What would be the best non-toxic concrete driveway paint? Issues!

Robyn Garner
by Robyn Garner
wnHi All!

I need some objective pro advice about painting my driveway. I'm being forced to paint it by some Condo Commandos lol! icon aka my Homeowner's Association. I'm also being forced to paint it NOW, during the FLaDuh tropical summer heat and humidity.

After contacting manufacturers of a few different products, so far Rustoleum Concrete Paint & Primer (NOT the garage floor finish) seems to be my best bet for something that will "seal" prior layers so I don't have hot tire lift, etc. Currently I have lift all over thdo

Does anyone know of a better product to use that is NOT toxic fumes?

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful & helpful responses! icon

  11 answers
  • Mel G Mel G on Aug 18, 2017

    Look into the paint road crews use for making those lines.

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 20, 2017

      I did look into this as you suggested. Unfortunately, they all are toxic chemical based products AND I don't think the HOA would appreciate neon yellow on the driveway lol!

  • Beth Stern Beth Stern on Aug 19, 2017

    Talk to the paint guys at your home depot or lowes or ace. They are a wealth of knowledge.

  • Linda Keser Linda Keser on Aug 19, 2017

    You can use driveway sealant applied with a squeegee-like device with long handle. Black color would make the other colors in your yard pop. Sealant is more durable than paint.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Aug 19, 2017

    I would go back to the HOA with substantiated reasons why not to paint it now. Especially as painting a cement drive can create more eyesore issues later like pealing paint. As a past presidient of a HOA, I know sometimes their decisions are not based on research.

    I gather there is something on the cement that is an eyesore to them and they just want it covered up. Have you tried pressure washing the cement, maybe scrubbing it first with a cleanser? Or sand blasting it? There are two alternatives you could look into.

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 20, 2017

      My HOA is being unreasonable to me! I have MS which causes me extreme heat intolerance. It's also not recommended to paint over 90* or in high humidity as it is here until the weather breaks in Sept. or Oct. I've told them all this and they don't care.


      I agree that painted driveways are more trouble. They have forced painting since the community was built so there are probably 16 different coats of paint. I have had it professionally pressure washed with a scrubber attachment used also.


      Unfortunately, I seem to be one of the only voices of reason here and I'm not on the Board lol!

  • Cmw16916895 Cmw16916895 on Aug 19, 2017

    Try SEAL-KRETE concrete sealer / garage paint available at WalMart

  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on Aug 20, 2017

    I like both Beth and Sal's responses. We just had our concrete driveway power washed (along with everything else) but this time by a pro...and I can't believe how much dirt he removed...nor how good it now looks. To be fair, when we had it poured, I had them add colour to the mix, so it's a peachy/light terracotta look to match the adjacent stone steps. Everything flows together. However, years ago I tried to do this using concrete stain and although initially it looked half decent, it eventually peeled, wore off in spots and became quite hideous -yet we'd used exactly what was recommended for our climate! Don't let them bully you...file whatever paper you have to so as to delay this order while you present them with proof (a letter from a pro) that it won't work, will be too expensive, and that removing the old finish alone is likely a better option. Good luck!

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 20, 2017

      They have unilaterally decided that "there are to be no extensions" and have told me that if I don't appear before the Board (for a public tongue lashing) they are fining me $100/day to a max. of $1,000 beginning 8/15 which is BEFORE they even sent a letter to me! The meeting is 9/12 and I must do this prior to avoid the fine.

  • Ginny Ginny on Aug 20, 2017

    Cannot recommend a paint but can recommend that you buy something that does not end up as a slippery surface. I would go to a good paint dealer - Ace, Sherwin Williams - and ask their advice.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 20, 2017

    I have consulted with HD and specialized paint stores. Everyone is only touting their own products but they won't give a warranty on their use as the drive already has paint on it.

  • Mel G Mel G on Aug 20, 2017

    Too bad,it's also in white but if it's toxic maybe an oil base paint then.

  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on Aug 20, 2017

    THIS is why I swore (and made my husband promise) that we'd never live under an HOA. I've seen far too many of these bloody petty tyrants to last me a lifetime (for friends and relatives). Power goes to their heads. Since you have a serious medical condition --I would like to suggest that IF you can afford to retain a local attorney who'll represent you for a very low/reasonable amount ($100 - to write a letter to the bullies) - it might be possible to get them to leave you alone under threat of suing them for worsening your medical problems? He/she might also be able to give you decent advice after reading the HOA rules in their entirety? Meanwhile go ahead and check with places like Home Depot and Lowe's or Ace Hardware if they're also local to you. Explain what's going on. I'd bet most of them would never suggest putting a new coat on top of what's already there, but might be able to suggest something. I'm personally SO sorry to see you have to deal with this--one's home should be sacrosanct.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 21, 2017

    Dear Elizabeth....thank you so very much for your kindness and understanding! Too bad you aren't on the Board lol! I appreciate your thoughtfulness more than you can know.