Delivery: Ready to ship anywhere in Canada
“Very satisfied with the product. The final result on my homeâs foundation is perfect. The service at Colobar is a level of professionalism that is rare these days. My next paint purchase will be from Colobar without hesitation”
With spring returning and milder temperatures, outdoor projects are slowly starting up again.
After a Quebec winter, it is normal for surfaces such as stucco, cement, or concrete to have suffered a bit: cracks, splits, sun-faded colors, and wear⊠that is part of living in Quebec!
The good news is that it is fairly easy to fix. With a few simple steps, you can refresh your foundation and improve its protection for the seasons ahead.
Browse the article
Click a subheading to jump directly to the section that interests you:
01
Repair the foundation
Here are the steps you must follow before you can paint your foundation.
Clean the surface
Before you begin, take the time to thoroughly clean the surface. This is essential if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises caused by contaminants.
Use a degreasing cleaner such as Krud Kutter to remove dirt, residue, and anything that could affect adhesion.
- Dilute the product based on the condition of the surface. For dirt, dilute at a ratio of 6 parts water to 1 part product. If there are grease or oil stains on your foundation, use the product undiluted.
- Apply the cleaner by scrubbing with a brush, or use a pressure washer. If you choose this option, go easy: too much pressure can damage the stucco or concrete.
- Let the cleaner work for 3 to 5 min, then rinse with clean water.
- Wait until the surface is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Fill cracks and splits
If your foundation is damaged, you must repair it to prevent water from seeping in and making the situation worse.
We recommend using a crack-sealing epoxy. It is strong, water-resistant, and holds up well against freeze/thaw cycles.
Apply the patching compound
Since it is a two-component compound, you must start by mixing it.
- Mix 2 parts resin with 1 part activator. Use a stick and mix until you obtain a uniform consistency.
- Apply the epoxy into the gaps with a putty knife or a trowel.
- Let the epoxy cure for at least 4 to 6 h. If it is cold or humid, it is best to wait 24 h before painting over it.
IMPORTANT: If you have deeper cracks, start by filling them with sand before applying the epoxy. This helps stabilize everything and prevents you from using too much.
02
Choose the coating to paint your foundation
Once the cracks are repaired, you have one last step: the paint. And here, you have two good options depending on the look and features you are looking for.
1) Non-slip cement paint
“My mother always had problems with her porch. Hardware-store paint would peel and never last. After several years of frustration, we decided to change everything. A good sanding, plus buying the primer and this non-slip paint. Since then, her porch has been perfect. After 3 years, the paint still looked greatâunbelievable⊠I bought another gallon this year to freshen it up, but nothing had peeled. I highly recommend it. ”
Audrey Lacroix , cliente confirmée
If your foundation is porous or heavily marked by repairs, a textured paint is often the best choice.
This 100% acrylic, water-based non-slip paint contains rubber particles that create a slightly gritty finish. Its texture has several advantages when you apply it to your foundation:
- It hides imperfections well
- It evens out the appearance
- It adds a bit of texture, if needed
It is ideal if you want to conceal repair marks or add character back to a tired surface.
Apply cement paint to your foundation
The non-slip paint is easy to apply with a brush/roller.
- Start by cutting in with a brush in the corners and angles. Then use a roller to cover the larger areas.
- Your choice of roller will really affect the result. If you want a more subtle finish, go with a roller of about 10 mm. However, if your goal is to hide as many imperfections as possible, do not hesitate to go up to 15 or even 20 mm: the thicker the nap, the more texture you will create.
- Apply a generous coatâthis is what will give you a nice, even finish. In general, plan on about 100 sq ft per gallon, or around 50 sq ft for two coats.
- Let it dry until the next day, then apply a second coat the same way to strengthen the finish and achieve a long-lasting result.
In the end, it is a simple, effective solutionâand above all, very forgivingâfor restoring a clean look to a damaged foundation.
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint
“This paint covers very well in a single coat! We changed the color of our CanExel walls and are very satisfied with the result! We highly recommend it! ”
Marie-Josée Savage (cliente confirmée)
If you are looking for a smoother, more uniform finish for your foundation, Aura in a matte finish is a very interesting option. This is a premium water-based paint designed to withstand outdoor conditions without compromise. Sun, temperature changes, humidity⊠it is built to take it.
