What to use as final varnish for painted concrete?

7 years ago

I'm making all these columns as accents/supports for climbing roses; they are aluminum covered with stones,shells, etc and cement. I'm painting them, but it's taking me a long time to learn how to do this and have the colour hold up. I've started coating the un-coloured cement with waterproofing for concrete, and then painting the colours on top of that, since the cement itself seems to "suck up" a LOT of colour. But I'd like a final varnish to help protect against the elements and make them glossy,and hopefully protect the colour somewhat from the terribly intense sun. Since there is a lot of material to cover, I was wondering if I could use something like marine varnish instead of a more costly fine-arts type vernish. Anyone have any experience/ideas/opinions on this? Also, any suggestions on what paints are best to use, etc, would be most welcome. I'm using artist grade acrylics...Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

neetsiepie

7 years ago

Try using clear spray paint as your sealer. It doesn't matter the finish but matte or satin will be easier to add your final paint to. Once you've painted it, then use high gloss spray clear spray paint. We've been painting ornamental concrete for 20 years and that is what we use. I've got some pieces that have been out in all the elements for a dozen years or more and they're holding up. But you have to get GOOD quality spray paint. Krylon or Rustoleum will work best.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Sandplum1
7 years ago
Following-good question.
User thanked Sandplum1
arcy_gw
7 years ago
YEARS ago I made many many stepping stones using cake pans in all those character shapes etc. I got cans of left over paint from our local recycle swap "store". All were laytex not sure if they were even "outside" grade paint but I have to say I am surprised you are having issues with the paint as my stepping stones 15+ years later for the most part look like the day I painted them. Mine do not have to hold up to sun. Maybe that's the real issue.
User thanked arcy_gw
Related Professionals
Dalton Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Vineland Landscape Contractors · Providence Landscape Contractors · Flint Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Wichita Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Norfolk Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fort Dodge Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wausau Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Duluth Landscape Contractors · Savannah Interior Designers & Decorators · Rolla Interior Designers & Decorators · Fort Dodge Interior Designers & Decorators · San Angelo Interior Designers & Decorators · Fort Dodge Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Coldwater Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
User
Original Author
7 years ago
Arcy,just curious-why don't they have to "hold up to sun"? Are they in a very shady, sheltered spot? I'm also surprised that the paint has held up so well to foot traffic! However in part i think my issues could be due to the cement "soaking up" the pigments. I'm now trying doing a priming undercoat of white paint first. Did decide to go ahead and try the marine varnish as well, as a final coat...
arcy_gw
7 years ago
I have a shade garden under 100 year old oaks and the stepping stones are scattered about so they don't get much sun on them. For example at the base of this lighthouse there are three cement fish.
User thanked arcy_gw
User
Original Author
7 years ago
Very nice, arcy!!!