How to Paint Your Concrete Patio

If you want to add some color and life to a drab, gray concrete patio, spruce it up with paint. You can paint the patio to match the color of your home or to provide an appealing contrast that helps set your patio apart.

When painted properly, your colorful concrete can last years.

Step 1 – Clean the Concrete Patio

Thoroughly clean your concrete patio to remove any dirt and debris. You don't want anything getting in the way of the paint and the surface, or even worse, mixing in with the new paint.

For the best cleaning, mix water and some mild detergent, and then scrub it over the concrete using a broom or a long-handled scrub brush. Make sure that you completely rinse all of the soap away and allow the patio to dry.

After it's dry, use a good quality broom or shop-vac to remove any dirt and dust that still may have been left behind.

Step 2 - Apply the Exterior Paint

As long as you've chosen a high-quality exterior paint that is rated for use on concrete, you should have no problem adequately covering the patio surface. Paint products usually specify if they are suited for outdoor use and what surfaces they will work best on.

To begin painting, thoroughly mix your paint and pour it into the tray. Use a long-handled paint roller for the best results.

Don't be afraid of applying several coats of paint. In fact, many thin coats is better and stronger than a few thick coats. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the paint can for drying time before adding a second coat.

While you may be able to get away with one coat, applying more coats will make the paint stronger and more resistant to chipping or peeling in the future.

You should allow the paint to completely dry before continuing. Depending on the type of paint you're using, this can take as long as 24-72 hours. If you plan on applying a second color paint as a border or decoration, you should apply it after the first color has completely dried.

Step 3 - Clean the Patio Again

Wipe down the patio once again with a slightly damp cloth or mop. This will help you remove any dust or debris that has settled since the paint has dried. Allow the surface of the concrete patio to dry for two to three hours. Only then should you begin applying your clear sealer.

Step 4 - Apply the Clear Sealer

Pour the clear sealer into a clean paint tray and roll it onto the patio with your paint roller. Allow the sealer to dry for an hour or two between subsequent coats.

In contrast to the paint, there is no such thing as too much sealer. Apply as many coats as you can. The more coats of clear sealer that you apply, the tougher and the more durable the finish will be. Allow the surface to completely dry before walking on it.

During the process, you may need to use a plastic tarp to cover the patio to ensure that it does not get wet from rain, but make sure the tarp doesn't actually touch the concrete.