Right Kind Of Paint To Use For Concrete Water Fountain?
I Want To Daub Paint A Concrete Water Fountain …
I received this email from Steve who asked:
Hi you have a great web site. I am planning on daubing/painting a large water fountain. Can you tell me what kind of paint I should use. The fountain is made of concrete. And what method would you use for this project. Thanks Steve
My reply:
Hi Steve:
Thank you for contacting me and for the kind compliment. I do try to “over deliver” information for my visitors.About painting your water fountain, I can offer some helpful hints, with these two being VERY important:
-Make sure that the concrete is DRY before you even think of picking up a brush!! One little bit of moisture in the concrete will cause the paint to peel on-up-the-road; and
-You can use latex paints or oil-based paints and even stains.**For the best all-inclusive info I can offer you, please go to this page on my website Colorant Guides and look about half-way down for the 3rd content box that says “Read the Colorant Guides”. Click on the PDF icon to open up the guides.
Refer to the 2nd page of the PDF guide and you’ll have every question answered about all the ins and outs of the different way to color concrete. Feel free to print out a copy for yourself.
As far as the method of application … what kind of “look” are you trying to achieve?? (You didn’t say.) A mottled effect? (then sure you could just daub on color with an old sponge or even a wadded up rag); or your could use a brush to daub on layers of color; or do you want it to look like marble? … then refer to this webpage: Faux Verdigris Painted Technique
If you just want a solid color, then I’d probably just brush on the color.
Don’t forget to allow your painted or stained technique to dry well; then apply at least 3 top coats of clear finish to help protect the paint and to help make it last longer and let it dry thoroughly, and then you should be “good to go”!!
I hope this helps you. If you have more detailed questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me again. I wish you lots of luck with this project!!
June 16th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
You refer to 3 coats of clear finish to be applied after painting. Which clear finish best protects the paint?
June 18th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Hi Tony:
In most cases I personally like to use the Krylon clear spray paints (they are acrylic). However, depending upon the type of paint you used to add color to your item, perhaps a polyurethane or even a marine varnish would work and/or be more appropriate. But for most of us, I’d wager to say a polyurethane or acylic product would be just fine.
May 12th, 2011 at 9:09 am
It seems like everything I have used as a top coat turns white after about 4 days of being under water, on my concrete leaf birdbaths. I’ve used shellac, behr wet look sealer, and groute sealer, wood stain. I have read others ideas on painting these birdbaths, and these are some of the idea’s others have used. I’ve put so much into making the leaves strong and beautiful, which means nothing if I can’t keep the color I’ve painted it sealed.
Thanks
Judy
October 8th, 2010 at 9:27 am
You refer to 3 coats of clear finish to be applied after painting. Which clear finish best protects the paint?
November 7th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Hi: Perhaps this blog post will give you the some answers http://www.the-artistic-garden.com/blog/whats-a-good-sealant-for-a-bird-bath/
And don’t forget to use the search function on my blog – this will usually help find other posts that just may provide the answer you’re looking for.
November 2nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I never realized how many cool and unique types of water fountains there were out there. I think I know what I’m asking for for Christmas.
June 4th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
My concrete water fountain is disentrigating before my eyes. I can see strings of fiberglass sticking out all over the top bowl. My husband power washes the fountain periodically to get it clean and it is looking worse and worse. How can I fill in all the crevices and give it an overall smooth appearance again, like when it was new. The bottom bowl has not flaked and still looks good (just faded from outdoor exposure).
August 5th, 2011 at 10:49 am
Lorena:
This won’t be a quick ‘n easy repair project, but it may be doable. Since I’m not actually there to see the true condition of your fountain, I can only suggest you either try uring a premixed concrete repair compound or mix up a batch of fresh concrete that you’ve adding a bonding agent into. I’ve written about bonding agents here: Hypertufa & Concrete Bonding Agents.
You’ll also have to prep the fountain – remove all flakes, etc. You may have to singe off the fiberglass fibers with a blow torch. And you’ll need to moisten and paint on bonding agent onto the fountain before adding your haomemade batch of concrete or if using a premix follow the preparation instructions.
Also … perhaps that power washer cleaning technique isn’t the best idea for your older fountain. I think I’d discourage your husband from using it again if you’re able to repair it.
Good luck!
January 2nd, 2012 at 11:38 pm
I have a black solid stone fountain. I do not know the name if the stone, but it is not concrete and I want to learn how to care for it. Any ideas?
January 13th, 2012 at 11:46 am
Leticia:
I really can’t offer much help as #1) you don’t know the exact type of stone; #2) depending upon your climate, i.e. does it get cold and frigid or are you living somewhere hot and humid?; does the water run 24/7?; what type of mineralization is in the water pumping through the fountain; etc. etc.
I would ask the folks you purchased it from for care instructions.
Or, try and research the type of stone and then do online searches to find out how to care for it in your particular circumstance.