New patio furniture, new awning, new barbeque grill and new roof. Unfortunately, your guests are staring at the patio floor. You washed it, but it’s dull gray color gives everything a muted and cheap look.
The price of outdoor patio pavers (thin cuts of brick), terra cotta and other stones are expensive and labor-intensive to install.
Why not paint the patio to look as if it’s covered in expensive pavers? You can even paint it to look like carpeting.
Here are the basic steps to paint a concrete patio, and links to painting technique websites so you can create your own special look. You can even paint the garage or living room concrete floor.
Everything you need is at your local DIY store. Since not all patios need the same preparation, read the article carefully to design your shopping list.
General List of Needs:
Paintbrushes
Primer and paint for concrete
Sealer
Soap, water, mop, scrub brush or broom
Concrete degreaser
Floor sander with sandpaper for concrete
Concrete repair filler and trowels
Painter’s tape
Measuring tape and pencils (optional)
Stencils (optional)
Brushes of various sizes
Gloves, masks, respirator as needed
Step One:
Clean the concrete thoroughly. Remove all stains, grease, oil and other spills. Any substance on the concrete will not allow the paint to adhere, making it chip and crack.
Soap and water, followed by a degreasing solution should work fine.
Allow to dry for several days.
Step Two:
If old glue from previous flooring exists, it must be removed. Use a sander with a vacuum attachment and wear a respirator. Remove pets from the house- no one and nothing should breath that dust in.
Begin with rough sandpaper, and move to finer grits. Your local DIY store associate can walk you through the process of renting a floor sander and selecting the best sandpaper for your concrete floor.
Fill in any cracks, holes or breaks with the concrete filler. Be sure to follow all safety precautions and allow to dry for the specified amount of time. Sand if required.
Step Three:
Apply two coats of primer, allowing to dry for two or three days between each coat. Watch outdoor patios carefully to ensure leaves, dirt, pets or family do not come in contact with the wet primer.
Step Four:
Now you’re ready to paint. Decide what color(s) or faux paint technique you want and lay it out on the patio. It may take a day or two (or more) to lay out a brick or marble pattern, or something more elaborate.
Paint your patio using your favorite technique. The beauty of this is simple- if you don’t like the way it turned out, paint over it and start again.
Allow to dry for several days.
Step Five:
Coat with four or five coats of masonry sealer, allowing to dry for a couple of days between coats.
Step Six:
Replace the furniture, fire up the barbeque and show off your new patio floor.
Notes to Remember:
Never use a solvent to remove old floor glues. The solvents soak into the concrete and outgass, creating hazardous fumes. These fumes are often flammable, and can build up to explosive levels in a house.
Take your time and have fun. It’s your patio, paint it however you want.
Source: Donna Talley, “How to Paint a Concrete Floor,” DIY Network, no date given
Source: Staff Article, “Faux Painting Techniques,” Faux Painting Techniques Website, no date given
Source: Staff Article, “Faux Painting,” Painting and Decorating Concourse Website, no date given
