Painting a concrete patio can be a good fix to freshen up an old surface. Just like anything, if done right, providing a protectant to your concrete can help preserve it.
There are many different products on the market that work on concrete. These products include paint, stain, and epoxy coatings. When working with an older surface that may have cracks, stains, and patches, many choose to paint the surface with an acrylic latex concrete paint. This paint is an opaque substance. Since it is opaque, it can better hide those imperfections than a stain.
Painting cement is challenging if you have never done it before. And, while painting a concrete patio can be a good fix, many choose to hire a professional painter for this job. However, armed with the right tools and knowledge, a DIYer can do this themselves.
When painting a concrete patio, you’ll want to look for the products specially designed for concrete. Concrete paints contain binders that allow the paint to contract and expand with the surface as it goes through different seasons. Always talk to the store’s paint experts, they can recommend what is the best option for your specific project.
Choices for Concrete Coatings
Even though painting a concrete patio can be a good fix, there are so many different choices of coatings. Acrylic latex concrete paint can be good for high traffic areas. A good choice for patios is an acrylic latex paint with an enamel finish. Garage floors, driveways, and basements can benefit from an epoxy based floor paint. Masonry paint bonds well to concrete but not all masonry paint will offer protection from outside elements, so do your research. Concrete stains are also a good choice for patios. They offer a quicker application, but also provide a long lasting opaque coating.
Concrete Surface Preparation
Before painting, make sure the concrete surface is clean. Even though painting a concrete patio can be a good fix, it can also end in disaster if not prepped right. Wire-brush or scrape to rid the area of any loose or hardened residue. Use a degreasing product to remove grease and dirt. Wait for it to dry, make sure there is no moisture in the concrete before you begin painting.
For best results, always apply a concrete primer before painting. Concrete primers assure adhesion by working as a bonding agent between the paint and concrete. Painting a concrete patio can be a good fix but if primer isn’t applied, or the wrong paint is selected, it will not last or may not adhere.
Safety Is The Name Of the Game!
If you have decided to tackle this job yourself, be aware that these products can emit toxic fumes. Always read the manufacturer’s safety instructions and wear a respirator mask for protection.
Maintenance
If you’ve decided that painting a concrete patio can be a good fix for your space, understand it is not a permanent change. These coatings require consistent maintenance and will need to be reapplied about 3 years depending on traffic and exposure to the elements.
