Concrete Walls

• Ordinary latex paint is well-suited for interior concrete walls. Use an eggshell or satin latex paint on concrete walls that aren't exposed to much duress. For concrete walls within weight rooms, work rooms and kids' play rooms, choose a semi-gloss latex paint that will resist stains. If you plan to paint exterior concrete walls and fences, use an exterior acrylic paint that will hold up to ultraviolet light and harsh weather conditions.
  
  

Concrete Floors

• Because concrete floors are subject to a lot of traffic and duress, they require a very durable finish. An acrylic floor paint is best suited for interior concrete floors. A hard, two-part epoxy paint is best for concrete garage floors, weight rooms and any other horizontal concrete surfaces that must endure stains, nicks and scratches.
  
  

Concrete Patios and Walkways

• An acrylic porch paint is the proper choice for exterior concrete patios, porches and walkways. Unlike acrylic floor paint and epoxy paint, this coating offers both good durability and strong resistance to ultraviolet light and varying weather conditions.
  
  

Concrete Statues

• Use either an acrylic enamel or epoxy paint on concrete statues. Though you can use acrylic enamel on both interior and exterior statues, epoxy is only suited for interior statues. Don't apply epoxy paint to exterior concrete statures, or sunlight will cause the finish to fade.
  
  

Considerations

• No type of paint will adhere to improperly-prepared concrete. Prime vertical concrete surfaces, or the paint will eventually chip. Use a latex primer on interior walls; use an acrylic primer on exterior walls. Smooth horizontal concrete surfaces do not require a primer; however, they will reject paint unless they are treated with an acid etch.