The Best Paints For Painting Your Patio
Depending on the material of the patio you have, you will need to use specific kinds of paints to ensure that they will properly bond and last. In this section, we will go over the best paints to use for painting concrete and wooden patios, and some of the qualities of each different paint mentioned so you can find the right one for your needs.
Which Lasts Longer Concrete Stain Or Paint
If people only talk about the pigments used in staining or painting concrete, stains often come out on top. One must remember the difference in application methods.
Painted concrete only requires the application of the pigment on the concretes surface. Its superficial nature leaves it prone to peeling, flaking, or chipping.
That is why concrete painting requires plenty of preparatory work to minimize such issues and ensure a more permanent paint-to-surface adhesion.
Typically concrete paint used outdoors last about 3 to 5 years before needing a new coat of paint. The paint will last longer if it is in a covered area or not exposed to the weather.
On the other hand, because staining involves the addition of pigments into the concrete mix, the stain becomes an integral part of the concrete. It does not stay on the surface, but rather deep in the concrete.
Stained concrete never chips, peels, or flakes. Concrete stain can last up to 100 years with regular resealing and maintenance. However, it tends to fade over time. Buy a UV stable stain to ensure the color remains consistent, especially in areas that receive full sun exposure.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Paint To Color Concrete
You cant beat concrete paint if youre looking for a product that is:
- Easy to apply
- Offers a broad selection of colors
- Provides good coverage
Unlike acid stains, which must be applied with a sprayer, you can apply most concrete paints with a simple paint brush or roller. Cleanup is easy as well, since most concrete paints are water-based acrylic latex formulas. Concrete paints are also safer to apply, especially indoors. When working with acid-based stains, its important to take precautionary measures because they often contain corrosive components that can cause eye and skin irritation and produce strong odors.
Like latex-based house paint, most concrete paints are tintable, giving you an endless array of color options. And because concrete paints are opaque and can be applied in multiple coats, they are great at hiding hairline cracks and other minor flaws in existing concrete, as opposed to a translucent stain which would allow those imperfections to show through.
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What’s The Best Concrete Paint To Use
When shopping around for concrete paint, make sure to choose a product specifically formulated for use on concrete or masonry. These paints are thicker and more durable than standard exterior or interior wall paints and contain binders that allow them to expand and contract along with the concrete.
Typically concrete paints are labeled to indicate the type of surface they are best suited for:
- Concrete porch and patio paints are acrylic latex paints designed to resist fading, scuffing, peeling, and UV damage. They come in low-luster and gloss finishes and can also be used on interior concrete floors.
- Waterproofing masonry paints are designed for brick and other masonry applications, but can also be used to paint concrete basement and foundation walls. They are ideal for exterior use because they resist mildew, dirt, and moisture penetration.
- Concrete garage and floor paints are designed for applications such as garages, car ports, basement floors, and walkways. They are specially formulated to resist motor oil, grease, and gasoline stains as well as peeling caused by hot tires.
Dont confuse concrete paint with epoxy coatings, which are typically two-component resin-based systems that chemically bond with the concrete. Epoxy coatings are not as easy to apply as paint and they cost more per square foot, but they often are more durable and wear-resistant, making them a good choice for garage floors and other high-traffic surfaces.
Why Paver Paints Do Not Last
The reason you dont want to paint your pavers is because it will crack, bubble, chip off, and look hideous. Give it a winter, OK maybe two, and youll see what we mean. Your paint will have no chance against the snow, rain, wind, sun, heat, cold its a tough world out there!
Being the good parent that you are, youre probably thinking: I will do anything to protect my baby. I will clean them, I will apply a primer, and I will seal them after applying the paint. Sure, if you do these things, youll get the paint to last longer. But there will come a day when you simply have to let go. No matter what you do, you wont be able to change their fate.
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Best Waterproofer: Ugl Drylok Masonry Waterproof
If you live in an area with a lot of moisture, such as the Southeast or the Pacific Northwest, youll likely have moisture issues with garages and basements that are completely or partially below ground. This paint from UGL excels at keeping water out of these areas while also offering stain resistance.
This product is available in blue, white, gray, and beige, and will run about $40 a gallon depending on the seller. You can expect to cover around 75100 square feet per gallon, and two coats are recommended.
Price on Amazon: Starting at $41.79
*Pricing information as of 05/21/2020
Best For Your Porch: Insl
When considering paint for a patio or walkway, make sure to find a product that produces good traction to prevent slips and falls. Thats why the INSL-X Sure Step paint wins this category. The Sure Step paint adds traction without feeling rough or abrasive. Its also formulated to resist peeling and scratching from everyday use. Available in a range of 8 colors and a semi-gloss finish, this product has more color options than the typical concrete paint.
