Don't underestimate one of the easiest, most affordable and most aesthetic ways to decorate interior walls. Did you understand what kind of methodology we are talking about?
Painting of concrete walls is quite popular and is performed using different techniques, using new modern technologies for applying coatings and coloring mixtures that radically change the appearance of the room. Thanks to the coloring in the room, it is possible to create a unique, individual atmosphere and a feeling of comfort. Using the variety of coatings for walls and the possibilities of modern tinting, which are provided in modern color catalogs (TVT, RAL, NCS, etc.), it is possible to choose the desired shade and gloss regardless of the type of surface.
Selection of materials for finishing work
Choosing paint in the 21st century is more likely to be called an interesting and exciting process than a time-consuming repair rigmarole. The only thing that needs to be constantly monitored in this process is the selection of shades for painting concrete walls, ceilings, window frames. All components of the finish must be in the same colorgamma, unless otherwise provided by the design idea. The harmonic relationship of tones, halftones and shades is a prerequisite for painting, therefore, when preparing the surface for this type of finish, it is important to remember a few recommendations. They will be discussed further.
Recommendations for preparing walls
Among the most important aspects influencing the choice of paint of a particular type, the assessment of color and the effect produced on the surface.
In addition to choosing the tone of the walls, it is important to harmoniously combine the degree of glow. The perception of color directly depends on the strength of the gloss. So, matte surfaces are perceived more calmly, they carry harmony. The choice most often falls on such material when it comes to arranging a recreation area or repairing a living room or bedroom. Matte gives the color softness and elegance. It has such a coating and its own characteristics, including the perception of texture. When sunlight hits such a wall, a soft scattering of daylight occurs, which brightens the surface and hides small imperfections of the substrate or minor flaws.
Semi-gloss and semi-gloss tones when painting concrete walls are more acceptable in rooms that are actively used throughout the day. The presence of gloss gives the color a "zest" - the paint "plays" in the light, it seems more dynamic.
Note that texture, color and sheen are not the main qualities to look out for. Wet cleaning resistance is what really matters.
Pay attention! It is important that the surface be washed without damaging the outer layer of the coating, dry quickly, and be easily repainted.
Technological features of wall preparation
To get a quality result after painting the walls, make sure that the surface meets the technical rules put forward for the planes to be painted.
Microclimate in the house
In the room where it is planned to paint concrete walls, it is necessary to create a certain microclimate with an air temperature not higher than +5°C and relative humidity in the room not exceeding 80%.
Features of wall plastering
After plastering, the surface is left to dry completely. Please note that plasters from different manufacturers differ in terms of drying. Three days are enough for one - and you can proceed to the next stage of work. For others, even 20 days will not be enough. You will have to wait about a month until the coating finally hardens. Do not forget to study the instructions for working with paint and do not rush with further finishing. Let the surface dry completely.
Structural strength: role in finishing work
An equally important indicator in the preparation of concrete walls for painting is its strength. All particles that are peeling and falling off must be removed, especially if the surface has already been covered with paint before.
Re-staining is carried out according to the seriesestablished rules. Performing the procedure a second time, make sure that the surface is absolutely clean: there are no noticeable spots, traces of leaks, splashes from foreign substances (juices, wine, ink, grease, etc.). Although it is not easy to clean such a stain, it is not recommended to leave it on the surface. It can easily appear from under the applied coating and spoil the interior.
Experts recommend using a special surface cleaner for this type of contamination before applying coatings - Maalipesu.
Steps of surface preparation for painting
Don't look for easy ways! Therefore, stop at one of the most time-consuming options in order to eliminate possible errors made by the masters during the preparation of the premises for finishing work.
Imagine that the wall is not painted for the first time. It is covered with a layer of old paint, cracks, chips and other damage caused over the years of operation of the room. The instructions for preparing a concrete wall for painting will consist of several sections and will tell you in detail how to prepare the surface for the upcoming work.
Stage 1: Cleaning
To achieve the highest quality painting effect, each layer of coating should be applied to a flat, grease-free, cleaned, dry and durable surface. Therefore, before proceeding with the painting of the wall, it is pre-washed, cleaned and dried. To do this, use a non-abrasive detergent.
Removing paint by hand
The old coating is removed, especially if blisters or paint are observedpeeled off in places. To do this, use a spatula, scraper or chisel - tools that help to effectively clean the surface of a small area.
Semi-mechanical wall cleaning
For scale planes, it is recommended to use more powerful devices: a drill or grinder with special nozzles that speed up and facilitate the process of cleaning old walls and ceilings. When carrying out such work, be prepared for the fact that there will be a lot of dust and debris, so do not forget to wear a protective suit, mask, goggles.
You can move on to removing the old layer of paint from the concrete base with a building hair dryer. But such a process is time consuming, because it requires heating the stove to a certain level so that the paint easily lags behind.
Working with washes
Washes are effective. These are specialized products used to dissolve heavy dirt, paints, varnishes, resins, bitumen (tar) and other building materials.
Oil-based, alkyd and nitrocellulose compounds are removed with a solvent-based fluid. Alkaline wash formulations work well with old water-based or dispersion coatings. By the way, it is easy to purchase such a tool - you can find it in any specialized store.
Chemical wash costs a lot and, in addition, is harmful to the he alth of the person working with it. Such solutions have an unpleasant pungent odor and contain components that adversely affect the respiratory system, so take care of additional protection of organsbreathing.
Sandblasting
Such machines are most effective in removing old paint, although not everyone can afford such a device.
Stage 2: Surface priming
If the finishing of concrete walls for painting is carried out for the first time, then it is necessary to check whether the plastered and puttied surface is chalked. To find out, run your hand along the wall. If a white coating remains on the hand, it must be treated with a primer after preparing for this: wiping the surface with a damp cloth or napkin and drying it well. As a primer for a durable clean surface, you can use acrylic or water-based paint, previously diluted with water in a proportion of 5-10%. To apply the first primer coat on an already prepared or clean new surface, add 1 part of water to 10 parts of paint. For the next coat, use 20 parts paint and 1 part water.
Stage 3: Leveling the walls
If the plastering process was carried out using granular plaster, then, in order to give it a final smoothness, it will be necessary to putty the concrete walls for painting. Pay special attention to cracks: first “expand” them, giving a triangular profile, then prime and only then fill with putty.
Please note that oil-based putty may cause water-based paint to fade.
When preparing concrete walls for painting, do not forget about finishingputty. This will help achieve a perfectly smooth effect by sanding the surface.
Features of the color of concrete bases
It is best to start painting from surfaces above doorways and windows. The paint is applied to the concrete base with smooth movements from top to bottom. This is not the only option used for staining. You can, for example, apply paint with a roller in W-shaped strokes. What technique to use and how to prepare concrete walls for painting is up to you.
Having completed the finishing work, without waiting for the paint to dry, inspect the door and window frames, ceiling moldings, baseboards. Wipe up any paint smudges immediately.
In your opinion, is it difficult to prepare a concrete base for painting with your own hands without resorting to the services of repairmen? Perhaps this process will cause some difficulties for beginners and take a little more time, but it will significantly save the family budget.
Now you know how to prepare a concrete wall for painting. And how to cope with such a difficult task as coloring the walls in an apartment. Follow the instructions above for preparing the concrete base for finishing. And when choosing materials for coloring, rely on your preferences. Then you will get a high-quality beautiful repair, no worse than a designer one.
