Patio

13 Best Concrete Patio Paint Ideas to Liven a Dull Outdoor Space

Concrete patio paint ideas can be a great way to add color and vibrancy when sprucing up your outdoor space. Some concrete patio paint ideas utilize shapes, textures, and patterns to create eye-catching designs that can help create a truly unique outdoor patio space.

A fresh coat of paint will help update the look of your drab outdoor concrete patio. Sealing new paint can also provide waterproofing and a protective layer against fading and daily wear and tear. Whether you want to refurbish a small patio or looking for backyard patio ideas on a budget, we hope these inspire you.

13 Best Paint Ideas for Concrete Patios

Update your outdoor space with a vibrant and creative concrete patio using one of these 13 best paint ideas for concrete patios!

1. Stunning Faux White Brick

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Faux brick is becoming a seemingly popular choice for concrete paint designs. The white brick painted with a stencil creates an eye-catching look, making it as much of a work of art as it is functional.

The bright white on the natural concrete gives off an airy feeling, and the strong lines bring order and structure to the overall look. Truly one of the best results and makeovers for concrete floors.

2. Kaleidoscope Pop of Color

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A pop of color to your concrete porch or patio is sure to bring a breath of fresh air to your outdoor area. With a base color of white and a bright pop of color painted on with a stencil, this diamond kaleidoscope pattern is one of the best patio paint ideas.

3. Simple Yet Elegant Stripes

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Classic stripes are one of the best patio paint ideas. Achieving this look is easy and less time-consuming than others. You don’t need a stencil, just a good painter’s tape, a floor paint color of your choice, a measuring tape or yardstick, and of course, a paintbrush or small paint roller.

4. DIY Flagstone

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Painting concrete floors can seem intimidating. Flagstone is one of the easiest patio paint ideas to complete. You can free-hand the different shapes with a small paintbrush. Paint the concrete patio to look like stone by using a dark gray base color on your patio before tracing it with white paint.

You can paint concrete patio to look like stone or brick. There are a variety of paints available that can provide the look and texture of stone or brick without the extensive cost and labor.

5. Stenciled Concrete Rug

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Stenciled concrete porch rugs are growing seemingly popular when it comes to patio paint ideas. You can choose any stencil design of your liking. From floral, geometric, and striped, the options are endless. Add a border around the desired size of stencil work for the finishing touch to a painted rug look.

6. Geometric Stars

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Geometric stars are undoubtedly one of the out-of-this-world patio paint ideas. Be sure to clean the surface of the concrete before painting on the base color and stencil color for the best result.

Etsy has multiple concrete paint stencils to choose from. Any decor and color scheme will pair amazingly with this painted concrete patio and floor idea. It’s the perfect unique look for a concrete painting project.

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7. Triangle Patio Tile

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A stunning concrete porch floor with black and white triangle tile makes a bold statement, perfect for a modern outdoor living space. The dynamic shapes of the triangles draw the eye with their stark contrast and geometric lines.

The combination of black and white creates a striking visual impact that stands out against the lush greenery surrounding outdoor areas.

8. Classy Mosaic Detailing

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This stunning concrete patio floor has been painted with an intricate, mosaic-style pattern that will turn heads. This bold and unique design will surely be a showstopper when entertaining family and friends or enjoying leisure time outdoors.

9. Magnificent Moorish Circles

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The eye-catching design features a Moorish circle stencil painted on the concrete surface, creating a unique and intricate pattern. The circles are symmetrically arranged in various sizes, creating an optical illusion with visual depth that adds texture and interest.

Being one of the best patio paint ideas, it creates charm and an inviting atmosphere for entertaining outdoors. The stencil pattern is created using paint designed specifically for outdoor surfaces, making it durable and weather resistant.

10. Acid Stained Concrete

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Extend your search for patio paint ideas and consider trying acid stain. Acid stained concrete is popular among concrete patio and floor ideas. This method is more of a permanent choice when sealed correctly and can withstand weather conditions more than most paints used for painting concrete outdoor floors.

11. Modern Painted Steps

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Even if your concrete patio area isn’t very large, painting your concrete steps can still make a huge difference to the exterior of your home. One of the easiest patio paint ideas is a simple yet elegant striped look. A bright white and black or light gray and black pair gorgeously for this concrete patio paint design.

Painting concrete steps is one of the best concrete paint designs to freshen up the exterior of your home. It’s a simple task that can add an elegant touch to your home.

12. Simple Stained Concrete

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Stained concrete patio flooring has a rich, warm tone that is a unique, perfect addition to any outdoor space. It’s one of the best patio paint ideas, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional materials such as pavers and tiles.

There are many different concrete stain color options you can choose from. The stain color can be matched to existing structures and is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Best of all, it’s easy to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and mopping.

