Paint Your Patio Concrete Floor: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting your patio floor can be a great way to give your outdoor space a facelift. Before you start, you'll need to clean the concrete surface thoroughly and repair any cracks or damage. You'll also need to select the right paint for the job – a concrete paint with sealants or waterproofing features is a good option. Once you've gathered your tools and chosen your colour, you can start painting! Be sure to allow enough time for each coat of paint to dry before adding another layer.

Clean the surface

Clear the surface

First, remove all furniture, decorations, plants, and toys from your patio. You need a clear surface to work with to ensure your patio is cleaned and painted properly. Cover any plants and landscaping near the patio with tarps to protect them from cleaning solutions and water runoff.

Remove moss, roots, and vines

Pull out anything that has grown on the surface of the concrete. If you have one, spray the patio down with a pressure washer. If you don't, you can remove what you can by hand, sweep the patio, and hose it down to remove any excess dirt or debris. You can borrow or rent a power washer from a tool rental company or home and building store. Alternatively, you can clean patio pavers without a pressure washer using a stiff-bristled brush and a cleaning solution to freshen up the surface.

Clean the concrete surface

Concrete can absorb and trap dirt and grease. To ensure it is completely clean and has a fresh surface for paint to adhere to, scrub the concrete with a product that will draw out substances. You can use trisodium phosphate, muriatic acid, or phosphoric acid. These products will also help remove old paint, which needs to come off before repainting.

Read all safety information before you begin. Many concrete cleaning products require everyone in the area to wear rubber gloves, eyewear, masks, rubber boots, and protective clothing.

Rinse the concrete so the surface is wet, then apply your cleaning solution as per the manufacturer's instructions. Scrub the concrete with a stiff brush. If you use muriatic or phosphoric acid, this process is called etching, and will ensure the concrete has a sandpaper-like texture that paint will stick to better. Etching should be done before painting new or bare concrete.

Flush the surface

Use a power washer to wash away excess debris, old paint, and efflorescence, a whitish salt deposit that forms on concrete and stucco. If there is still any old paint left on the concrete, scrub it with a wire brush and continue power washing until it's gone.

If you used an acid solution to etch the concrete, neutralise the pH on the surface by sprinkling baking soda over the top before rinsing. Be sure to rinse the concrete with water until no chalky powder comes off the surface when you touch it with your fingers.

Repair cracks and damage

Once your concrete patio is clean, you can take a closer look and inspect it for any structural damage. Fixing cracks and damage is an important step in preparing your concrete patio for painting. It provides an even surface for painting, stopping the issues from showing up again after the project is done. It also limits problems with sealing the surface, which can lessen the longevity of the paint.

To repair cracks and damage, start by cleaning out the crack(s) with a wire brush. Then, vacuum or blow out any dust and dirt, or use a broom to make sure the crack is clean. For best results, repair cracks in completely dry concrete. If the concrete is slightly damp, dry it with a blow dryer or heat gun, then wait fifteen minutes. If more water has seeped into the crack, protect the concrete from water until it dries on its own.

Next, fill the crack with masonry crack filler. Depending on the brand, either apply the filler with a scraper or a caulking gun. To fill deeper or wider cracks, fill them by a quarter-inch at a time, allowing the product to dry between applications according to the label instructions.

After the crack filler has dried, sand down grout- or concrete-based fillers with fine sandpaper, then clean the area a second time. Do not sand self-levelling or latex-based sealants.

Choose the right paint

As concrete patios are exposed to the elements and wear and tear, it’s important to use long-lasting and durable paint designed for outdoor use. Your chosen paint also needs to be suitable for application on concrete surfaces.

Epoxy-based paint

Epoxy-based paint is the most suitable choice for a concrete patio as it is durable and resistant to wear, weather, and moisture. It is also possible to add colourful additives to protect and decorate at the same time.

Masonry paint

Masonry paint contains added binders and epoxies, and while it may bond well with the concrete, it won't necessarily protect your concrete from the elements.

Concrete paints with sealants or waterproofing features

Concrete paints with sealants or waterproofing features are designed to resist water, salt, oil, and grease. This is a good choice for paint because it's specifically designed for outdoor concrete and resistance to various substances and elements.

Latex, water-based, or oil-based exterior paints

Latex, water-based, or oil-based exterior paints are designed for exterior use and can withstand foot traffic.

Garage floor coatings

Garage floor coatings can also be used to protect and decorate concrete patios.

Prime the surface

Priming your concrete patio is an important step in the painting process, as it helps the paint adhere better, provides a uniform finish, and ensures the paint's longevity. Here's a detailed guide on how to prime your concrete patio surface:

Select a Primer: Choose a concrete or masonry primer, also known as a bonding primer, that is designed for exterior use on concrete surfaces. Make sure the primer is suitable for the type of paint you have chosen.

Prepare the Surface: Before priming, ensure that your concrete patio is completely dry and free of any dirt, dust, or debris. Repair any cracks or damage, and clean the surface thoroughly. Cover or mask off any areas that you don't want to get primer on, such as nearby walls, windows, or plants.

Application Technique: Start by using a thinner brush to apply the primer around the edges, joints, or places where the patio touches other structures. Then, use a roller or a thicker brush with an extender to apply the primer to the rest of the patio. Apply the primer in two different directions to ensure even coverage.

Drying Time: Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step. While it may feel dry to the touch within a couple of hours, it's best to wait at least eight hours, and ideally, 24 hours, before applying paint. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific drying time recommended for your primer.

Number of Coats: Depending on the condition of your concrete and the coverage of the primer, you may need to apply a second coat. Check the manufacturer's instructions, and if in doubt, a second coat will help ensure a more uniform and long-lasting finish. However, don't let more than 30 days elapse between priming and painting.

Once the primer is dry, you can move on to the painting stage. Remember to follow all safety instructions on the primer and paint products, and always work in a well-ventilated area.

Apply the paint

Now comes the most important step – applying the paint. The best application method will depend on the size of your patio. For larger patios, use both a brush and a roller. Start by using a brush to cut in around the edges of the patio, then use a roller to cover the larger areas. If you're using a brush instead of a roller, ensure it's big enough to cover a large area so that your paint doesn't dry before you finish a section. Attach your roller or brush to an extender so you can remain standing while painting. This will help prevent injury to your back, knees, and wrists.

Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying the next. Don't forget, no matter how you apply your paint, you'll want to make sure you let it dry for a day or two between coats. So if you are planning on painting your patio, check the weather forecast and hope that the weather stays clear to let it dry in time.

Use even brush or roller strokes to apply a thin, even layer of paint. Apply each new coat in a different direction than the last, to ensure even coverage. Two or three coats are usually required.

Frequently asked questions