How to paint a patio floor
Concrete is a sturdy and durable floor for a patio, but it’s certainly not charming. Learn how to transform your concrete slab into a faux-stone living space.
YOU WILL NEED:
Medium-thickness plastic sheeting for stencil
High pressure cleaning system, or stiff broom and hose pipe
Paving paint in black, white, and three shades of taupe
Paint trays and 10cm paint brushes
HERE'S HOW:
1. Prepare the concrete patio surface. Remove furnishings, and then sweep, hose down, and scrub the patio. Use a dishwashing detergent or Speed Strip (available at your local supermarket) for heavily soiled or grease-stained areas. Hose off thoroughly, and then let the patio dry.
2. Draw and cut out you design on a sheet of medium-thickness plastic sheet. Plan your faux-stone design. Lay out the stencil, and decide where to start working. For less formal designs, begin in the middle and work your way out. Casual patterns allow for easier placement if you come up against awkward spaces.
3. Lay the base colour. Working one 500x500mm section at a time, sweep the concrete patio area just before you put down the stencil. Begin filling in the stencil, varying the base colours of the different stones. To avoid drips, don’t overload the brush. Brush away from the edge of the stone stencil to create well-defined edges. Let dry.
4. Add texture. Brush over the base coat with lighter and darker paints. This layering creates a three-dimensional effect and gives the stones a weathered appearance.
DIY Tip:
Use black paint sparingly to keep the overall look light. A little black has a strong impact.
After you finish a section, you can immediately lift the stencil and begin another portion of the patio. If desired, seal the completed painting. Leaving it unsealed can enhance the character, but expect to do touch-up jobs every few years.