What kind of paint should be used on an outdoor concrete walkway?

Question

I have an outdoor walkway that was freshly painted just before I bought my house two years ago. Two winters have worn down the paint and now it needs another coat or the exposed concrete will crumble.

I have two goals with re-painting the walkway.

1. Protect the concrete (this is a must)

2. Add a non-slip texture (this is not necessary, but would be nice to have)

To these ends, what type of paint should I use that is not slippery in cold, wet winter weather?

For point 2, is it possible to mix in gritty sand without compromising the paint? Or should I paint the walkway with some 'concrete safe' paint, then add a non-slip layer on top?

The walkway will need to be shoveled, will adding a layer of non-slip grit make the paint more prone to chipping?

Answer 1

Paint on a concrete walkway will never last very long, and adding sand would definitely make it chip faster. The correct way to do it would be to stain it. I would use a good stain instead of what you get at the big box stores. Then seal it. Concrete sealer you can get anywhere. You can add some sharkgrip to it for the non-slip you are looking for.

Answer 2

If you go to your local home center or paint supplier and ask for an exterior concrete floor paint they will have what you need. I wouldn't mix in the grit with the paint, rather I'd sprinkle it on top while the paint is still wet. This is similar to what's done with epoxy coatings.