The Best Way to Paint Precast Concrete Fencing in South Africa

If you’re planning to paint precast concrete fencing in South Africa, it pays to plan ahead. Take the time to prepare, and invest in suitable tools and products.
Otherwise, hours of hard work (and expensive paint) can go to waste, with paint that starts to corrode in record time.
Below, we cover:
- suitable painting tools
- paint selection
- three recommended spray paint guns
- preparing precast concrete walls for painting
- priming and painting vibracrete fencing.
Paint sprayer or brush or roller?
So, what is the easiest, best way to paint precast concrete fencing – a spray gun or traditional brush and roller?
A spray gun is more expensive than simple rollers. Depending on the type of spray gun you use, you might also require an air compressor or pump. This can add to initial costs.
That said, the correct spray equipment makes it possible to paint a long stretch of concrete wall in a fraction of the time (and with much less arm and backache) than your brush and roller.
It also achieves a smoother, more consistent finish. The atomised particles of paint released from a sprayer can reach places a brush or roller can’t. Unsightly cracks, blemishes and uneven textures are covered rather than accentuated, as is too often the case with brush or roller paint applications.
So when is it generally worth investing in a spray gun?
A spray gun may be the best choice if:
- you have other paint jobs pending – like painting your home exterior or roof
- you’re a contractor who can derive value from regular use of a sprayer
- you have a long stretch of precast concrete fencing to cover
- achieving a high quality, smooth finish is a priority.
Spray guns aren’t just for painting exterior walls. They can be used to apply different types of coatings (like sealers, primers, lacquers, varnishes and stains) to different surfaces, from interior walls and ceilings to outdoor furniture, fencing and metal décor.
Choosing the right paint for precast concrete
It’s possible to achieve acceptable results with any good quality paint intended for outdoor use.
However, the ideal paint for concrete is masonry paint (sometimes called concrete paint). This is thicker, more elastic and less likely to crack or peel, with better UV protection. It’s also more expensive.
Alternatively, some painters swear by roof paint for concrete fencing and walls. This is thanks to its superior durability.
Note: If you plan to use masonry or roof paint, you’ll need a spray unit that’s designed to support larger tips and higher-viscosity fluids.
Suitable spray gun types
A conventional spray gun is a straightforward, affordable choice for spray painting concrete.
But the faster and more efficient way to paint endless metres of concrete wall would be to opt for an airless spray gun or an airless spray system – depending on your volumes.
The advantages of an airless spray system are that no compressor is required (systems are electrically operated), application is faster and paint overspray is drastically reduced. This means it’s more friendly to the environment as well.
Recommended spray guns for painting precast concrete
Top-rated spray guns that are suitable for painting concrete walls and fencing include the following models, available in South Africa:
Meite W77 Air-Atomising Suction Spray Gun
Best for: low-cost, high-performance painting of all wall lengths.
The Meite W77 is an affordably priced conventional spray gun that offers seamless, professional finishes. It is also lightweight, comfortable for the operator to use and straightforward to clean.
Key features:
- multi-purpose applicator
- durable construction
- ergonomic design
- choice of suction or pressure feeds
- budget friendly.
Graco GX21 Electric Airless Sprayer

Best for: fast, airless painting with fine, consistent finishes.
The electrically operated Graco GX21 airless paint spray system is among the lightest in its class. It is designed to draw paint directly from paint buckets (up to 30 litres), and is easy and intuitive to use. It is also available at an affordable price.
Key features:
- a durable, maintenance-free pump
- a special tip that can simply be reversed to clear any blockages
- suitable for primer, stains, water-based paint, acrylics, enamel and latex
- comes with everything you need (including a spray gun, tip, guard, hose and filter).
Graco Ultra Cordless Handheld Airless Spraygun (Battery-Powered)

Best for: efficient, cordless spray painting (even during load shedding!).
The lithium battery-powered model of the Graco Ultra Cordless Handheld Airless Spraygun provides all the benefits of airless spraying in a small, handheld unit.
It also has the major advantage of being powered by a lithium battery – so you can carry on working during power cuts.
Because it can operate without an external power source, it’s also perfect for spray painting outdoor stretches of concrete fencing or walls.
This unit comes at a higher price but offers unique advantages – and it includes a spray gun, tip with guard, paint cup, filter, hose, lithium battery pack and battery charger.
Key features:
- a 20-volt lithium ion battery, for cordless operation
- an all-in-one, handheld unit, ideal for “on the go”
- achieves perfect, airless finishes
- extremely easy to clean and maintain
- simple, on-the-job pump replacement
- adjustable spraying speed, to suit job demands.
SCT supplies a wide range of airless spray systems to cater for varying job requirements and budgets.
Tips for preparing concrete fencing before painting
Preparation counts. Before sealing, priming or painting, it’s a good idea to take the following steps:
Step 1. – clean the surface
Over time, dust, dirt and mould accumulate on surfaces and along the indentations between precast concrete slabs.
The quickest and probably most effective way to clean a concrete wall is with a high-pressure hose. With more elbow grease, a bucket, a mild bleach solution and a scrubbing brush may do the trick.
Step 2 – repair holes and cracks
Cracks and other small imperfections can weaken the structure of the concrete, which may prove costly in the long term.
Rather, do running repairs by filling small holes and fractures with a concrete repair product. That way, the fence remains intact and, once paint is applied, the finish will be smooth.
Step 3 – lightly sand the surface
If the concrete is old or crumbly in places, it’s a good idea to give the surface a light sand. Sanding will help improve the adhesion of paint to the surface, as well as helping ensure the surface is even.
Step 4 – if necessary, seal the concrete
If you’re dealing with bare concrete, check if it’s adequately sealed.
Sealant protects moisture (and paint) from sinking into the concrete, which is highly porous.
Over time, sealant may be eroded off a concrete wall.
To check for proper sealing, you can:
- wet a patch and check if the concrete darkens (if it does and the water is readily absorbed, there’s insufficient sealant) or
- drip a little household vinegar on the concrete (if it fizzes or bubbles, the concrete isn’t sealed).
A coat of concrete sealer left to dry for 12 hours will suffice. For more details, see this article about resealing concrete.
Priming and painting a vibracrete wall
There’s no need to apply primer if you’re painting precast concrete fencing that has already been painted in the past.
If you’re painting a bare concrete wall, however, you’ll need to prime it first. This will help paint adhere properly.
In this case, use a spray gun or roller to apply one coat of primer. Give it drying time of at least eight hours.
At last, it’s time to paint.
Use a spray gun or roller to apply as many coats of suitable paint as needed to achieve a solid, smooth finish. Allow each coat ample time to dry, in accordance with the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Leave the final top coat to dry for at least 24 hours.
To perfect the job, consider applying a final coat of concrete sealer. This will maximise the longevity of the paintwork. Job done!
For more information about the best way to paint precast concrete fencing with a spray gun – or to find out about other spray systems that may suit your needs – contact us at SCT and we’ll be pleased to assist.