Stenciling Concrete Tutorial: a DIY Guide to Upgrading Your Patio

How to Stencil Concrete: A Custom Alternative to Expensive Tile

Looking for an affordable way to update your patio, porch, or garage floor? Stenciling concrete is an easy, budget-friendly way to add personality and polish to any dull surface. With the right tools and a little patience, you can achieve a custom designer look for a fraction of the cost of tile or stamped concrete.

At Cutting Edge Stencils, we make it simple with high-quality concrete patio stencils, helpful tutorials, and design inspiration to guide you from start to finish. Start by purchasing a reusable stencil from our Floor/Concrete Patio Stencil Collection online here; once you’ve selected your design, head back to this blog to follow our detailed floor stenciling guide while you transform your outdoor space.

Supplies You'll Need to Stencil Concrete

Before you begin, gather these supplies:

A Patio Stencil from our Floor & Patio Collection. We used the Starflower Tile Stencil for this project.
Concrete paint or water-based porch/floor paint (avoid gloss finishes)
Painter’s tape or spray adhesive
Dense foam roller or stencil brush
Concrete cleaner or degreaser
Sealant (polyurethane or concrete-specific)
Drop cloths and gloves

Shop our curated selection of stenciling supplies online now.

Step-by-Step: How to Stencil a Concrete Surface

1. Prep the Surface

Clean the concrete thoroughly with a degreaser or concrete cleaner. Pressure wash if needed. If your surface is sealed or very smooth, use an acid etch solution or sanding to help paint adhere.

*Tip: Let the surface dry completely before starting—24 hours is ideal.

2. Apply a Base Coat (Optional)

If you want a clean, even background color, apply a base coat of porch or concrete paint and allow it to dry for 24–48 hours. Neutral shades like white, gray, or tan are great stencil bases.

3. Secure the Stencil

Position your concrete patio stencil in your starting area and secure it using painter’s tape or low-tack adhesive. Most designs are meant to be repeated—use the built-in registration marks to align each repeat perfectly.

4. Apply Paint Carefully

Use a dense foam roller or stencil brush with very little paint. Dab off excess on a paper towel, then lightly roll over the stencil in thin coats. This prevents bleed-through and keeps your lines crisp.

5. Repeat and Realign

Let the paint dry briefly before repositioning the stencil. Work in sections across your patio, walkway, or concrete floor, making sure to realign each time.

6. Seal for Protection

After the design is fully dry, apply a clear, non-yellowing sealer. We recommend two coats of water-based polyurethane sealer for long-term durability.

Real Concrete Stenciling Projects for Inspiration

Take a look at how DIYers just like you transformed their outdoor spaces using the Concrete Stencils from Cutting Edge Stencils:

💬 Stenciling Concrete Floors: A How-To Guide

This step-by-step guide walks you through stenciling a concrete patio using the Marlen Tile Stencil, from surface prep to final sealing. You’ll love the crisp, modern look created by DIYer @realwholesomelife!

💬 Learn How to Stencil a Pretty Patio

Blogger Jill Bennett took her plain patio from drab to fab with the Square Plus Allover Stencil, achieving a modern, high-contrast look that’s both timeless and bold.

Looking for the right stencil? Explore our top-rated Large Patio Stencils for concrete projects.

FAQ: Stenciling Concrete

Q: Can I stencil over old or painted concrete?
Yes! Just be sure to clean the surface well and be sure to remove any loose or chipping paint.

Q: What kind of paint should I use?
Use water-based, non-gloss porch and floor paint or a concrete-specific paint. Avoid anything with a high sheen, which may cause stencil bleed and increasing the risk of slipping when the finished surface is wet.

Q: How do I prevent paint from bleeding under the stencil?
Use a minimal amount of paint, apply in light layers, and use stencil adhesive or painter’s tape to hold the stencil flat.

Q: How do I maintain a stenciled patio or floor?
Keep it clean with mild soap and water, and reseal every 1–2 years for long-lasting results.

✨ Final Thoughts

Stenciling concrete is a transformative DIY project that adds beauty, character, and style to your home—indoors or out. Whether you’re refreshing a patio, designing a custom entryway, or giving your garage floor a facelift, our Concrete Patio Stencils make it easy to get a high-end look without the high-end price.

👉 Ready to start your project?
Browse our Floor & Concrete Stencils and find the perfect pattern to bring your vision to life.