I would just paint it with the waterproofing paint and then touch up as needed. I don't have much experience using these products, but I have used the Grahams product which guarantees to not let water through. I know it is quite a guarantee, but at least it's a shot...the stain will for sure let the water in. You can caulk the bigger gaps and then just fill the small gaps and cracks with the paint.

Paintguy,

Thanks for your help !

What we are trying to achieve is not to waterproof the wall, rather paint it the color of the house (really doesn't matter if water goes through as long as it does not affect the finish) -- the reason I mentioned waterproofer paint is because any other paint will obviously bubble in no time. :(

Thanks, Davie.

I once painted the concrete below my siding....cleane it first too...still peeled in certain locations every year...maybe the waterproofing paint is more appropriate.

We want to paint these walls the same color as the house (egshell, light beige) or at least something close to it

Trojan Color Sealer. You can buy color samples. 8 oz. for $8 plus shipping. Mix your own color to 'match' your house, just keep track of ratios so you can duplicate up into larger quantity. The sealer is semi-transparent and you can 'cut' the colors with clear sealer too.

They will custom mix the sealer if you have over 15,000 sq. ft. and they mix to any paint chip. They're currently doing a big project at Disney with a special, custom red. Sounds too fun, would love to see that.

Your concrete is well aged at 12 years so you don't have to worry about PH. New concrete has a litany of prep procedures so you're kinda lucky there. But the walls do have to be bone dry in order to spray on the sealer and it's a bonus if the walls have a rough vs. very smooth texture. Mike Kornell is who you want to talk to at envirosafe. 1-866-874-8070.

Here is a link that might be useful: Trojan Color Sealer

Funcolors,

Thanks so much for the information !

So what you are saying is that there is option Nr. 4: Color Sealers. Do you think this option will give me 10 years of maintenance free wall or would there be a need to regularly seal it ?

Also, what are the pros of Color Sealers compared to a Acrylic stains ? There is obviously one less step to do with sealers (applying sealer provides both color and sealant), any other pros ?

Thanks, Davie.

This TCS is a polyester polymer. It becomes a part of the concrete wall -- for lack of a better way to put it.

This product is marketed under other labels - I don't know what they are - but if you see polyester polymer, it's this stuff because I do know that Envirosafe is the only company that manufacturers it. It's made in the US, Florida to be exact.

If you order from Envirosafe under the Trojan Color Sealer label, it is quite affordable - ~$200 for a five gallon and it has a spread rate of ~200 sq. ft. per gallon.

I think there's 10 years worth of maintenance free and it comes with a 10 year waterproof warranty -- for whatever that's worth. Best I can tell ya is to call Mike and see what he has to say about your specific project/situation.

Funcolors,

Many thanks for information -- Highly appreciated !!