How to Paint a Concrete Patio

The patios that we construct in our backyards, are often neglected in terms of decoration or even basic things like painting. If painted properly, these patios can lend a refreshing look to the backyard. Most patios have a concrete surface or are covered with tiles. Painting outdoor concrete patios, along with activities like resurfacing, becomes necessary from the point of view of giving it a fresh look. A patio can always be given a unique and customized look with the help of painting. In the following paragraphs you will find how to paint a concrete patio in an easy way.

Concrete Patio Painting

Before starting off with the process of painting a concrete patio, it should be cleaned properly. The dirt present over the concrete surface should be washed. It can be done with the help of a hose pipe. After a thorough wash, the patio should be allowed to dry. The remaining dirt can be removed with the help of a broom or vacuum pump. One can also clean the patio with a detergent. Care should be taken while handling the detergent. Gloves should be used as some detergents are strong and may harm your hands. The concrete should be scrubbed with the help of a stiff brush and detergent.

A paint recommended for exterior painting or specially for painting outdoor concrete patios, should be used to carry out the process. One should choose a paint that suits the background. The materials required for the activity of painting are a roller, tray and the recommended paint. A roller with a long handle should be chosen for painting. After pouring the paint in the tray, the roller should be properly dipped in it and the first coat should be applied on the concrete surface. Care should be taken not to leave any empty spots. If necessary, a second coat may also be applied.

After the process of painting a concrete patio gets over, you can also create a pattern over the patio surface. For this, you'll need a sponge, water and some paint. The sponge needs to be soaked in water and wrung out. The damp sponge should be left as it is for some time. It should then be dipped in the paint and tapped on to the tray in order to remove any excess paint. After this, the sponge needs to be tapped on the concrete surface lightly. The process of tapping the sponge dipped in paint, is to create a random pattern of paint. It is done by moving the paint randomly across the surface. The paint should be then allowed to dry and checked for empty spots afterwards. These spots should be filled later on.

The next step in the process is to apply a sealant to the concrete surface. The sealant should be applied to the concrete surface with the help of a roller in a manner similar to that of the application of paint. The sealant provides extra protection to the patio by preventing the wear and tear of the surface.

Painting concrete patios, is important from the point of view of designing, decorating and protecting your patio.