The Best Way To Paint A Concrete Patio

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You find that over time the outside of your home can start to look worn and tired and in need of some tender loving care. There are lots of different types of paints for different surfaces. And you can see a summary of the best types of paints for different materials on the DIY Network website. Choosing the correct type of paint is essential if you want to have a fantastic looking patio. And you will find that there are lots of choices available.

Paint Or Stain

You will find that two available options are open to you for decorating a concrete patio, and these are paint and stain. One of the significant benefits of staining the patio is that it keeps the texture of the concrete visible. However, when you use paint, there is much more choice of vibrant colours available. So at the end of the day, it is all down to your personal preference. It is also worth your while in speaking to some professional companies, and you can trust expert painters from the Gold Coast or your local area to steer you in the right direction.

Getting Ready To Paint

The first thing that you will need to do is clean the concrete with a non-residue cleaning product and remove all the dirt and paint on the surface of the concrete. If you have any spots of oil, you will need to use a degreasing product to get rid of these. After you have given the surface a thorough cleaning, you will then need to let it dry for 48 hours. Once it has dried, you will then need to get a mild solution of muriatic acid, about 10%, and use this to etch the surface of the concrete. It is essential that when doing this that the area you are working in is well ventilated, and you will want to use the correct safety equipment and make sure that children or pets are clear of the area.

Making Sure There Is No Moisture

To get a perfect finish, you are going to need to ensure that there is no moisture etching up from the surface of the concrete. One way that you can do this is to get some plastic sheeting and cover the area with this. Tape the edges of the plastic down and leave this for a few days. Check the plastic for any moisture on the inside, and if there is you may find that your concrete is not suitable to be painted. If there is no moisture, then you are all set to give your patio a coat of primer.

Painting your Patio

The next step is to put a coat of primer onto the concrete which is made for concrete floors. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely to make sure that you get the perfect finish. Once the area has been primed, you can then put the first coat of paint onto the concrete. Again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let the first coat of paint dry before you decide whether to add a second or even a third coat. With some careful preparation and a little work, you can get your patio looking fabulous in no time at all.