The successful painting of a concrete surface depends on several things, the most important being preparation. Don't be in a rush to paint freshly poured concrete. New concrete should be allowed to age 60 to 90 days before paint is applied. In all cases, the concrete should be free of surface grit, grease, oil and other contaminants that otherwise will inhibit the paint from adhering.

Cleaning is the first step. Clean the concrete thoroughly using a solution consisting of one cup of powdered laundry detergent and one cup of liquid chlorine bleach in a gallon of hot water. Add the bleach to the water first and stir in the detergent. Work the solution into the concrete using a stiff bristle broom or a nylon brush. Be sure to wear safety goggles and rubber gloves. The solution should remain for about 15 minutes, but not allowed to dry. Rinse the area completely with fresh water.

Exterior areas not subject to damage by a profusion of water, can be pressure-washed or, better yet, steam-cleaned to remove deep seeded contaminants.

After a thorough cleaning, the surface of the concrete should be etched using a commercial concrete cleaning product that contains phosphoric acid. This acid is especially useful in removing rust. Another proven method for etching involves using a 25 percent solution of muriatic (hydrochloric) acid. Extreme caution should be employed when using acid. In addition to the other means of personal protection described above, wear rubber boots, long sleeves and allow for plenty of ventilation. Flush the area with fresh water after the acid wash.

Flaking, peeling paint and previously painted surfaces should be removed using a chemical remover, sandblaster or a mechanical abrader. Once the paint has been removed, follow the cleaning and etching steps described above.

There are three basic types of paint for concrete: latex, oil and epoxy. Of the three, latex is by far the most widely used. It has excellent adhesion properties, allows water vapor to escape (prohibiting delamination), and is the most user-friendly to apply since it cleans up with water.

Most latex concrete floor paints are designed to be applied directly to raw concrete. The first coat serves as a primer, while a second coat offers a full, uniform and abrasion-resistant finish. Concrete floor paints are best applied using a medium-to-long nap roller cover. Edges can be cut in using a nylon-polyester brush or paint pad. Latex is especially popular for garage floors and carports.

Oil-base paints offer a harder, shinier finish. Unlike latex, oil-base porch paint should be applied over a coat of oil-base concrete or masonry filler-primer. Application is similar to latex, but mineral spirits are used for cleanup. Thin the primer slightly using mineral spirits. This will enhance the penetration and improve the bond. Once dry, the finish coat can be applied. Oil paints can be applied over an existing oil finish provided it is clean and has been etched with a Trisodiumphosphate (TSP) wash. Chipping, peeling paint should be scraped and sanded, and the surface filled with a patching compound. Oil-base paints still are a favorite for porches and patios.

Among the paint choices are epoxies. Epoxy paints are the most durable and longest lasting. They are especially popular in basements because they control dampness. Epoxy paints generally consist of two separate products which, when combined, create a chemical reaction that results in an above-average bond and an abrasion-resistant finish.

Man has yet to develop a paint that will not eventually be damaged by hot car tires. Over time, all types of concrete paint will bubble, peel or chip when subjected to constant contact by them.

In addition to concrete floor paints, concrete stains are available. The latter are growing in popularity especially for driveways that look like an Indy 500 pit stop. The process is similar to painting. The concrete is steam-cleaned and lightly acid-washed. The concrete stain is much thinner than concrete floor paint, and this feature ensures maximum penetration. The material is mixed in a five-gallon bucket and mopped onto the concrete.

When dry it resembles pigmented concrete rather than a painted finish. The disadvantage is that concrete stains are not nearly as abrasion-resistant as concrete paints and must, therefore, be applied more frequently.