How to Paint a Concrete Patio: A DIY Guide for a Budget-Friendly Outdoor Refresh
If your concrete patio is looking a little shabby like mine was, there is an easy fix that can bring it back to life! Whether you’re going for sleek and modern or fun and colorful, painting your concrete patio is a budget-friendly DIY project that makes a huge impact on your outdoor space. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step.
What You’ll Need:
- Concrete cleaner or degreaser
- Pressure washer or hose with high-pressure nozzle
- Scrub brush
- Concrete patch (if needed)
- Painter’s tape
- Chalk line
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Concrete Bonding Primer
- Exterior concrete paint (check that it’s made for patios or high-traffic areas)
- Paint roller with extension pole
- Angled brush for edges
- Optional: Concrete sealant
Step 1: Clean the Patio Thoroughly
Start by removing everything from the patio—furniture, plants, decor, etc. Sweep away dirt and debris, then use a concrete cleaner or degreaser to get rid of stains and grime. A pressure washer is ideal here, but a good scrub with a stiff brush and hose will also do the trick. I used a pressure washer and it was so satisfying seeing all the dirt lifting away!
Let the patio dry completely. This could take 24-48 hours depending on weather.
Step 2: Repair Any Cracks or Holes
Inspect the surface for any damage. Use concrete patch to fill in cracks or holes, following the product instructions carefully. Allow it to dry fully before moving on. We had some pretty big cracks in our patio and I chose not to repair them. A few people even suggested to paint the cracks gold which I think would look really cool!
Step 3: Tape and Protect Surrounding Areas
Use painter’s tape to protect the edges of your house, steps, or any other surfaces you don’t want painted. Lay down drop cloths to catch any drips or spills.
Step 4: Prime the Surface (Optional but Recommended)
If your concrete is older or porous, a concrete primer will help the paint adhere better and last longer. Apply it evenly and allow it to dry as directed. The primer I used goes on milky and dries clear.
Step 5: Start Painting!
Our concrete was especially rough so taping the pinwheel pattern wasn’t going to work. So instead, I snapped chalk lines to make the pattern and then painted it by hand. This was time consuming but totally worth it!
If your concrete is smooth, you would definitely be able to use a stencil or tape out the pattern and use a roller. This was not an option for me because of the super rough surface.
I used the white Porch & Patio paint as the base layer and painted the entire patio. Use your roller with an extension pole to apply the paint in long, even strokes. Start in a corner and work your way out. Use the angled brush for tight edges and corners.
I did the second coat with the black Porch & Patio paint to create the pinwheel pattern after snapping the chalk lines. I placed rocks where the black paint would go so I wouldn’t get lost and accidentally paint the wrong area black.
Apply a second coat once the first one is completely dry. Follow the paint can’s instructions for drying times. I did a second coat to touch up any of the lines that weren’t perfect.
Step 6: Seal It (Optional but Adds Durability)
Once the paint is dry, consider applying a concrete sealant. This will protect the finish from weather, UV rays, and foot traffic. I was planning on sealing it but unfortunately the Florida weather had other plans. The last coat of paint was barely dry when it started pouring rain so sealing it was not in the cards. It has held up amazingly well over the last couple of years even though it wasn’t sealed. None of the paint has chipped off and we power wash it every few months. I will say the white paint now looks dirty but I’m not sure how much a sealer would have prevented that either. The black paint, however, looks great!
Tips for Best Results:
- Choose a dry, mild-weather day to paint. I did not do this. It’s always hot in Florida and in the summer it rains nearly every afternoon. I caught a few days in a row with no rain, but like I mentioned, as soon as I was finished, it started pouring rain before I had a chance to seal it.
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight because it can cause the paint to dry too fast and peel. Painting in the morning or evening can solve this issue.
- Check the weather forecast and make sure no rain is expected for at least 48 hours.
Products I Recommend:
- Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser
- Ryobi Pressure Washer
- Chalk line
- BEHR Concrete & Masonry Bonding Primer
- BEHR Premium Porch & Patio Floor Paint
- Rust-Oleum Decorative Concrete Coating
- Angled paint brush
- Valspar Wet Look High Gloss Sealer
Painting your concrete patio is a satisfying weekend project that can totally refresh your outdoor space. I’m so happy with the result! This is something I would definitely do again and recommend for you to try. The only thing I would do differently is seal it, but even without sealant it looks great!
If you try this project, I’d love to see it! You can shoot me an email or tag me on social media at @selenebuildsthings
Until next time, happy DIY-ing!
-Selene Builds Things
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