Concrete pavers are some of the most versatile DIY materials for customizing backyards, patios, driveways, fire pits, and swimming pools. But they do have a downside – they can attract dirt, grime, and can get worn down by foot traffic and the elements.
One way to spruce up your pavers is to give them a fresh coat of paint and sealant. There are specially designed paints made for concrete and stone surfaces, which can handle foot traffic as well as sun, rain, and snow.
While you can paint concrete pavers, keep in mind there are a few downsides to doing so. I’ll break down exactly how to paint concrete pavers in step-by-step detail, so you’ll have no problem recreating the process on your own.
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Alternatives to Painting Concrete Pavers
Before we dive into the process of how to paint concrete pavers, it’s a good idea to consider if there aren’t alternatives that may be better suited to your needs.
A lot of times, when pavers have been neglected for many years, they’ll appear dirty, worn down, and have weeds growing through the cracks between them. People often think the only thing that can be done to improve this is to paint them, but that’s not the case.
Cleaning and sealing pavers will go a long way to restoring them to their original state. Power washing pavers will remove the dirt and grime buildup, while applying a sealant will give them that “wet stone” look that really makes them pop.
Sealing will also keep them protected from the elements and will ensure you won’t need to clean them again for at least a couple of years.
Staining
Another excellent alternative to painting concrete pavers is staining them. Staining is superior to painting in some ways as the stain is essentially a dye absorbed directly into the concrete rather than forming a barrier on top of it.
This means the color won’t chip off over time, and the pavers will still be able to “breathe”, which can help extend the life of the concrete.
Painting Concrete Pavers – Guide
Tools & Materials
- Broom
- Stiff bristled brush
- Bucket
- Dish soap
- Roller and paintbrush
- Paint sprayer (optional)
- Paint tray
- Concrete primer
- Acrylic concrete paint
- Concrete sealer
Step 1: Clean and Prep the Surface
Just like any other paint job, the key to painting concrete pavers is proper preparation. Before you can start applying paint, you’ll want to make sure the surface is completely free of dirt, loose sand, weeds, and anything else that will ruin the look of the finished product.
To begin, pull any weeds growing through the cracks and brush any loose dirt or sand away from the pavers.
Step 2: Scrub and Rinse
Next, fill up the bucket with water and a few squirts of dish soap. Then pour the mixture onto the pavers and use your stiff brush or broom to scrub dirt and grime away from the pavers.
Allow the mixture to soak into the pavers for a few minutes before you rinse everything down with a garden hose.
Then, let the surface dry thoroughly. How long this will take will depend on how hot it is, and whether the pavers are exposed to direct sunlight, but figure you’ll need to wait at least overnight.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Next up, open your concrete primer and stir it until it’s completely mixed together. Then using your roller apply the primer over the entire surface of the pavers.
Pay particular attention to the contours and any areas that aren’t completely flat. If you’re having difficulty getting into the crevices and tough to reach spots, then pull out the paintbrush.
If you have a paint sprayer, then it will apply the coat more evenly than a roller, plus will save you a significant amount of time and labor.
Then, following the instructions on the back of the primer wait for it to dry completely before continuing onto the next step.
Step 4: Apply Paint
Next, clean the paint tray and roller (or paint sprayer) thoroughly, and then pour your acrylic concrete paint into the tray. Then repeat the painting process by rolling the paint over the entire surface.
Like before, be sure to thoroughly coat the entire texture of the pavers with paint and don’t leave any bare patches.
Like before, be sure to let the paint dry completely before continuing onto the next step.
Step 5: Apply Sealant
Finally, after cleaning out your tray and roller mix and pour your concrete sealant into the tray. Then, apply at least two coats of sealant to the pavers and let the surface dry for at least 24 hours before walking or driving on them.
That’s about it! Now you’ve got yourself freshly painted concrete pavers on your patio or driveway. Keep in mind they will eventually chip and wear out, but they should last for years before needing to be touched up.
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