How to Paint a Concrete Patio
Make your old, stained concrete porch look beautiful again by learning how to paint a concrete porch. This detailed tutorial will show you how to clean the porch, then make it look fabulous with paint!
The back covered patio at our house has needed a new paint job since the day we moved in. But you know how projects get pushed to the bottom of the list, right?
We’ve pressure washed it almost every summer, but this summer I decided enough was enough and went to Lowe’s for some porch floor paint. I knew it would make this space look and feel a lot better.
Let’s look at some before pics…
Update 2022: This is our old home, but the project is still a great idea if you have an old concrete patio or porch!
Yikes, right?! It looked bad. Also, my next purchase is a new grill cover. LOL It’s seen better days for sure. Ha!
I found the paint supplies I needed at the nearby hardware store and they have a special cement floor primer. So, I feel certain that this will look good for years to come.
Deciding on Porch Floor Paint Colors
When deciding which color to paint the floor, I knew I either wanted navy and white stripes or a light gray color. I ended up going with Revere Pewter (the gray in my living room) because I knew I liked the color, but it looks a lot lighter outside with the natural light than I expected. I would have gone with a darker gray paint if I had to choose again.
But the Valspar Porch, Floor and Patio Paint can be tinted to any color you’d like, so pick whatever you want and have them color match it!
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Supplies you will need to Paint your Concrete Porch
- Valspar’s Concrete Binding Primer
- Valspar’s Porch, Floor and Patio Paint
- Painter’s tape
- Roller tray (don’t forget the liners – fastest clean up ever!)
- Paint roller (with an extension rod)
- 3/4 inch Nap Roller Covers
- Paint brush – these paint brushes are my favorite, clean up great and last for decades!
How to Paint a Concrete Porch
1. Pressure wash the porch & let it dry.
We had a small pressure washer that worked great for cleaning off our covered porch. But unfortunately my husband broke it while spraying off the porch furniture, so we bought this one and we love it!
2. Tape off anything you don’t want painted with painter’s tape.
I don’t do this step because I’m pretty good at using free hand with my Purdy brush. But if you’re not sure if you can keep paint off your brick or other parts of your home, use the tape!
3. Apply 1 coat of Valspar’s Concrete Binding Primer.
Allow it to dry 1-4 hours before applying your paint. This stuff went on like a glue, which was a transparent white color. But then dried clear. It was dried to the touch after about 2 hours. You will want to follow the instructions on the can, which say to apply the paint within 4 hours of applying the binding primer.
4. Apply 2 coats of Valspar’s Porch, Floor and Patio latex paint.
You’ll want to make the decision whether or not to do 2 coats. Mine was mostly fine after the first coat, but I like a 2nd coat just for good measure. Let the first coat dry overnight before painting the 2nd coat.
5. Wait 72 hours before you move your furniture back onto the porch.
That’s it! Yay!!!
It was such a simple and easy process. I’m not sure why it took me so long to get it done! If you’re on the fence to change your patio with a little bit of paint … just go for it!
Shop My Patio Furniture:
We bought this patio conversation set years ago and it has held up beautifully!! They don’t still sell the exact model, but I’ve found some similar from the same brand! And the faux potted cactus is 50% off right now!
MORE POSTS YOU WILL LOVE:
- 12 Drool-Worthy Screened-In Porch Decorating Ideas
- My Haint Blue Porch Ceiling
- Inspirational Front Porch Decorating Ideas
Hi Laura, I was wondering how your painted concrete has held up? I painted mine with paint specifically for concrete from Home Depot and it started peeling within weeks. I had it pressure washed off and am ground zero again. I would like know if your products and method worked better so that I can give it another try. Thanks so much for your attention to this note. Pam
Love it! Where did you get the rug?
Perfect timing… need to do my back yard cement. Does the bond cover over cracks in the cement? How long did it take you to do this, hours I mean.
Thanks for sharing
Rosie
So nice! How has it held up with time passing?
Looks great. This is a project I have been scared to tackle, but this weekend will be the time I do it. Can you tell me about how much it cost for this project?
What a huge difference paint makes! It looks gorgeous. I just painted our sunroom floor white and I can’t believe how bright and clean it looks 😉 I’m thinking of painting my workshop concrete floor so these tips are so helpful.
It looks great! It’s amazing how much paint can transform a space!
This post was exactly what I was looking for. I need not want to paint my back yard concrete and you answered all my questions. Thank you. If I take pictures I will send them to you.
Looks lovely
Thanks
Rosie
It turned out so good! your tutorial is perfect!
Looks beautiful Laura and will be a great place to hang out during the summer!