H
ave you considered painting your concrete porch or patio? I get a lot of questions about the color on our concrete, so I wanted to share what we learned and offer a clear, practical guide for doing it yourself.
When we began our side yard project, we chose a deep gray for the concrete to contrast with our soon-to-be white brick house. We originally ordered stained concrete, but a series of unfortunate events left us with half the patio white and half gray. It was frustrating, but the end result taught us a lot and gave us a solution we’re happy with.
Can you paint a concrete patio?
Yes. If you’re pouring new concrete, you can order it stained in a variety of colors from the start, which is ideal. That’s what we planned to do, and though it didn’t go perfectly at first, staining new concrete is a straightforward option. If you already have existing concrete, you can still paint or stain it yourself with good results if the surface is properly prepared.
Is painting outdoor concrete difficult?
For a simple refresh, painting or staining concrete is not difficult. I once painted a concrete porch and steps before selling a house, and the transformation was dramatic and easy to achieve. It’s a project you can repeat every year or two to keep the surface looking fresh, especially for smaller patios or porches.
Did we use concrete stain or paint?
We used a stain rather than opaque paint. Stain is more translucent, doesn’t hide surface imperfections, and generally fades over time instead of chipping. It’s applied like a thinner paint, and while it can show wear — for example, dragging furniture can leave lighter streaks — it won’t flake off like paint. Sealing after staining can improve durability and resistance to wear.
If your concrete is already painted, check with a paint professional about surface prep. You may need to power wash, remove peeling paint, or apply a primer or sealer beforehand. Proper preparation makes a big difference in the final result.
How long did the concrete stain last on your patio?
Stain typically needs refreshing every year or two, depending on climate and foot traffic. Our covered porch faded more slowly than the exposed patio. We also stained a small section of older concrete between our new slab and the deck so the areas would blend better. It didn’t match perfectly because the different sections were stained at different times, but it improved the overall appearance significantly.
What is the best brand or product to use for a patio?
There are many suitable products, and the best choice depends on your location and the specific conditions your patio faces. Visit a local home improvement store or paint specialist and ask for recommendations for concrete stain or masonry paint appropriate for outdoor patios. They can advise on products designed for different climates and wear levels.
Did you use a primer or sealer?
We did not apply a primer or sealer ourselves. It’s possible our contractor sealed the concrete before staining the first time, but he also recommended applying a sealer after staining to extend the lifespan and protect against moisture and wear. For interior concrete floors like garages or basements, sealing is often recommended. Ask your paint supplier for the best approach for your project.
Five steps we used to prepare and stain our concrete:
- Clean the patio thoroughly. Remove chips, grime, oil, or tree sap so the stain or paint adheres evenly.
- Allow the surface to dry completely, ideally overnight.
- Check with your paint store to see if a primer is needed with the product you chose.
- Apply the stain or paint. We used a roller made for textured surfaces. The manufacturer suggested spraying, but rolling worked well for us. Use a brush for edges and tight corners. If working indoors or in an enclosed area, wear a mask as needed.
- Expect some variation. When rolling a stain on, overlaps or slight color differences are normal. Once dry and with normal use, those imperfections typically blend in. Apply additional coats for more coverage or finish with a sealer when you’re satisfied with the look.
Our approach was practical: better done than perfect. That mindset made the project manageable and enjoyable.
For reference, here’s what the area looked like before we started.
Quick note about our product
We used a concentrated concrete stain: Smith’s Color Floor, CF-Gray stain concentrate, mixed at approximately four quarts distilled water to one quart product. Consult your local paint store for the best mixing ratio and product recommendation for your situation.
Happy staining!