How to Paint Concrete Patio For A Fresh Look

Welcome! If your concrete patio is looking dull, stained, or just forgotten under all that outdoor furniture, Cutting Edge Stencils is here to show you how to turn it into your new favorite space of the house. This guide walks you through how to paint a concrete patio step-by-step using the same pro-approved approach our team recommends for patios, pool decks, front porches, and even garage floors.

Ready to renovate your patio? Let’s get started!

Supplies You'll Need to Paint A Patio Floor

Before you start, gather these materials:

Broom or leaf blower
Shop vac (optional but helpful)
Concrete cleaner/degreaser
Pressure washer or hose with a high-pressure nozzle
Concrete patch (for cracks)
Scrub brush
Gloves and eye protection

How To Prepare Your Concrete Patio

image of a man using a leaf blower to clean a concrete patio

First, sweep away dust, dirt, and loose debris with a broom or leaf blower. After cleaning the patio, take a quick water test to see if your concrete patio has been coated before. Simply pour a small amount of water onto different areas of the surface.

If the water beads up, your patio has an existing sealer or coating. In that case, remove any loose or peeling patio paint with a scraper and a wire brush. If the water soaks in, it means you are working with bare concrete. Then use an etching solution to help the paint adhere properly.

Next, pressure wash your concrete patio thoroughly. We use a concrete-specific cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions and diluted Zep Driveway and Concrete Cleaner in a bucket of water.

image of a man using a scrub brush an concrete degreaser to clean a concrete patio

Then, we grabbed a standard scrub brush to work the cleaner into the surface. The soft yet sturdy bristles help clean the porous concrete deeply and evenly. Once finished, rinse the patio with a pressure washer and let it dry completely before moving to the next step.

After the patio dries, fill any cracks or rough spots to obtain a smooth, even surface for stenciling. We used a concrete sealant to fill the small cracks and let it dry completely, following the product’s instructions.

image of a patio with a tape off edge and a person painting the edge of a patio

Apply 2-inch blue painter’s tape around the edges of the patio walls. This will prevent any paint bleeding in unwanted areas. For your base, you will need exterior concrete floor paint because the surface is outdoors. The paint must be a flat sheen. As this patio floor paint is very porous, and will absorb your stencil paint. It will allow your tile stencil to dry more quickly!

How to Paint Concrete Patio

After the patio is clean and ready, applying a concrete primer is the next important step to prepare the surface for painting and stenciling. We used a roller to apply the primer evenly across the patio and a brush to get into the edges and corners, and allowed it to dry completely for about 5 hours.

After applying primer, we used a 2-inch brush to reach the edges and tight spots first. Painting the patio’s perimeter before rolling helps keep paint off the walls. Make sure to paint every corner!

large paint roller being dipped into a paint tray

To cover the entire surface of the concrete patio with paint, we used a ½” nap roller. The half-inch refers to the thickness of the roller’s fibers. The thicker the nap, the better it covers. After it dries completely, apply a second coat if required.

two people using paint rollers to roll primer on to a concrete patio

Take care of your back while painting your front porch! Attach an extension pole to your roller, so you can paint comfortably while standing. If you don’t have one, use a broom or mop handle.

Make Your Concrete Porch Pop With a Stencil

Stenciling brings life and character to your patio. You can create borders, an all-over pattern, or even a special centerpiece design.

before and after image of a concrete patio that has been painted and stenciled

If you too want your patio to look like this, then Cutting Edge Stencils has got one for you. All you need to do is:

Pick your favorite stencil design, including Moroccan, Spanish, or geometric styles all of which work beautifully.
Spray repositionable adhesive on the back of your stencil to keep it in place.
Start in one corner and work outward, using the stencil’s registration marks for alignment.
Use a dense foam roller or stencil brush with light paint for crisp edges.
Carefully lift the stencil and move to the next section.

For more detailed stenciling tips and techniques, check out our beginner's guide to wall stenciling!

Protect Your Paint Color

After spending all that time painting and stenciling your patio, seal it. A good sealer protects your paint from sun damage, moisture, stains, and daily wear, keeping your patio looking fresh and beautiful for years to come.

man using concrete sealer to protect a concrete patio surface

For outdoor concrete, you can use:

Water-based polyurethane – Great for UV protection and a smooth, durable finish.
Concrete sealer – soaks into the surface for long-lasting protection.
Epoxy sealer – the strongest option, perfect for patios and high-traffic areas.

Once your paint is completely dry, apply the sealer using a clean ½" nap roller on an extension pole just like you did for painting the patio. Roll it on in thin, even layers, and let it dry between coats as directed on the label.

FAQs

Is painting a concrete patio a good idea?

Yes. It protects the concrete from damage, makes it easier to clean, and improves the look of your outdoor space.

What kind of paint do you use on a concrete patio?

Use concrete floor paint or masonry paint specifically rated for exterior use. For high-traffic areas, epoxy paint offers the best durability.

Should I pressure wash concrete before painting?

Yes. Pressure washing removes dirt, grime, and stains that prevent paint from sticking properly.

What happens if you don't prime concrete before painting?

The paint will not adhere properly, and you will get peeling and flaking within 1–2 years. Primer is non-negotiable if you want your paint job to last.

What is the best way to paint a concrete patio?

The best way to paint a concrete patio is to clean it thoroughly, etch bare concrete, apply primer, roll on 2–3 thin coats of exterior concrete paint, then seal it.

Is it better to roll or spray paint concrete?

It is better to roll. Rolling gives you better control, better coverage on textured surfaces, and is much less messy.

Do I need to prime my concrete patio before painting?

Yes. Primer helps paint stick to concrete properly and lasts years longer.

Can I just paint over old paint on concrete?

Yes, you can, if the old paint has no peeling or flaking. If it is failing, scrape off the loose paint first, then prime those spots before painting.

What is the best paint for outdoor concrete?

Concrete floor paint or masonry paint works best for outdoor surfaces. If your patio gets a lot of footfall, choose epoxy paint for extra durability and stain resistance.