Paint a Concrete Patio Floor
Applying a coat of paint is a quick way to spruce up a concrete patio. Concrete in its natural state is often dull in appearance, consisting of a gray color that is hardly eye-catching. Painting a patio a more desirable color can improve the entire exterior of the home. Although it is not particularly difficult or time consuming to paint a concrete patio, care must be taken to prepare the surface so that the paint adheres properly.
Instructions
1. Prepare the patio for painting. Repair any cracks or holes in the concrete with a concrete filler. If the patio has been previously painted, chip away any loose paint with a putty knife. Sand any rough patches of the concrete with sandpaper. Mix ¼ cup trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon warm water in a bucket. Scrub the patio with a stiff brush. Rinse with clean water. Allow the patio to dry completely before proceeding. It may take several days for the concrete to completely dry.
2. Apply two coats of primer to the concrete patio. Use a ½-inch nap paint roller to apply the primer. Allow the primer to dry between coats. The primer will help the paint adhere to the concrete and also protect the concrete from stains. Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, this will take about 24 hours.
3. Tape off any areas along the house with painter's tape that may get paint on them. Mix the can of paint thoroughly using a paint stirrer. Pour some of the paint into a paint tray with a liner. Choose a mildew-resistant paint that is specifically designed for porches or patios. A latex paint will work best for painting a concrete patio.
4. Apply the paint to the patio. Begin working at the far end of the patio. Dip a ½-inch nap paint roller into the paint tray, saturating the roller with a generous amount of paint. Roll the paint onto the concrete using smooth, even strokes. Overlap the paint strokes to avoid leaving stroke marks. Use a small paint brush to back brush, if necessary, to smooth out any stroke marks. Use the small paint brush to get into corners and along the edges of the patio that may be hard to reach with a roller.
5. Continue painting the patio in this fashion, stirring the paint occasionally to prevent it from settling. Allow the first coat of paint to completely dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Apply a second coat of paint to the patio, if necessary. The second coat should be applied in the opposite direction as the first coat. For example, if you applied the first coat from side to side, apply the second coat from top to bottom. Allow the second coat to dry completely before walking on the patio. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.
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