In terms of performance, its coverage is strong: about 300 sq ft per gallon on this type of surface. And for drying, it moves along wellâgenerally around 4 hours between coats, depending on conditions.
How to apply Aura on your foundation
Application remains simple and accessible, whether you prefer a brush, a roller⊠or even a sprayer.
- Start by cutting in with a brush in the corners and along the edges. Then cover the rest of the surface with a roller. Adjust the roller nap thickness to the texture of your foundation. A smoother surface will do well with a 10 mm, while a rougher foundation will require a 13 or 15 mm to cover properly.
- If you prefer to work with a sprayer, that is also possible: use a tip between 0.015 and 0.017, with pressure between 2000 and 3000 PSI, for a good result.
- Let your first coat dry for at least 4 hours, then apply the second the same way.
In the end, if your foundation is already in good condition and you want a cleaner, more uniform look, Aura does the job very well. It is a simple solution to refresh the appearance⊠with a finish that will last.
Start your project now!
You will find all the products you need to paint your foundation on our website.
- Start by measuring your foundation dimensions to calculate the quantities you need. Keep in mind:
- One gallon of non-slip paint covers 50 sq ft (2 coats)
- One gallon of Aura Exterior covers 150 sq ft (2 coats)
- Choose the color you like.
- Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.
Would you like to learn more about paint? Visit the section of our blog dedicated to this topic!
Products found in this article.
100% acrylic anti-slip paint
Benjamin Moore AURA Exterior Paint
Lint-free roller cover 15 mm
Q&A
Q- What are the ideal conditions for painting a foundation?
This is often underestimated, but the weather plays a huge role in the final result.
Ideally, you want to work in temperatures between 10°C and 25°C, with dry, stable weather for at least 24 hours. Avoid heatwave days when the sun is beating directly on the wall: the paint will dry too quickly on the surface, which can affect adhesion and the finish.
The same applies if rain is expected within 24 hours before application or too soon after application. A foundation moves with humidity and temperature, so the more stable your conditions are, the more durable your result will be.
Q- Is it really necessary to clean before painting?
Yes, and it is an important step. Over time, a foundation accumulates dirt, grease, mineral residue, and sometimes even microorganisms. If you apply your paint directly over that, it will adhere to the dirt rather than the concrete. It is likely to peel much sooner than expected. A deep clean with a good degreaser, followed by proper rinsing, allows you to start again with a sound surface that is ready to receive paint.
Q- What are the white deposits on my foundation (efflorescence), and do I need to deal with them?
The white deposits sometimes seen on concrete are what is known as efflorescence. These are mineral salts that rise to the surface with moisture. It is not dangerous in itself, but it is a real problem for paint. If you do not remove them, the paint may not adhere properly or may peel prematurely. Before painting, you should therefore brush the surface and clean it properly to remove these residues. If the problem returns often, it may also indicate that moisture management around the foundation needs improvement.
Q- Do I need to repair cracks before painting?
Yes, without exception. Paint is not designed to stabilize a crack or prevent water from getting in. If you apply it directly over the crack, the crack will continue to move and will eventually reappear in your finish. By using a suitable patching compound, you reinforce the area and protect your foundation against infiltration. It is a simple step that prevents many medium-term problems.
Q- What is the best paint: non-slip cement paint or Aura?
It all depends on the condition of your foundation and the result you are looking for. A textured paint is more advantageous on a worn foundation: it hides imperfections, evens out repairs, and gives a more consistent look to a damaged surface.
Conversely, a smooth paint will provide a cleaner, more uniform look, but it will also highlight defects if the surface is not flawless.
In practice, the more worn your foundation is, the more a textured finish will make your life easier.
Q- How many coats should be applied?
Even though Aura covers well from the first coat, a two-coat application is still strongly recommended. The first coat serves as a base and helps the paint adhere properly to the substrate, while the second evens out the finish and reinforces protection.
Outdoors, where surfaces are exposed to the elements, this second coat often makes all the difference in durability.
Q- Why is my paint peeling or not lasting over time?
In most cases, the problem is not the paint⊠but the preparation. A surface that is not properly cleaned, still damp, or contains residues such as efflorescence will directly affect adhesion. Unrepaired cracks or unsuitable application conditions (too hot, too humid, rain shortly after) can also compromise the result.