This paint has some reviews that bring up a lack of durability in high traffic areas but thats mostly referring to walkways or surfaces that a vehicle would drive over. This product should be sufficient for a porch or patio that sees easy use on evenings and weekends.
Price on Amazon: $50.88
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How To Color Concrete With Acid Stain
If you choose to use an acid stain to color your concrete, the process begins the same way it would if you were painting. A thorough cleaning and necessary repairs are essential to your stain coloring correctly. After youve prepared your concrete, apply the stain in an even coat with a brush or roller. Once the stain dries, finish the job with a protective sealant layer.
The Sealing Process Protects Your Patio
The application of a stain and sealant does more than beautify your concrete. It actually protects your patios surface and boosts its longevity. A high quality Polyaspartic sealant can add years to the life of your patio by helping to prevent fading, moisture absorption, and even freeze-thaw damage.
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Concrete Stain Vs Paint
Here we share our concrete stain vs paint comparison guide showcasing the pros and cons, differences and which is best for your homes exterior design.Staining and painting are two of the most popular ways of adding color and beautifying concrete swimming pool decks, walkways, patios, and driveways. Unfortunately, most people look at these processes as the same. It cannot be farther from the truth.
Knowing the unique attributes of concrete stain vs paint will help homeowners decide which option to use for their properties.
How To Make The Paint Last
There are a few steps you need to take in order to make the paint last longer. Here are some of the tips you should try to follow:
- Prepare the surface. As said previously, you should first clean the surface. After that, you should sand it. And if there are any damaged parts of the surface, you should fill and level them.
- While the paint has just been applied, make sure that the surface is dry for some time. Even if you use water-resistant paint, it is still best to leave the surface dry for a few hours.
- Take good care of your porch. Just painting it is not enough: you should also make sure that it stays in good condition for a long time. If something breaks, repair it right away and dont wait until it will be even more damaged.
Only a few steps are required to make your paint last longer, so it is better to do all of these things than to attempt to fix the floor later.
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Phase One: Clean And Prepare The Concrete Surface
The path to beautifully stained concrete begins with a smooth, clean surface. Using the proper tools and prep materials during this step is essential to achieve beautiful results. For this reason alone, its best to hire an experienced concrete staining company to handle your project. Here are some ways a skilled professional can help prepare your surface for beautiful results:
- Use cutting-edge tools: Experienced professionals use a concrete diamond grinder and other cutting-edge tools to prepare your floors.
- Remove stubborn glue or drywall mud: Skilled pros know how to completely remove glue, mud, and carpet glue from your concrete.
- Repair wide cracks: While small cracks can give your stained concrete floors character, you may wish to have wide cracks repaired.
Sealers Paints And Stains 101 For Concrete Patios
Choose the right sealant to keep your patio in tiptop shape.
When concrete patios are left to their own devices, nature may compromise durability and appearance. Winter freezing/thawing cycles could create cracks and flaking, and UV rays may whitewash the surface. Sealing your patio will help prevent this, deter stains and revive appearance with the color of your choice.
Read on to learn if a sealer, paint or stain is best for your concrete patio’s maintenance and your desired aesthetic.
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You Can Stain Concrete Outdoors Or Indoors
Concrete staining offers an unmatched level of versatility. Staining your concrete patio is just the tip of the iceberg of possibilities for you as a creative, cost-conscious homeowner. For example, you can stain your concrete countertops, a concrete bathroom sink, hallway floors, and your basement. You can even stain your garage floor to give it a warmer appearance.
Choosing Concrete Stain Instead Of Paint
Choosing to stain the patio instead of painting it offers several benefits. Lets compare the two.Paint coats the concrete surface. The surface does not absorb it. This makes it easy to wear away. In the absence of a vapor barrier in an exterior surface, paint is more likely to bubble and flake. Problems may also occur depending on the weather of the area you reside in. Paint can become slippery and thus, become dangerous. Finally, if your patio is heavily used, the paint job will not last very long.
Stain, on the other hand, is absorbed by the concrete surface. This makes it less prone to wear and tear in comparison to concrete paint. It also maintains the texture of concrete making it less hazardous. It is definitely longer lasting and requires lesser maintenance than concrete paint. On the downside, staining is a relatively expensive procedure and is best done by hiring a professional. Also, the color options are more limited in this type of treatment.
Whatever option you choose, remember that regular maintenance is essential. If you are not confident enough to get the job done yourself, get it done professionally. It may cost a few extra bucks, but youll be stress-free and have a great looking porch by the end of it.
