Drylok Concrete Floor Paint Reviews – Are They Worth It?

When you require concrete floor paint, it’s essential to find a brand that you can trust.

The paint should be resistant to fading, cracking, peeling, and scuffing, and all brands simply don’t offer this level of protection. One brand that seems to conquer these problems and more is DryLok.

This guide will give our readers all of the information needed on Drylock so that you can buy their concrete floor paint in confidence.

Drylok Concrete Floor Paints Reviewed

1. Drylok 21313

Drylok Concrete Floor Paint, 1 Gallon, Gull
  • Drylok Concrete Floor Paint Is A...
  • It outperforms ordinary floor paint under...
  • It endures scuffing, moisture and washings
  • It cleans up with soap and water and is...

Container Size

1-Gallon

Color Options

Dull, Dover, White, Perisian Red, Bamboo Beige

Coverage

400-500 Square Feet

Drying time

4-Hrs

No. of Coats

Max 2 Coats

Our top pick for the best concrete floor paint by Drylok is the 2 in 1, latex Concrete Floor Paint.

This scientifically formulated drylok concrete floor paint and primer will protect and decorate interior and exterior masonry floors to your liking. You can also use this on wood surfaces, so you can paint the wooden steps to your concrete driveways without a problem.

We’ve picked the color Gull Gray as the best option, but all 5 ready-mixed colors are created from the same formula. Choose from a white (with a light tint base), Gull (light grey), Dover (darker grey shade), Perisian Red, or Bamboo Beige.

All of these colors have a drying time of 4 hours, and DryLok recommends applying a maximum of 2 coats for the most protection and color pay-off.

Drylok concrete floor paint is an excellent choice for covering up imperfections, and it’s resistant to hot tire pick-up.

Furthermore, it’s GreenWise Certified, and it complies with all of the current VOC requirements. This means it’s safer to use in areas that may not have great ventilation (like your basement floor, for example).

Each 1-gallon tin will cover approximately 400-500 square feet. This will depend on the color you choose. Lighter colors will cover more square feet compared to darker shades, so keep this in mind when you’re deciding on the amount of paint you’ll need.


2. Drylok 23813 E-1 Part Epoxy

UNITED GILSONITE LAB 23813 Drylok E-1,...
  • New low VOC 50 g/L formula utilizes advanced...
  • Independently tested & extreme water...
  • Specially formulated to protect & beautify...
  • Cleans up with water & is storable

Container Size

1-Gallon

Color Options

2 Colors: Platinum & Gray
11 tints: Arctic White, Chestnut, Dark Gray, Harvest Brown, Natural Sand, Sage, Sky Blue, Stone Blue, Terra Cotta, Platinum, Gray

Coverage

300-400 Square Feet

Drying time

4-Hrs

No. of Coats

Max 2 Coats

This concrete floor paint utilizes an advanced 1-part epoxy ester resin, along with 1-part latex.

This allows this formula to deliver a high level of durability with greater protection compared to standard concrete floor paints. It applies to garage floors, basement floors, brick patios, and poured concrete floors and block patios smoothly and easily.

There aren’t any complicated mixing instructions with this paint, unlike 2-part epoxies. Simply apply the paint or stain with a brush for the first coat. Then you can use a roller for the second coat. There’s a 4-hour drying time that you’ll need to adhere to, and don't apply more than two coats, or else you might see bubbling and streaks forming.

As this is a part epoxy formula, you’ll get some fantastic resistance and protection after the application process. Its semi-gloss finish is UV resistant, and it resists hot tire pick-up, chemicals, oil, grease, and gasoline spills and stains.

There are 2 ready mixed colors available in platinum and gray, and 11 tints in various colors, from green, blue, red, and brown shades to choose from. Each color and tint will cover 300-400 square feet per gallon and you can calculate the amount of paint needed on their website.

We’re sure you’ll love the tints and colors DryLok E1 has to offer.


