For heaven's sake don't paint the stairs. Previous owner painted concrete steps at the front AND back entrance RED so his old mother can see them. We live here for 7 months and it really really bothers me. It is nice greystone house and steps are just screeming. I HATE IT. We asked EVERYBODY how to remove this paint on concrete, but nobody could help. Sand blasting company wouldn't come for such a small job. Some say, paint it grey. Well red is ugly pealing, but under last coat of it is previous RED paint. I don't think it would help any if we would add another coat, never-mind what colour.
If any of you can give advice I would appreciate.
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Some people I worked for had exposed aggragate applied to their plain concrete front steps and driveway. I have no idea how much it cost, but it really looked nice. I remember the sealant applied afterward gave the small stones an almost shiny appearance. Although this option is probably pricey, I'm sure a well-chosen profesional would do the necessary prep work that would ease any concerns about adhesion to the peeling paint.
To keep costs down, you might choose to apply this to the front steps only, and have just the prep (sandblasting?) done to the back steps, and paint in a colour you like better than the red. If you have someone out to price the job on the front steps only, ask about this additional thing after he gives you an estimate. It might not be much more because he'll have his guy out doing the front anyway, you know?
Good luck.
i haven't used the Home Depot one that Jeep mentioned...but i did use the Home Hardware version...on a small area like that...the application would be really easy...you could probably do it for about $100...now Home Hardware has one called Tech Stone Flex Rock...which can be tinted and is supposed to be better that the first kind
Would the painted granite that you see advertized by Home Depot work for you I haven't tried it but it just may be a cheaper way to get rid of the red.
Have you thought of maybe using outdoor tiles or even unistone? I don't know what your budget is, but it's an idea. I personally don't like the look of painted concrete.
If it's peeling paint, you should be able to remove most of it with a pressure washer and use concrete stain to stain it a colour you prefer.
wanted to make correction that I HATE IT, but it was too late.
HELP please. Thanks.