Moisture

• Moisture in a concrete wall can cause problems for regular paint that is designed for indoor drywall. The moisture can build up behind the paint and cause it to bubble or peel away from the wall. Paint designed specifically for concrete allows the wall to breathe, eliminating problems caused by moisture. If a concrete wall is located in a low-moisture area, or is an interior wall with no sides exposed to the outdoors or moist areas, moisture may not present a problem for regular paint.
  
  

Indoor or Outdoor

• The location of the concrete wall is also key to determining whether regular paint or concrete paint is necessary. Regular paint will not adhere well to an outside wall exposed to the elements. It may appear fine at first, but will quickly begin to chip, bubble and peel, especially if indoor paint is used. On the other hand, standard interior paint may provide good coverage for several years on a concrete wall that has no surfaces exposed to the outdoors and is on a ground floor or higher. Use concrete paint on walls near areas high in moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
  
  

Conditions

• An inside wall that is not subject to rapid temperature changes or extreme temperatures may do well with regular paint. A wall that is not insulated or that may be exposed to very high or low temperatures should be painted with concrete paint that will expand and contract with the wall. A concrete garage wall, for example, tends to expand and contract regularly as outdoor temperatures change, since most garages are not heated or cooled.
  
  

Options

• If you use regular indoor paint on concrete, choose a latex-based paint, since it will more readily expand and contract with the wall. The best choice for any concrete wall, regardless of its location or surrounding conditions, is a paint designed specifically for use on concrete. It will adhere better, allow moisture to pass through without damage and will last longer than other types of paint.