How to Paint Concrete Statues
Prepare the statue for painting., Apply a base coat to the entire statue, using either a brush or a sprayer., Choose a painting method for the top coat., Paint the top coat., Seal the statue.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Prepare the statue for painting.
Before painting concrete, you must take certain steps to ensure the paint will stick to it:
Allow the concrete statue to air dry.
Wash the statue with water, using a garden hose or shower sprayer.
Do not use soap.
Blow any remaining dust or concrete flakes off the statue using a high pressure air hose. -
Step 2: Apply a base coat to the entire statue
Use either a latex exterior paint or a paint formulated especially for painting concrete, in a color that is appropriate to the top coat color you will be using.
Coat the bottom of the concrete statue with a base coat first.
Allow it to dry, then stand the statue up for painting.
Allow the base coat to dry, then inspect the statue for full coverage.
Concrete is very absorbent, so you may need to apply more than 1 base coat.
If you notice that an area seems dull or washed out in comparison to other areas, it is a good idea to apply another base coat. , You may opt to use a paint brush or paint sprayer to coat the statue, or you can choose from other creative paint finish options:
Dry-brushing involves using base and top coats that are contrasting in nature, and swiping a partially-coated paintbrush over the concrete statue to create a weathered, striation effect.
For example, you can use a black base coat for your statue, then dip your paintbrush in white paint, wipe most of the white paint off the brush and swipe the barely-damp paintbrush across your statue for a feathery look.
For an antiquing method, use a light or white base coat for concrete statues, then apply the colored top coat, let the paint sit for 10 minutes and wipe away the excess paint using a dampened rag.
Apply and wipe away paint as necessary to get the desired effect.
Airbrushing is a technique that requires a paint airbrush.
It is a learned skill that can create realistic effects for animal statues, and can work with either a dark or light base coat, depending on the subject.
Detailing involves using small brushes to create details in the top coat by hand.
Concrete statues that are going to be detailed generally work best with white base coats. , You can either paint concrete statues a solid color, or use a variety of colors for details.
Use any type or variety of exterior latex paint and/or concrete paint products found in home improvement and craft stores.
Allow the top coat to dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step in painting concrete. , Use a non-yellowing exterior concrete sealer.
This will protect paint colors from fading and keep out harmful moisture.
Place the concrete statue on a ventilated surface (gravel or rock will do), and allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours. -
Step 3: using either a brush or a sprayer.
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Step 4: Choose a painting method for the top coat.
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Step 5: Paint the top coat.
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Step 6: Seal the statue.
Detailed Guide
Before painting concrete, you must take certain steps to ensure the paint will stick to it:
Allow the concrete statue to air dry.
Wash the statue with water, using a garden hose or shower sprayer.
Do not use soap.
Blow any remaining dust or concrete flakes off the statue using a high pressure air hose.
Use either a latex exterior paint or a paint formulated especially for painting concrete, in a color that is appropriate to the top coat color you will be using.
Coat the bottom of the concrete statue with a base coat first.
Allow it to dry, then stand the statue up for painting.
Allow the base coat to dry, then inspect the statue for full coverage.
Concrete is very absorbent, so you may need to apply more than 1 base coat.
If you notice that an area seems dull or washed out in comparison to other areas, it is a good idea to apply another base coat. , You may opt to use a paint brush or paint sprayer to coat the statue, or you can choose from other creative paint finish options:
Dry-brushing involves using base and top coats that are contrasting in nature, and swiping a partially-coated paintbrush over the concrete statue to create a weathered, striation effect.
For example, you can use a black base coat for your statue, then dip your paintbrush in white paint, wipe most of the white paint off the brush and swipe the barely-damp paintbrush across your statue for a feathery look.
For an antiquing method, use a light or white base coat for concrete statues, then apply the colored top coat, let the paint sit for 10 minutes and wipe away the excess paint using a dampened rag.
Apply and wipe away paint as necessary to get the desired effect.
Airbrushing is a technique that requires a paint airbrush.
It is a learned skill that can create realistic effects for animal statues, and can work with either a dark or light base coat, depending on the subject.
Detailing involves using small brushes to create details in the top coat by hand.
Concrete statues that are going to be detailed generally work best with white base coats. , You can either paint concrete statues a solid color, or use a variety of colors for details.
Use any type or variety of exterior latex paint and/or concrete paint products found in home improvement and craft stores.
Allow the top coat to dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step in painting concrete. , Use a non-yellowing exterior concrete sealer.
This will protect paint colors from fading and keep out harmful moisture.
Place the concrete statue on a ventilated surface (gravel or rock will do), and allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours.
About the Author
Zachary Baker
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in creative arts and beyond.
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