UGL Drylok 21613 Vs 23813 - Major Differences Explained

Both of the DryLok paints listed above have many similarities, like their drying times and maximum 2 coats, but there's one major difference between the two, their bases.

As the 21613 drylok concrete floor paint has a latex base, it has lower VOCs, and it’s GreenWise approved.

The 23813 paint is 1-part epoxy and 1-part latex, so it has more of an oil consistency and isn’t as environmentally friendly as our top pick.

Part-Epoxy paints are a lot more durable to weather elements, and the 23813 concrete paint is no exception. It can resist a lot more spills and stains and is UV resistant, unlike latex-based concrete paint.

We recommend DryLok’s latex-based paint for interior projects and smaller concrete projects outdoors. Whereas, the part-epoxy concrete paint will work wonders for driveways, patios, and floor side walks as it’s better for outdoor, heavy-traffic areas. 

Pros & Cons Of Drylok Concrete Paints

Pros

  • One of America’s leading paint brands
  • Many concrete paints by DryLok have an all-in-one formula: paint, prime, and seal with just two coats
  • DryLok’s concrete paint leaves an attractive, flat, non-slip finish.
  • Long-lasting, even when the paint is subjected to high traffic, pressure washing or pressure washer, weather, acids, and alkalis.
  • The paints can be used on interior or exterior masonry floors in homes or commercial and industrial spaces.

Cons

  • The cost per gallon is a lot higher than competitors
  • Cracking and flaking will become an issue if there’s trap residual moisture in the cement.
  • DryLok’s formulas are partially food sourced chemicals and can make mold grow.
  • The curing times are considerably long.

Rust-Oleum’s Vs Drylok for Concrete Paint

One of DryLok’s biggest competitors is Rust-Oleum. Both brands have similar concrete paints on the market that are targeted to the same audience. I know what you’re wondering, which poured concrete floor and garage paint is better?

DryLok’s direct competition for their 1-part epoxy concrete paint is the Rust-Oleum Epoxy Shield. It has all of the resistance that DryLok offers (resistant to fading, chipping, and staining).

It can also withstand many of the same weather elements, chemicals, and even hot tire pick-ups. However, Rust-Oleum's product requires at least 5 days to cure, whereas DryLok’s 1-part epoxy paint is cured in 3 days.

As for the all-in-one concrete paint by DryLok, it's’ directly in competition with the Acrylic Paint+Prime Concrete and Garage Paint for garage floors by Rust-Oleum. Both products are great and beloved by users. However, the finishes are completely different, and so are the color options.

DryLok’s product dries with a semi-gloss finish, whereas Rust-Oleum's is a satin finish. There are more color options with Rust-Oleum's line of garage paints for garage floors, but they lack bright and fun colors.

Overall, both brands are rated highly among professionals and homeowners. They both have outstanding durability and adhesion properties, so the final choice is yours to make.

More About Drylok Paints

UGL Company is a home improvement company based in Scranton, PA. It was founded in 1932, and they released a range of products before introducing Drylok onto the market in 1953. At first, nine products were released with a unique formula to waterproof basement floor, protect and beautify interior and exterior masonry walls, and paint masonry floors.

Now, Drylok offers sealers, paints, crack fillers, cleaning agents, and more. The brand is America’s number one selling masonry paint manufacturer. It’s equally popular with homeowners and professionals as its product can be used in a wide variety of residential and commercial applications.


Benefits Of Buying the Drylok Paint Brand

Waterproofing Concrete

DryLok has created all-in-one concrete floor paints that are designed to seal, paint, and prime concrete surfaces. Drylok concrete floor paint allows the surface to be waterproof, stainproof, and sometimes even slip-proof. Each paint or tint locks out trap residual moisture and stands the test of durability and long-term effectiveness. To check for trapped moisture, affix a 12” x 12” piece of 3 mil plastic or aluminum foil tightly to the floor, taping it tightly along all four edges.

