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You can paint over old paint on a concrete porch. For the best results, you should first clean the surface and remove as much paint as you can. A power washer is helpful here, but you’ll also want to scrape as much of the old paint away as possible. Then you should prime the porch before repainting it.

Exterior paints contain more volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, making them dangerous when used indoors. Without the free ventilation of the great outdoors, it can take longer for the fumes to dissipate than interior paint. While you may notice the smell lessening more quickly, you should be wary of paint fumes inside for 48 to 72 hours after it dries.

You’ll need to wait until the surface is completely dry, which can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours under optimal conditions. The waiting period depends on several factors, including the type of siding and the weather conditions. Trying to paint before the surface is completely dry can trap moisture under the paint, leading to bubbling, blistering, and mold growth.

It’s necessary for paint to completely dry before exposure to rain, and that drying time varies by the type of paint used. Oil-based paint takes 6 to 8 hours to dry on average, meaning that’s the minimum time needed between the last brush stroke and the first raindrop. Latex paint dries faster at around 1 hour, and acrylic paint is even quicker, usually drying in about 30 minutes. If rain is in the forecast, check the paint manufacturer's details before laying on a new coat.