What Paint Do I Need for My Project?
Good question! The following page should be able to answer the questions that you have about what paint you need for your painting project. Just click on the links that best describe your current situation to find the answers.
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to give you recommendations.
If you have questions about pool preparation and application, please take a look at our Pool Painting Tips page or contact us for more help.
What are you painting?
- Swimming Pool
- I have a concrete, plaster, gunite or marcite pool
- My pool is currently NOT painted
- My pool is currently painted
- I do not know what paint is currently on my pool
- My pool is currently painted with Water Based Acrylic Paint
- My pool is currently painted with epoxy paint
- My pool is currently painted with chlorinated rubber paint
- I have a fiberglass pool
- I have a steel walled pool
- I would like to paint a mural in my swimming pool
If your concrete, plaster, marcite or Gunite swimming pool is currently NOT painted, painting is a great choice. Painting your pool will give it a fresh, new finish. It will also aid in waterproofing the surface and filling in any hairline cracks, pots or small craters that may be seen on your surface. Painting is also a much more affordable and less time consuming option than re-plastering or gel coating the surface!
Since your pool is currently not painted, you can use any of the pool paints, since you are working with a bare surface. You can either go with an Epoxy Swimming Pool Paint, a Chlorinated Rubber Swimming Pool Paint or an Acrylic Swimming Pool Paint. Please see our Pool Paint Information Chart, which will give you the pros and cons and of each paint and will help you decide which paint is best for you!
If you do not know what paint is on your pool and you'd like to give your pool a refresh, you have a couple of options:
1. The first option is to prime the pool first with the Pool Grip Epoxy Primer/Sealer. This is a conversion primer that allows you to paint over the existing surface, no matter what paint is on there now. You can then choose any pool paint to use - check out Swimming Pool Paint Comparison Chart to figure out which paint will fit your needs.
2. Remove the paint from the surface and start fresh. You can do this with professional sandblasting (which could be messy and pricey) or you can use a chemical paint remover such as the Triple Strength Paint Remover. Once all of the paint is removed, you can use any of the pool paints since you are starting with a bare surface. If you do go with the Paint Remover, you can then check out Swimming Pool Paint Comparison Chart to figure out which paint will fit your needs.
3. Use an Acrylic Pool Paint. Acrylic pool paints will overcoat most any paint. There are a some cons to going with the Acrylic, such as the short service life (2-3 years) but this would be a quicker and more economical way to get your pool back in service.If your pool is already painted with a water based acrylic paint, the easiest thing to do is use an acrylic paint again. Epoxies or Chlorinated Rubber Paints will not adhere to a water based acrylic paint.
If you'd like to switch to an epoxy paint or a chlorinated rubber paint to get the longer service life, you can certainly do that! You just have to prime the surface first with the Pool Grip Epoxy Primer/Sealer, which will seal the surface and allow you to switch paints. You can take a look at our Pool Paint Comparison Chart to go over the pros and cons of the different types of paints out there so that you can make the best decision.
If your pool is currently painted with epoxy pool paint and you would like to repaint your pool, you have several options:
1. The best solution is to go with the epoxy again. Epoxy paints are the most durable and longest lasting of the pool paints and since you already have an epoxy paint on your pool, you don't have to worry about compatibility issues. See our Epoxy Swimming Pool Paint page for more information on the different epoxy paints available.
2. If you'd like to change to a different type of paint this time around, you can go with the chlorinated rubber paint or the acrylic water-based paints. In order to switch to the chlorinated rubber paint, you MUST either prime the pool first with the Pool Grip Epoxy Primer/Sealer OR remove all of the paint from the pool (either via sandblasting or using a paint remover such as the Triple Strength Paint Remover). Then, you can go ahead and paint with a Chlorinated Rubber Paint.
Alternatively, you can go with the Acrylic Water Based Pool Paint. If you switch to the Acrylic, you do not have to prime the pool or remove the paint (the acrylic will overcoat the epoxy just fine and there will not be compatibility issues). You just need to abrade (sand) and clean the surface really well before painting.
If you'd like to see a comparison of the different pool paint types, you can view our Pool Paint Comparison Chart.
If your pool is currently painted with a chlorinated rubber pool paint and you would like to repaint your pool, you have several options:
1. The best solution is to go with the chlorinated rubber again, as you wouldn't have to worry about compatibility issues and you can go right over the current surface with the new paint. See our Chlorinated Rubber Swimming Pool Paint page for more information on the different chlorinated rubber paints available.
