How to Paint a Concrete Patio

Spring is drawing everyone outdoors. After a long winter, it could be time to give your patio some love. Many homeowners leave their concrete patios in a natural, unfinished state. To give it a lasting and stylish update, here’s how to paint a concrete patio according to the painting experts at CertaPro Painters of Oswego, IL.

Clean

The first step to a brand new painted patio is to clean. Remove any plants, furniture, accessories or other items clogging up the patio. If you can remove them completely from the area, this will speed up the process. If not, move it all to one side, then switch off as needed.

Start by sweeping off dust and debris that has stacked up on the patio over the last few weeks. Dried leaves and twigs can really ruin a patio paint job quickly. To speed this process up, you can use a blower to remove dust and dirt.

Now that the big debris is cleaned off, use a power washer or stiff brush and a bucket to scrub all of the remaining dirt from the area. You’ll want all the cleaning solutions to be rinsed clean. Make sure you protect any surrounding plants if you’re using a detergent that can harm them.

Because concrete is porous, it can trap dirt and grease within it. For stained or really dirty patios, use a scrub brush and trisodium phosphate, muriatic acid, or phosphoric acid. These products are harsh and will remove stains or grease. Be sure to wear all protective gear while using them. They also could do damage to plants and grass. Read all safety information before you begin.

Repair

If you are lucky enough to have a pristine patio – great! Skip this step. More likely there are cracks, divots, or chips on your patio that need to be repaired prior to painting.

Use masonry crack filler, available at your local home improvement store. Follow the directions to mix it and apply it with a scraper or caulking gun and allow it to dry. You may have to repeat this step several times to completely fill the crack. Sand down the repair with fine-grit sandpaper and clean the patio a second time.

Paint

Before you begin painting, test your concrete for wetness. Put down an 18-inch by 18-inch square of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Tape down all four sides. After waiting 24 hours, peel it up and check the underside for condensation. If the concrete is damp under the square, wait further for drying.

When you are shopping for paint, you need to be specific that you are working in an outdoor area of concrete that will be walked on and open to the elements. This will affect the style and make up of the paint used. When picking a color, take into consideration the color of your house, patio accessories, and landscaping. If you’re unsure, bring color swatches home with you to test.

Prepare

Since you are preparing to paint, now is a great time to tape off any areas or borders you might not want to get paint on. Use cardboard or plastic sheeting and painters tape to protect your edges.

Prime

Concrete or block primer is a good idea for this project since it will create a nice, even surface to work with. It also blocks the porous aspects of virgin concrete. Exterior grade primers will allow you to retain a great looking painted floor while using fewer coats of paint. Roll or paint the primer on in a thin, even layer.

Allow your primer to dry completely. While it likely will only take a couple of hours, give it a solid 8 hours of dry time before you proceed with painting. Do not let your primer go unpainted for more than 30 days.

Begin painting your patio by using a small brush and painting the edges. Take care of awkward corners, joints, and other small pieces that could be difficult to roll. As you work around the patio, take note of where to start so that you can escape at the end of painting and not literally paint yourself into a corner. Keep all of your tools in accessible areas as well.

Roll your first layer of paint onto the floor. Consider using a brush extender so you can comfortably stand while rolling the paint down. It will save your knees and back. Use long, even strokes for a thin layer of paint. Try your best to avoid puddles and pooling. Use your escape route to allow the first layer of paint to dry fully before moving on. This can take up to 8 hours for full drying. Never walk on wet paint.

Next, apply the necessary coats to get a full and vibrant color. Follow the same procedure as the first layer. Apply each new coat in a different direction than the one before it. This will ensure even coverage. Typically two or three coats provide great coverage.

Cure

Once you have applied the final coating and are pleased with the color, allow your patio at least 24 hours to dry before walking on it. When moving heavy or bulky furniture, wait for at least 7 days.

Call Us!

If you have a patio or garage floor you’d like to paint or epoxy, contact our team now. We offer no-obligation, free estimates to discuss your project so schedule yours today.