Painting concrete?

[Frank]

I just had repair the landing of my patio steps. That left the bottom 2 as is, they did not need repair. After the job was done and we had some big r ain storms, I noticed the new concrete sort of whitish and the bottom 2 loo ked old and gray. I would like to finish those steps to look like the new r epair job..any recommendations?

[trader_4]

s is, they did not need repair. After the job was done and we had some big rain storms, I noticed the new concrete sort of whitish and the bottom 2 l ooked old and gray. I would like to finish those steps to look like the new repair job..any recommendations?

First I'd powerwash the old ones to clean them up and see what color they are then. They might be close enough and with time they will likely get closer. If that isn't good enough, I guess you can look for a concrete paint where they can do a custom color and match the color of the new concrete by taking a sample to the store.

[dadiOH]

Let the new sit for at least a month - longer is better - and paint all, old and new.

[Dan Espen]

Start with power washer. Great for cleaning concrete.

[Ed Pawlowski]

Be very careful about painting. It can make the steps very slippery so you will need to use sand or some paint that is non-slip. Once painted, they will need paint every few years too.

Clean the old steps first. Power wash with a strong detergent or use muriatic acid. Then wait a year so the new step can catch up with the old and you may not have to do anything.

[dpb]

On 07/25/2014 9:33 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: ...

+22 Create a monster from here on if choose to...

+222

IOW, "just chill..." :) It'll fix itself in due time.

[Dan Espen]

Agree completely. The power washer should get the 2 parts very close in color if not 100% match. Any remaining difference will cure itself pretty quickly.

An electric power washer is sufficient.

Paint is a really bad idea unless you really have nothing to do and like dealing with peeling paint.