[RI401]

I was hoping someone could tell me what type of paint the original developer used to paint driveways. I live in Dist 1, and homes are 25 plus years old and paint has faded. Looking to see that is there to choose what can go over it. Not looking for guesses, I can do that.
Thanks
Bud

[n8xwb]

Developer didn't paint driveways!

[villagetinker]

OP If you are lucky, this is not PAINT but concrete stain, there is a big difference. I have no idea what the developer did 25 years ago, but I suspect this was done by a previous homeowner. Also, most if not all of the driveway staining/coating services will require the old finish to be ground off so they are working with fresh clean concrete. In any case you do not want to use any form of house paint on the driveway it will not hold up. I have had H&C xylene based concrete stain (Sherwin Williams) applied to the driveway, lanai and birdcage over the years with great results, but in all cases this was over previously uncoated concrete. I have no idea about applying this over a previous coating.
Hope this helps.

[Joecooool418]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP If you are lucky, this is not PAINT but concrete stain, there is a big difference. I have no idea what the developer did 25 years ago, but I suspect this was done by a previous homeowner. Also, most if not all of the driveway staining/coating services will require the old finish to be ground off so they are working with fresh clean concrete. In any case you do not want to use any form of house paint on the driveway it will not hold up. I have had H&C xylene based concrete stain (Sherwin Williams) applied to the driveway, lanai and birdcage over the years with great results, but in all cases this was over previously uncoated concrete. I have no idea about applying this over a previous coating.
Hope this helps.

I've lived in Florida my whole life and never saw a painted driveway until I moved here. Same with lightning rods, whole home filtration systems, AC UV systems, garage screen doors, etc.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Joecooool418

I've lived in Florida my whole life and never saw a painted driveway until I moved here. Same with lightning rods, whole home filtration systems, AC UV systems, garage screen doors, etc.

I agree. I don't have any of those things. I also don't have a whole house surge protector, I don't pay someone to "tune up" my HVAC system, I do zero maintenance on my water heater, and I don't have a home warranty. So far, everything is working fine.

[kingofbeer]

Originally Posted by Joecooool418

I've lived in Florida my whole life and never saw a painted driveway until I moved here. Same with lightning rods, whole home filtration systems, AC UV systems, garage screen doors, etc.

Exactly. This is the same thing that I have been telling my wife every time she mentions these "improvements". I often let's remove the grass and put in rocks. I say they do this in the Nevada or Arizona desert --- rocks or sand are great there. But we grow grass in Florida. They are all drinking the kool aid here. It's great for local companies.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by kingofbeer

Exactly. This is the same thing that I have been telling my wife every time she mentions these "improvements". I often let's remove the grass and put in rocks. I say they do this in the Nevada or Arizona desert --- rocks or sand are great there. But we grow grass in Florida. They are all drinking the kool aid here. It's great for local companies.

Read your deed restrictions before making this change.

[shut the front door]

Originally Posted by Joecooool418

I've lived in Florida my whole life and never saw a painted driveway until I moved here. Same with lightning rods, whole home filtration systems, AC UV systems, garage screen doors, etc.

I never thought about that, but you're right! I think years ago, someone talked someone into painting their driveway and everybody up and down the street had to have it! It's personally not my style, but I've seen some very pretty ones. I've also fallen and cracked a rib, walking on one that was wet.

[Ignatz]

We all have our likes and beliefs.

We’re going to have our concrete done as we don’t like the look of aging concrete surfaces. Sure pressure washing improves them temporarily, but we chose color and pattern instead.

Lightning rods? Not sure. We were just struck in August. Maybe lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place.

Need to start HVAC service contract. We believe in them.

UL light in system? Pass…

Do what you feel works for you. Nobody else is paying for it at your place! 👍

[retiredguy123]

I don't know if this is relevant, but I worked for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for 35 years. They construct more things from concrete than anyone else in the world. Locks and dams are probably the largest. They may have done it somewhere, but I have never seen them paint or stain any concrete ever.

[VAtoFLA]

My house is made of concrete walls. You wouldn't suggest it not be painted would you? Paint is a cosmetic improvement based on the tastes of the painter. Paint or don't paint. I like the painted driveways and *most* homes with them have driveways that look better than *most* without.

I've heard it said that it's a FL thing because you never have to plow or shovel your drive like in the north which would of course damage any painting efforts.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by VAtoFLA

My house is made of concrete walls. You wouldn't suggest it not be painted would you? Paint is a cosmetic improvement based on the tastes of the painter. Paint or don't paint. I like the painted driveways and *most* homes with them have driveways that look better than *most* without.

I've heard it said that it's a FL thing because you never have to plow or shovel your drive like in the north which would of course damage any painting efforts.

I agree that there are cosmetic reasons to apply paint to some concrete surfaces. But, some people have been duped into believing that concrete paint or stain will protect the concrete. It won't. I would never paint or stain my concrete driveway. The bare concrete looks fine to me and it requires no maintenance.

[VAtoFLA]

We agree there. It won't protect it. In the north, I didn't seal my concrete driveway either and it held up great. I did wash it every couple of years.

[Laker14]

I've never heard anyone suggest that driveways are painted in order to protect or preserve them. It's strictly an esthetic preference.
I can never understand why when someone asked a question about how to do something, someone else feels compelled to announce why they would never do that.
Yet, it is 100% predictable that someone will.

How do you remove popcorn texture from ceilings?
Oh, I don't see why anyone would want to do that.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I've never heard anyone suggest that driveways are painted in order to protect or preserve them. It's strictly an esthetic preference.

..

The paint with protect the cement from things like oil or battery acid leaks. Also easier to clean the bird poo off.

Our cement was very blotchy when new so much improved esthetic after painting to match the home.