Transform Your Patio with Paint
Is your patio looking tired and dull? Why not give it a lift? Painting an outdoor floor a color you love ... or even adding a DIY brightly patterned "rug" right onto your patio surface ... is a fast and fairly inexpensive fix for a case of the decor doldrums. It's easy to do, too – just follow
Posted — UpdatedIs your patio looking tired and dull? Why not give it a lift? Painting an outdoor floor a color you love ... or even adding a DIY brightly patterned "rug" right onto your patio surface ... is a fast and fairly inexpensive fix for a case of the decor doldrums. It's easy to do, too – just follow these simple patio painting guidelines.
Move your patio table and chairs safely out of the way. Make sure that children and pets will not have access to the patio until the paint job is complete and has had time to dry.
Clean first – get rid of dirt, debris, and stains. Remove mold or mildew (concrete, because it is a porous material, is susceptible to moisture and mold). Scrub or scrape off any wax build-up or peeling paint so that the new color will adhere and the completed patio will be smooth and even. However, if there is an existing coat of paint which is still sound, it does not need to be removed, but only cleaned. Pressure wash your patio floor and dry well.
Now comes the creative part – choosing a color. Patio paint comes in a wide variety of appealing hues, from warm, earthy reds to cool blues and grays. It's best to select a shade that will go well with your house paint, bricks, or siding, to create a harmonious effect. That doesn't mean your patio needs to be boring – you can coordinate or contrast, as well as adding exciting pops of color by way of your outdoor furniture and accessories. Just for fun, you could also paint your back door to match the patio.
Estimate that you'll require one gallon of patio paint per 250-400 square feet, more if you will be applying a second coat or if your patio is exceptionally porous or rough.
Ideally, plan your painting project for a day when the weather forecast is between 50 and 85 degrees F, with low humidity. Protect your home's walls and door with painter's tape. Depending on the size of the patio, use a synthetic paint brush, a roller with a cover that has at least ⅜" nap, or a sprayer. Your brush or roller should have a long handle so that you can work comfortably without straining your back.
If your patio is made of brand new or badly worn concrete, you might need to put on another coat. Let your paint dry for 4 to 6 hours between coats. Apply the second coat in the opposite direction to the first.
Wait 72 hours after the final coat before using your patio. Do not wash for 30 days.