Painting new unpainted concrete

Note: Refer to the PDF flowchart for a visual of the steps below:

1. Wash down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash to remove dirt, oils and other contaminants.

2. Fill cracks and voids:

   1. Cracks under 1mm, use Resene Brushable Crack Filler.
   2. Cracks over 1mm, use Selleys No More Gaps exterior formulation or similar.
   3. Holes and voids, use either Resene Jointflex or an approved masonry filler.

3. Prime using Resene Concrete Primer.

4. Refer to topcoat systems flowcharts.

NOTE: Resene Limelock may be used on new concrete and plaster to enhance the cure and hold back limestaining. It is most effective when applied during the construction stage.

Things to consider

• How long has the concrete or plaster had to cure?
• Does it have any cracks or voids that will need filling?
• How large are they?
• Do you have any waterproofing issues?
• Are you going to do the work yourself?
• How big is the area to be painted and how smooth (or rough) is the surface?

Notes:

1. Concrete (and thickly applied plasters) may take up to 28 days to fully cure and, unless Resene Limelock is used, should not be painted before this time.

2. Curing and release agents will need to be removed from concrete before painting. In most cases Resene Paint Prep and Housewash will do the job, but for stubborn release agents a stronger product like Resene Emulsifiable Solvent Cleaner should be used. This is rarely an issue for DIY paint users (see appendix).

3. Plasters, masonry finishes and cement sheets will collect dust and air-blown contaminants, such as salt, on the surface. A thorough wash and hose down should be sufficient to remove plaster dust etc. from the surface.

4. Concrete will sometimes have minor cracks and bug holes. These are best filled with plaster, such as Rockcote Multistop, or alternatively an epoxy, such as Resene Epox-O-Bond. Use a spatula or 35-50mm broad knife.

5. Plasters and masonry may have small hairline cracks caused as the plaster dries. It is often difficult due to the rough nature of the surface to use a filler, so use Resene Brushable Crack Filler or Resene X-200 brushed into the cracks.

6. Apply Resene Concrete Primer before filling any cracks or voids.

   • Applying fillers is easier if the surface is sealed.
   • The primer will make it easier to identify cracks to be filled.

7. Resene Limelock is recommended for new plasters and masonry. Resene Concrete Primer will help prevent subsequent limestaining. When dark colours are used, allow at least 7 days before overcoating Resene Limelock.

Key accessories essential to complete the job

• Extension pole
• Fillers – Selleys Masonry Filler and/or Resene Brushable Crack Filler
• PAL No.1 or PAL No.2 roller sleeve
• Resene Legend or Haydn Genius 50-75mm brush (for cutting in)
• Resene Paint Prep and Housewash
• Roller tray and handle

Add-ons – to make the job easier or quicker

• 35-50mm broad knife (for filling)
• 100-120 grit sandpaper for overfilled masonry filler
• Aluminium extension pole
• Dropsheets
• Paint pot for decanting from a 10 litre pail

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