Patios are a great way to extend your house’s living space. It is not only less expensive than constructing a walled and covered extension, but it also allows you to breathe fresh air and get some sun. And of course, it is more fun to have barbecues and to roast marshmallows for your s’mores on the patio.
Concrete patios are often preferred especially if there is an outdoor fireplace on it. They can be finished with ceramic tiles, natural stones, or concrete paint. Concrete paint has the advantage of being less expensive and easier to apply. It also allows you to paint any design you want.
Paints for concrete floors are specially formulated for the purpose, so, if you decide to paint your patio floor, be sure to tell your supplier what you need the paint for. Usually, these include epoxy to prevent the paint from chipping and cracking. For your patio, you do not need 100% epoxy paint. One-part epoxy concrete floor paint will suffice. Do not forget to buy the tinting colors of your choice, and a clear paint sealer.
Once you have done your shopping, you can get into your overalls and start painting. As with any other painting job, the first thing you will need to do is clean the surface. You may need a power washer and detergent if there is packed dirt or grease on it. If you do, be sure to wait until it is fully dried before proceeding.
Pour the paint into a paint tray, and, with a roller brush, start painting. Use a brush with a long handle so you can paint standing up and not hurt your back. Cover the entire surface and wait for it to fully dry. You can apply additional coating if the gray concrete remains visible.
You can also apply patterns to your floor using a damp sponge. Dip it into the paint tray but remove any dripping paint. Dab the sponge on the painted surface in random patterns until you have covered the entire area.
Finish up with coating the fully dried paint with your painting sealer to protect the paint from the elements. Wait till the sealer is thoroughly dry before lighting up your fire pit and roasting the pork chops.