Fill the gaps and pores within masonry

If you’ve got some fine, hairline cracks or you're working on bare and porous concrete, picking up some DryLock paint will be a great asset to you. These paints will penetrate within the concrete and will protect your exterior concrete surfaces from any further damage. 

Wide variety of ready-mixed colors

Whether you’re looking for red, blue, green, or beige, DryLok has a great range of ready-mixed colors and tints to suit their diverse target audience. If you’re hoping to stick with a gray color that your concrete is already, then there are no worries! Most of their masonry paints will offer at least one shade of gray for you to choose from.

Specialized Formulas

DryLok takes pride in their products, and their scientifically formulated paints correspond perfectly to this. They put a lot of thought into complying with all current VOC requirements, and many of their latex-based paints are Green Wise Certified. If you’re a customer who wants the best and eco-friendly paint for their home, then DryLok is an excellent match for you.

Easy to Use

DryLok paints are easy to use on new or previously painted surfaces. If you get paint on any unwanted areas when you’re applying the paint on new and previously painted surfaces, simply use some soap and water to clean it up.

With every DryLok paint available to purchase, the brand has added a ‘How to’ video on their site. These videos will give you some tips for an easy and informative application process.

How To Use Drylok Concrete Paint Effectively

One of the most critical steps when painting concrete is preparing the surface. If there’s any dirt, wax, dust, mildew, or scaling material, you’ll need to remove these particles with a scraper and a hepa vacuum cleaner.

Then, you’ll need to clean the concrete with a heavy-duty detergent and warm water. The final step in the preparation process is drying the concrete completely before you even think of applying a drop of DryLok paint. If you paint to eliminate residual trapped moisture, the paint can bubble or even delaminate from the surface.

Once you have your concrete surface completely dry, it’s time to paint. You’ll need:

  • Paint tray and brushes
  • Paint rollers
  • Painter’s tape
  • Protective clothing

Start your painting project when the air and surface are at 50°F or higher and, for outdoor projects, wait for a dry and rain-free period. Apply your first coat with a 3/8 inch napper brush and allow the first coat to dry for 4 hours.

The second coat should be applied in a cross direction to the first coat, and you can use a roller for the second coat to speed up the process. Allow up to 3-4 days for the paints to fully dry. If you’re working in an area with high humidity, then the curing time may take longer.

If the concrete remains smooth, repeat the etching procedure. You can test the concrete porosity by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface in several areas. If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure or lead dust exposure. Dust can cause serious illness. You can protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline.

Schedule your project when both air and surface temperatures are 50°F or higher and, for best results, wait for a dry (rain-free) period. Remember, concrete acts like a sponge.

Drylok Paint FAQs

Can I use Drylok paint for basement floors?

Yes, Drylok paint can be used for basement floors. It has low VOCs and no strong odors, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor concrete flooring projects.


How many coats of Drylok should I do?

DryLok recommends two coats max. Apply the second coat crosswise for consistent color.


Does Drylok cause mold?

DryLok's chemical makeup can serve as a food source for mold, allowing it to thrive and grow if applied to an area where mold is already present. However, DryLok uses less harmful chemicals than some competitors. To further prevent mold/mildew growth, you can add DryLok Extreme, a mildewcide additive, to your paint mix.


Does Drylok reduce humidity?

DryLok offers products that can reduce humidity, such as DryLok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer. This product serves as a vapor barrier for floors, helping to tackle trapped moisture and humidity problems.


Can you use Drylok over old Drylok?

Yes, you can apply DryLok over old DryLok paint. It's important to fix any cracks, stains or leaks before recoating.


Where can I buy Drylok concrete floor paint?

Buy DryLok concrete floor paint on Amazon or at your local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.

Conclusion

It’s clear that UGL has put a lot of love and thought into their brand DryLok. Their paints are not only made to work; they are proven to work.  

We do not doubt that the DryLok 21613 Latex-based paint will improve the appearance of unattractive cinder blocks, concrete floors, or masonry walls.