How to Paint Patio Paving Slabs
A tired-looking patio can be a real eyesore on your property. Painting your patio paving slabs is an easy and cost-effective way to revitalise the exterior of your home.
We understand that the process of painting concrete patios intimidating. That is why we have put together this guide to provide you with all the information you need to ensure the success of your renovation project.
Can I Paint My Patio Slabs?
Before you begin, you should consider the composition of your stones. Patios can be constructed from a variety of materials. Tikkurila Patio Paving Stain is designed for use on non-porous, non-absorbent surfaces only. Think granite, clay brick, slate, and block paving (as well as concrete blended with filling materials such as sand).
Natural stone surfaces (such as sandstone and travertine) are porous by nature and are not intended for use with this product. If your patio paving is made of non-absorbing materials, we recommend cleaning it with a jet wash instead. This will assist you in restoring their natural appearance without failed paint application.
Can I Change the Colour of my Patio Slabs?
Your colour transformation options will be determined by the condition of your stones and whether they have been industrially tinted.
Unstained concrete grey garden stones
Unstained stones can be treated with any colour from the Patio Paving Stain colour palette to give them a completely new appearance. Continue reading to learn about the different colours that are available for this product.
Pre-Coloured Paving Stones
When choosing a colour for your stain, choose one that is as close to the original as possible. In this scenario, Tikkurila Patio Paving Stain cannot be used to completely change the colour of your industrially coloured stones, but it can be tinted to a similar shade of the existing colour to refresh and revitalise the appearance of your patio paving.
Please keep in mind that for both colour applications, the final result may vary if the stones or slabs are of varying ages or are discoloured from car oil.
Clean
Step One: Brush the Patio
This is an important step that should not be overlooked because it will ensure that your paint job lasts as long as possible.
Use a stiff wire brush to thoroughly clean your paving stones and slabs of dirt, dust, and debris prior to application.
Step Two: Power Wash
This is an important step that should not be overlooked because it will ensure that your paint job lasts as long as possible.
Use a stiff wire brush to thoroughly clean your paving stones and slabs of dirt, dust, and debris prior to application.
Prepare
First and foremost, check the weather forecast! You'll need a dry day that is also relatively warm (at least +5o C) (and no rain in sight).
With masking tape or tacky film, mask off any adjoining areas you don't want to get paint on.
Paint
Time to grab your Patio Paving stain. The stain doesn't require a primer, so you can move straight to painting your stones. Remember to stir the product well before and during use.
If the surface is smooth, use a wide roller to evenly disperse a thin layer of the stain onto the patio paving and avoid overlapping. Go over any hard-to-reach areas with a brush. If you're applying the stain with a spray, use a roller or brush afterwards to make sure the stain absorbs well into the pores of the surface.
Once the first coat is dry, follow the same application technique for the second coat. It's important that you apply all layers as thinly as possible, as this will help the stain dry to a solid finish.
Enjoy
Your freshly stained patio should be walkable and ready to use after a few hours, although the drying time depends on the porosity of the stone and the number of layers applied. Tikkurila Patio Paving Stain reaches its final hardness and durability after approximately 4 weeks. While you can use your patio within this time, we recommend handling it with care until this time has passed.
Choosing your Patio Stone Paint Colours
Patio Paving Stain is available in 10 earth-toned colours, offering a revived or totally new look for your patio paving, depending on the condition of the stones.
This product is not available as a clear or colourless solution, it must be tinted before use.
We always recommend testing your chosen colour on a small paving area to check if the colour is suitable and how many coats are needed to achieve the desired effect.
