May require more product for full treatment
- Color may appear different from packaging
Best Budget
Valspar Porch and Floor Paint
Anyone who has ever undergone a renovation or remodel knows that every penny saved counts. This Valspar pick is the best paint for concrete that won’t break the bank. The acrylic latex compound works just as well on concrete as it does on wood, making it a good fit for both indoor and outdoor use.
The smooth satin finish of this concrete paint adds polish to ordinary surfaces, and its weather-resistant design means it stands up to wear and tear from the elements. The light-gray coating adds a nice touch to all types of projects, from home bars to porches.
Pros
- Best bang for your buck
- Smooth finish resists scuffs, scrapes and scratches
- Compatible with interior and exterior surfaces
Cons
- Not skid-resistant
- Only available in gray
Most Environmentally Friendly
Kilz Concrete and Garage Floor Paint
Designed with a low VOC (volatile organic compound) content, this water-based epoxy floor paint is kind to the planet, but tough on protecting your floors. The chemical-resistant formula prevents scuffing, fading and blistering of basement floors, driveways, porches and pool decks. You should consider epoxy basement flooring if you want a waterproof and durable basement.
Available in silver gray and slate gray—each with a satin finish—this product coordinates with most existing surface jobs. And since it offers up to 500 square feet of coverage, you’ll be able to maximize its usage.
Pros
- Doesn’t give off potentially harmful gases (like traditional paint)
- Easy cleanup
- Mold-resistant
Cons
- Can’t be used on wood
- Not designed for vertical surfaces
Most Aesthetically Pleasing
Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating
Available in an array of colors—desert sand, gray pearl, saddle brown, pine green, white and tile red—this acrylic concrete paint adds style and polish to any indoor or outdoor surface. The skid-resistant matte finish is designed for high-traffic areas like stairs, walkways and patios. One can provides approximately 80 to 120 square feet of coverage, and any spills clean up easily with soap and water. After painting a space, keep it tidy with these smart organizing ideas.
Pros
- Available in seven stylish colors
- Maintains appearance over time
- Works on concrete, wood and metal
Cons
- Dirt may be more visible on dark paint colors
- Higher-than-average price point
Most Durable
Epoxy-Seal Concrete and Garage Floor Paint
If your garage floor has taken a beating lately, a coat of this Seal Krete concrete paint will help it stand up to repeated wear and tear from tires, water, oil and grease. The acrylic-epoxy blend works on any indoor or outdoor concrete surface, such as patios, porches and basements. Its waterproof, UV-resistant formula offers up to 500 square feet of coverage and dries with a satin finish that protects against stains, peeling and fading.
Pros
- Three times sturdier than standard porch or floor paints
- Quick-drying
- Low-odor formula
Cons
- Not skid-resistant
- Not compatible with wood or metal
What to Consider When Buying Concrete Paint
Before clicking add-to-cart, make sure the product you choose checks all the boxes. According to Thumbtack home expert David Steckel, the best paint for concrete should be durable, stain-resistant and safe for everyone in your home. “That means, if families are painting a concrete floor that will be walked on, the paint needs to have a strong grip that isn’t slippery to avoid falls and injuries,” he says.
Types of Concrete Paint
The two types of concrete paint are epoxy and acrylic, each of which have their advantages. Picking the best concrete floor paint depends on the overall look you’re hoping to achieve, as well as your application preference. “While acrylic is a bit cheaper and easier to apply, epoxy is longer lasting, weather-resistant and shinier,” Steckel says.
How We Found the Best Concrete Paints
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
How long does concrete paint take to dry?
Plan to apply at least two coats. Allow the first coat to dry completely (which takes approximately four hours) before proceeding to the second. If you expect to walk on the concrete after it’s painted, Steckel recommends waiting a minimum of one to two days before the final coat is applied for the best results.
To help speed up the drying process, he advises running a dehumidifier before and during the paint job. Afterwards, close all the windows and turn on the air conditioning or a fan.
Is concrete paint waterproof?
It depends on the type: Epoxy is typically waterproof and does not require any additional sealing layers, while acrylic paint may not be 100 percent water-resistant and can benefit from a sealer coat.
How long does concrete paint last?
It varies by brand, but as general rule of thumb, plan to apply a new coat every three to five years. “If the concrete has been well-maintained, if it isn’t used often, or is sheltered from the elements, your first round of paint may last much longer,” Steckel notes.
Shop smarter with our expert recommendations for tools, gears and money-saving deals on can’t-miss DIY and home products. Sign up for Stuff We Love newsletter.