2. If you'd like to change to a different type of paint this time around, you can go with an Epoxy Pool Paint or an Acrylic Water-Based Paint. In order to switch to the epoxy paint, you MUST either prime the pool first with the Pool Grip Epoxy Primer/Sealer OR remove all of the paint from the pool (either via sandblasting or using a paint remover such as the Triple Strength Paint Remover). Then, you can go ahead and paint with an Epoxy Paint.
Alternatively, you can go with the Acrylic Water Based Pool Paint. If you switch to the Acrylic, you do not have to prime the pool or remove the paint (the acrylic will overcoat the chlorinated rubber just fine and there will not be compatibility issues). You just need to abrade (sand) and clean the surface really well before painting.
If you'd like to see a comparison of the different pool paint types, you can view our Pool Paint Comparison Chart.Fiberglass Pools and spas should only be painted with an Epoxy Pool Paint. The recommended paint is the Epoxy High Build paint, which will adhere the best to fiberglass and stand up the best to chemicals and hot water temperatures (spas). Acrylic Pool Paint and Chlorinated Rubber Paints CANNOT be used on fiberglass pools.
For a bare steel walled pool, you need to prepare and prime the surface first. We would first recommend an Etching Cleaner, followed by a rust proof primer such as the Rust No More Rust Proof Primer , especially if you already have rust on the surface or you anticipate the occurrence of rust. This primer will cover and convert any rust and prevent any future rust from forming and coming through the paint. You can also go with the Etching Primer, which is extremely good at bonding to the metal surface and allowing the surface to accept the paint.
Once the surface is primed, you can then overcoat with 2 coats of the Pool Guard EHB High Build Epoxy Paint. This paint is highly recommended for steel walled pools and will give you the strongest, longest lasting finish of all the paints.
Murals can dramatically change the look of your pool and add a fun or elegant touch! You can now easily paint your mural with the Lifeguard Mural Paint. The Mural Paint comes in many different colors and is available in quart size so that you can mix and match all of the colors that you need. It also comes in Gloss and Satin finishes to suit your needs. The Mural Paint can go on top of just about any type of paint or surface, so you shouldn't have a problem painting your mural, no matter what type of pool you have.
- Swimming Pool Deck
- I have a concrete swimming pool deck or patio
- I have a wooden deck
- Spa/Hot Tub
- I have a concrete, plaster, gunite or marcite spa/hot tub
- I have a fiberglass spa/hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Pool Slide
- Pond/Fountain
- I have a concrete pond or fountain
- I have a fiberglass pond or fountain
- I have a steel walled or metal pond or fountain
- Metal Baptistry or Tank
- Garage Floors or Industrial Floors
- Garage Floor
- Other Painting Project
If you'd like to renew the look of your swimming pool deck, Kool Deck or concrete patio and keep it cool in the hot sun, we highly recommend the Deck Kote Deck Paint. This paint has UV stabilizers, which will prevent the deck from getting hot in the sun. It will also refresh the look of the deck and give it new life!
To paint the deck, you will want to prepare the deck surface first with the Surface Preparation Kit, which includes the Acid Magic (non-toxic form of Muriatic Acid), TSP and application materials. You may also want to powerwash the deck to remove any contaminents.
Once the deck is prepared, we recommend applying two coats of the Deck Kote. This is a water based paint, so the deck can be damp when it is painted. For high traffic areas, we recommend adding a non-skid additive into the paint for more traction. Please contact us if you have further questions about painting your swimming pool deck.
Painting a wooden deck is tricky because it is exposed to so many elements, especially the sun and pool chemicals (if surrounding a pool). The Decade Wood Deck Paint does a fantastic job of overcoating your deck and keeping it protected and looking beautiful for a decade or more! It is the longest lasting wooden deck paint on the market and will dramatically lower the maintenance on the deck. It comes in many different colors, has low odor and is environmentally friendly and will not crack or peel. Take a look at the Decade Deck Paint page to read more. Please contact us if you have any other questions.
If you are painting a concrete spa or hot tub, the only paint we would recommend is the Epoxy Pool Paint. This is the only paint that will withstand the high temperatures of the spa. It is also the most durable and will last the longest.
If your spa is currently not painted, you will want to prepare the pool correctly (you can order the Preparation Kit, which includes the muriatic acic, TSP and materials) and allow the surface to dry completely. You can then apply two coats of the epoxy and allow to cure for at least 7 days before filling.
If your spa is currently painted, but you do not know what paint is on it now, you can first apply the Pool Grip Epoxy Primer/Sealer, which is a conversion primer that will allow you to then apply the epoxy paint over the surface. So, prepare the surface as noted above, allow to dry completey, apply primer and then two coats of the Epoxy.