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What Is Concrete Stain
Staining is a method of adding color and unique design to concrete surfaces, allowing the pigments to penetrate and integrate with the concrete mixture.
Unlike paint that only stays on the concretes surface, stains become embedded into the concrete, becoming an integral component of the structure.
Because the pigment penetrates the concrete mixture, it creates a translucent appearance. One can see the distinct physical characteristics of the concrete floor or wall.
Concrete stains can be either water-based or acid. The former is easier to work with, requiring only the application of an appropriate sealant to prevent fading. One has to use more water-based stains to achieve a deeper color in their concrete.
Acid stains produce more stunning aesthetics but are challenging to apply. They can also pose a health threat, causing serious lung, eye, and skin irritation if the acid gets in contact with these body parts.
Because the pigment becomes a part of the concrete, this coloring option does not chip, flake, nor peel away. Of course, cracks in the concrete also reduce the stains elegant look.
What Are The Benefits Of Staining And Sealing Your Concrete Patio
Stained concrete has become a mainstream flooring option embraced by both businesses and homeowners because of its design versatility and ease of maintenance. Concrete stains have expanded far beyond interior commercial spaces and are now commonplace in the home as well as outdoors. Chris Sullivan, Concrete Staining Today, ConcreteNetwork
Concrete staining offers many advantages that have enabled it to continue to gain traction among commercial property owners and homeowners. In particular, outdoor enthusiasts across the Greater Denver area are turning to concrete staining to revitalize their drab patios. Here are a few of the many benefits you can enjoy by staining and sealing your concrete patio:
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Phase Four: Apply The Sealant
The final phase of the staining process involves the application of a sealant. Also called a clear coat, the sealant you apply will protect your stained concrete and help maintain its beautiful appearance for years.
Denvers leading concrete staining companies typically use a high-quality Polyaspartic clear coat, urethane or an acrylic sealer to ensure that the sealant forms a strong bond with your newly stained concrete. Other options may also be available depending on the nature of your project.
Painting Over Stained Concrete Patio
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How To Clean And Stain Your Driveway
Lets face it staining your newly poured concrete driveway is not an easy DIY job.
If you are not much confident, its better to hire a contractor and get the job done professionally and on time.
But if you are pretty much confident and can follow the process patiently you can easily turn your old driveway into a newer one in a cost-effective way.
To clean and stain your concrete driveway, you will need to follow the right instructions as given below.
Phase Three: Remove Residue And Clean The Stained Surface
Applying an acid-based stain to concrete can create a residue that should be removed once the chemical reaction is complete. The amount of residue you can expect will depend on the type of stain that is applied. Regardless of how heavy or light the residue is, it must be neutralized with water and an agent such as ammonia, T.S.P., or baking soda. Then, the surface must be rinsed with water and allowed to dry prior to applying the sealant.
Attempting to seal your patio without removing the residue can impact your sealants ability to form a strong bond with your stained concrete. Ultimately, glossing over this important step can lead to undesirable results.
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Hire A Professional To Paint Your Concrete Patio
A final note on painting your outdoor concrete patio: while many homeowners DIY this project, we strongly recommend hiring a professional. It might seem like just a concrete patio, but this painting project is actually tricky to execute properly. The prep work, especially, can be tough work for the average weekend warrior, and sealant and paint application must be done 100% correctly to ensure the life of the project.
A professional will also guarantee their work and finish the project quickly so you can get to enjoying your freshly painted outdoor concrete patio as soon as possible. Most will offer a free consultation, as well.
Why Dont More Homeowners Choose To Paint Concrete
Painting or staining a concrete surface isnt typically as simple as rolling a new paint color onto drywall. Because porous concrete tends to absorb paint and moisture , the process involves some additional prep work. Despite the extra steps, painting concrete isnt a complicated project, and the finished product can be well worth the effort.
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The Best Time To Paint Your Concrete Patio
Like any paint job, good timing and fastidious prep work is key. Choose a time of year in your region when the temperature isnt too cold or hot or the weather too wet. The paint can will have the proper temperature range listed.
You might have some wiggle room with these high and low temperatures, depending on the type of paint you use but these general guidelines hold. That means for most folks, youll be able to paint an outdoor concrete patio throughout the year, with the exception of very cold winter days or very hot direct sun summer days.
You will want to paint your concrete patio outside of your regions wet season. Rain or snow will affect how the paint adheres to the concrete and how it dries, so choose a time of year when you know youll have proper dry time. The side of the paint can label will usually provide dry times to touch and to walk on. If youre painting a covered outdoor concrete patio, or a garage floor, you can paint if its wet out, just make sure water cant leak onto the slab and ruin your work.