How to Paint an Outdoor Concrete Patio: A Step-by-Step Guide

Painting a patio can be challenging as there is unlikely to be any damp proofing underneath the slabs. This will cause rising moisture to effect the surface and affect the durability and appearance of the paint. Here are some steps you can follow to achieve the best results:

Clean the Surface

Remove any dirt, moss, algae, and loose material from the patio using a stiff brush, pressure washer, or Coo-Var Water Based Oil Remover.

Dry the Surface

Ensure the patio is completely dry before painting. This might require waiting for a few days of dry weather.

Providing a 'Key'

On porous surfaces prone to dust and laitance, use Coo-Var Acid Etch which will remove any dust and laitance and provide a chemical key ready for the paint to adhere too.

Priming

Coo-Var Anti Slip Acrylic Floor Paint is the best paint to use when painting a patio and it is self priming so only requires the first layer to be thinned down with water if applying to a porous patio and can be applied internally or externally.

Painting

Apply the paint in thin, even coats. This helps to ensure good adhesion and reduces the chance of peeling. 1 coat thinned down and 2 coats full thickness is usually recommended.

Maintenance

If there is no damp proof course, the paint will inevitably wear quicker as the moisture escapes from the substrate and pushes off the paint so this will need to be painted on a maintainence cycle, we usually say it will require to be repainted every 12 months.

(What is a damp proof course? A damp proof course (DPC) is a protective barrier installed beneath buildings to prevent moisture from rising through floors and walls)

Keep the patio clean and free from debris, which can retain moisture and promote the growth of moss or algae.

Check the Weather

Plan your painting project for a period of dry weather to ensure proper curing of the paint.

Test a Small Area

Before painting the entire patio, test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure good adhesion and appearance.