Don’t skimp on the preparation before painting concrete. Getting the surface as clean and smooth as possible will give you the best results. And when shopping for products, look for cleaners and sealers that are specially formulated for concrete. Happy painting! Editor’s tip: If you’re working with an interior concrete floor or walls and signs of water damage are already there, painting over it won’t fix the underlying problem. If you’re unsure, have a professional check it out. Editor’s tip: Fresh concrete cannot be painted. If your home is new, consult with your contractor to find out when the concrete will be ready to paint (usually after about a month or two).