Paint Your Concrete Patio - Colors, Supplies and Steps

Having a faded, worn concrete patio can make your outdoor living space feel drab and uninviting. Painting concrete floors provides an easy makeover that brings new life to your patio, giving you a vibrant and eye-catching place to relax and entertain.

With the right materials and techniques, you can transform your patio from dreary to dazzling in a weekend.

Assessing Your Concrete Patio

Before deciding on colors or buying supplies, take time to examine the current condition of your concrete floors. Check for cracks, pitting, spalling, or other damage that may need patching before painting. Also look for low spots or uneven areas that can be leveled out with concrete resurfacing products.

If there are no major repairs needed, inspect the surface thoroughly. Concrete should be fully cured, at least 30 days old, before painting. Old paint or sealers may also need removed for the new paint to properly adhere.

Testing Porosity

Concrete porosity can vary greatly, so test different areas of your patio by sprinkling water. If the water beads up, the concrete likely has old sealer or paint that must be removed. If it soaks in quickly, the concrete is very porous and will need priming before painting.

Cleaning and Etching

Use a pressure washer on the highest setting to clean dirt, grime, and mildew from the concrete surface. Let the concrete dry fully over several sunny days before moving ahead.

For slick or dense concrete, etching with an acidic solution will help the paint grab hold. Wear protective gear while etching, and rinse thoroughly when done.

Choosing Paint Colors

With so many options for concrete floor paints, choosing the right color may seem tricky. But keeping a few tips in mind will help narrow down the possibilities:

• Neutral earth tones like beige, gray, and tan are versatile picks that won't clash with other patio decor.
• Bolder hues like crimson, sea green, or cobalt blue make a dramatic statement.
• Look at paint swatches in natural daylight to see true colors.
• Consider adjacent landscaping when selecting a scheme.
• Use multiple colors for exciting patterns and designs.

Visit your local paint store to browse concrete floor paint samples. Many brands offer small cans for testing shades.

Planning a Design

If applying multiple colors, sketch out a pattern plan first. Simple stripes or borders along the edges highlight patio dimensions. For more creative flair, use shapes like diamonds or circles. Stenciled patterns also add artistic flair.

Use painter's tape when creating designs to keep colors from bleeding. AvoidSkipping this step can result in messy, undefined edges.

Gathering Supplies

Painting concrete requires some specialized supplies designed to withstand outdoor conditions and adhere to cement surfaces. Here's what you'll need:

• Exterior concrete floor paint
• Concrete etchant and degreaser
• Paint rollers and high-density brushes
• Paint trays, rags, 5-gallon buckets
• Drop cloths or tarps
• Painters tape for edges and designs
• Concrete primer and sealant
• Caulk and concrete patch
• Broom, pressure washer, rubber gloves

For small areas under 200 square feet, 1 gallon of paint should suffice. For larger patios, gallon calculations help determine needs.

Prepping the Surface

Proper concrete prep is crucial for the paint to properly bond. Follow these steps:

1. Pressure wash again to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Use a degreaser to clean any oil or grease stains.
3. Scrape and sand areas of loose or peeling paint.
4. Fill any cracks and holes with concrete patch.
5. Smooth uneven slabs with concrete resurfacer.
6. Allow concrete to dry fully over several days.

The surface should now be clean, dry, and ready for priming and painting. Avoid skipping any prep steps for best results.

Priming the Concrete

In most cases, priming is an essential step before painting concrete. Primer enhances paint adhesion and prevents premature peeling or chipping.

There are two scenarios where priming is especially vital:

1. Bare concrete is porous after etching.
2. Old paint is partially removed leaving roughness.

For those situations, unprimed paint would soak in unevenly or fail to bond. Applying 2 coats of primer provides a uniform base.

Use a high-quality alkali-resistant primer recommended for concrete floors. Allow the first coat to fully dry before adding the second.

Painting the Floor

Once priming is complete, you can move on to the painting phase. Use these tips for getting flawless, even coverage:

• Tape off edges for straight lines.
• Apply in 2-3 thin coats, allowing each to dry overnight.
• Use an angled edging tool for sharp borders.
• Start by "cutting in" along edges before rolling the main field.
• Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks as you paint.
• Finish strokes in the same direction for a smooth look.

Box fans help accelerate drying when time is limited. Avoid foot traffic until the paint has fully cured.

Adding Color and Design

If using more than one color or painting patterns, apply the main base color first. After it has dried, tape off sections to paint accent colors.

Freehand painting works for simple designs. Use stencils for intricate details. Apply in thin coats to prevent bleeding under the stencil.

Let each color dry before moving on to the next. Pull off tape immediately after painting. Touch up any smudges with a small brush.

Sealing the Painted Surface

Adding a clear concrete sealer provides an extra layer of protection for your painted patio. Sealers prevent stains, enhance durability, and make cleaning easier.

Water-based acrylic sealers work well for residential use. Avoid sealers containing xylene or petroleum distillates.

For best results, apply sealer once the paint has fully cured, generally within 5-7 days. Two thin coats are recommended, with overnight drying between each.

Caring for Painted Concrete

While painted concrete is highly durable, some basic maintenance helps keep it looking like new. Here are a few care tips:

• Sweep away dirt and debris weekly.
• Hose off leaves and pet messes promptly.
• Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.
• Refresh paint in high-traffic areas as needed.
• Avoid dragging furniture or sharp objects across the surface.

Harsh chemicals and pressure washing can damage paint over time. For tough stains, use a mild cleaner and stiff scrub brush.

Hiring a Professional (Optional)

For homeowners short on time or confidence in DIY skills, hiring a professional to paint your patio may be worthwhile. Experienced concrete painters provide these perks:

• Access to commercial grade products and equipment.
• Precision cutting in edges and taping skills.
• Custom color matching and sheen adjustments.
• Complex repairs and resurfacing.
• Texturing or stamping overlays.
• Staining and sealing for enhanced durability.

Get quotes from a few pros before choosing. Check reviews and request examples of past concrete painting work.

With proper prep work, high quality paints, and some elbow grease, you can refresh your outdoor concrete space on your own. Or hire a pro painter for seamless results.

Whichever path you choose, you'll love hosting friends and family on your vibrant new patio. The right colors and designs transform plain concrete into an inviting, stylish oasis.