You can also refer to our Pool Painting Tips page for more information.
Fiberglass spas/hot tubs/jacuzzis should only be painted with an Epoxy Pool Paint. The recommended paint is the Epoxy High Build paint, which will adhere the best to fiberglass and stand up the best to chemicals and hot water temperatures. Acrylic Pool Paint and Chlorinated Rubber Paints CANNOT be used on fiberglass spas.
Whether you have a fiberglass slide or a concrete pool slide, we would recommend the Mono Epoxy 1-part Swimming Pool Paint to paint it. This paint is a 1 part paint that comes in a 1 gallon size, which is usually enough to paint 2 coats on the slide. The epoxy will give your slide the smoothest finish, which is exactly what you will need for the slide surface.
If your concrete slide is already painted and you do not know what paint is on there now, you can first prime it with the Pool Grip Primer and then go over it with the Epoxy.
To prepare the slide, you will want to sand the surface of the slide thoroughly, or use an Etching Cleaner to etch the surface. This will prepare the surface for painting. You will then want to thoroughly rinse the surface and allow it to dry before applying primer (if necessary) and two coats of the epoxy paint.
You can also refer to our Pool Painting Tips page for more information.
If you are painting a concrete pond or fountain, you can use a swimming pool paint to coat and waterproof the surface. Once cured, pool paints are marine life safe, so fish and other marine life will be safe in the pond! If your pond or fountain is already painted and you know what paint was used, you can use the same paint to recoat. If you do not know what paint is on the pond or fountain or if you would like to use a different paint, you can use the Pool Grip Primer/Sealer to prime and seal the surface first and then overcoat with the pool paint. If you'd like to see a comparison of the different pool paint types, you can view our Pool Paint Comparison Chart.
Fiberglass ponds and fountains should only be painted with an Epoxy Pool Paint. The recommended paint is the Epoxy High Build paint, which will adhere the best to fiberglass. Acrylic Pool Paint and Chlorinated Rubber Paints CANNOT be used on fiberglass surfaces. Epoxy paints are marine life safe, so fish and other marine life will be safe in the pond! If you have a very small pond or fountain and the 2-gallon epoxy is too much, you can go with the Mono Epoxy Paint, which comes in a 1-gallon size.
For a bare steel walled pond or fountain, you need to prepare and prime the surface first. We would first recommend an Etching Cleaner, followed by a rust proof primer such as the Rust No More Rust Proof Primer , especially if you already have rust on the surface or you anticipate the occurrence of rust. This primer will cover and convert any rust and prevent any future rust from forming and coming through the paint. You can also go with the Etching Primer, which is extremely good at bonding to the metal surface and allowing the surface to accept the paint.
Once the surface is primed, you can then overcoat with 2 coats of the Pool Guard EHB High Build Epoxy Paint. This paint is highly recommended for steel walled ponds and fountains and will give you the strongest, longest lasting finish of all the paints.
For a bare steel walled metal tank or baptistry, you need to prepare and prime the surface first. We would first recommend an Etching Cleaner, followed by a rust proof primer such as the Rust No More Rust Proof Primer , especially if you already have rust on the surface or you anticipate the occurrence of rust. This primer will cover and convert any rust and prevent any future rust from forming and coming through the paint. You can also go with the Etching Primer, which is extremely good at bonding to the metal surface and allowing the surface to accept the paint.
Once the surface is primed, you can then overcoat with 2 coats of the Pool Guard EHB High Build Epoxy Paint. This paint is highly recommended for steel walled structures and will give you the strongest, longest lasting finish of all the paints.
You can turn your garage into a showplace using our Garage Floor Painting Kit. It contains everything you need to create a simulated granite effect on the garage floor. The kit contains the Industrial Epoxy Paint, the Clear epoxy sealer, paint flecks and one Surface Preparation Kit (which contains the preparation materials needed to prepare the surface and apply the paint). Each kit is good for approximately 250 square feet or one car garage. The Epoxy used in this kit is an industrial strength epoxy, which is strong enough to withstand hot tires. Don't trust just any floor paint for your garage floor since weaker paints will peel up and crack when exposed to hot tires, gasoline and chemicals. Check out our Garage Floor Paint Kit page to read more and to see the different options available.
If you would rather go with a solid color floor for your garage, you can go with the Epoxy Kote paint, which is available in many different colors. Just order 1 kit in the color of your choice, 1 kit of the Clear and 1 Surface Preparation Kit. This will create a durable and beautiful look for your garage floor.