13. Wood Grain Effect

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A concrete patio floor that looks like hardwood can be slightly challenging, but the results are stunning if done correctly. Textured concrete flooring before applying the stain colors is a key factor.

For this concrete patio floor paint idea, it’s best to use more than one stain color to achieve that natural wood look. It may take a few days to complete; however, this is the perfect concrete paint idea for a long-lasting, charming look.

We have more concrete patio ideas to help you make the most of your outdoor living space. Whether you’re considering stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, or simply painting a pattern on your patio, our experts can provide advice and tips to get started.

Patio Paint Ideas

Concrete Patio Paint Prepping Tips

Concrete painting prep is an essential part of the painting process. It requires attention to detail and planning for a successful outcome. To achieve the best results for your patio paint ideas, it is necessary to properly prepare the concrete surface before applying paint.

Paint prep includes cleaning, repairing, priming, sealing, and other steps that must be taken to ensure a lasting finish. Properly preparing your concrete surface will help ensure that the paint adheres correctly and lasts many years.

How Should I Clean My Concrete Patio Before Painting?

When prepping patio concrete floors to be painted, it is crucial to take the time and follow the proper steps to ensure the painting job will last. First, you should thoroughly clean the patio using a pressure washer or scrub brush to remove any dirt and debris.

You may also need a putty knife and scraper to remove old paint chips and other hard-to-remove material. Once you have cleaned the concrete, you should inspect it closely for any cracks or other surface defects that need to be addressed before painting.

If there are any cracks present, they should be filled with a concrete patching compound before painting can begin.

Fill Cracks and Fix Broken Concrete

Be sure to fix broken and uneven concrete before painting it. Concrete that is not level and has uneven surfaces can create a bumpy or otherwise unpleasant texture when painted – utilizing concrete filler to even out the surface before painting will give you a smoother finish.

A concrete overlay is a great way to create a smooth finish to rough concrete. It’s a thin layer of concrete poured over an existing slab that can be painted or stained. Concrete overlays are often used as an alternative to replacing a damaged slab because they are cheaper and faster to install than new concrete.

Additionally, ensure the concrete is completely dry before applying any paint. Painting damp concrete can result in poor paint adhesion.

What Paint Equipment is Needed?

One will need essential painting equipment when considering patio paint ideas. First and foremost is the paint itself. Look for exterior paint colors specifically designed for concrete surfaces, as this is the best way to ensure proper adhesion and longer-lasting results.

Be sure to purchase a primer suitable for concrete if necessary; some paints may require it to adhere correctly. For application, you’ll need quality brushes, rollers, trays, painter’s tape, and plastic drop cloths to protect nearby walls and furniture.

If the patio has raised edges or grooves, use a brush to get into these areas with precision and accuracy. Finally, be sure to have plenty of rags on hand to clean up drips quickly while they’re still wet.

What Concrete Paint is the Best?

One of the most important things to consider when painting a concrete patio is what type of finish you want – matte, glossy, or somewhere in between. If you’re looking for vibrant color, glossy paint may be your best option as it will provide a high gloss that reflects light and provides an inviting look to any area. Depending on your paint color and finish, a second coat of paint may be needed.

The best color to paint concrete patios is light gray or beige. These colors will help reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Lighter colors will keep the surface cooler, making your outdoor experience more enjoyable.

However, if you’re looking to add a subtle pop of color or texture to the patio, matte finish paints are more likely to hold up better against wear and tear. Additionally, non-slip variants are available on the market that can be particularly useful in high-traffic areas or higher moisture levels.

Sealing Concrete Patio Paint Makes it Last Longer

A concrete paint sealer is essential when painting your concrete patio. It not only helps to protect the exterior surface of your patio from damage due to UV rays, rain, and other damaging weather conditions, but it also helps to create a longer-lasting finish that will look better years later.

When choosing a concrete paint sealer, it’s essential to look for one that will provide adequate protection for your outdoor concrete surface. The best sealers are typically made from silicone or acrylic-based formulas, which provide the highest level of protection from water, UV rays, and other environmental damage.

Additionally, you’ll want to find one specially formulated for exterior use with an extended lifespan—typically between five and ten years, depending on the environment in which it is used.

Is painting a concrete patio a good idea?

Painting a concrete patio can be a great idea, depending on the condition of the surface. If the surface is in good condition and free from cracks, paint can help to protect it from weather damage and give it an aesthetically pleasing finish.

What is a good color to paint concrete patio?

A warm, earthy shade like terra cotta or russet can create a cozy atmosphere for entertaining. Black is always striking and timeless if you’re looking for a more dramatic effect.

What is the best paint for patio slabs?

Epoxy-based paints provide high durability and stain resistance, making them ideal for patio slabs or even a concrete garage floor.

Conclusion

The beauty of outdoor concrete patio paint and designs is that there are countless color and design combinations to choose from! Whether you keep it classic with a neutral tone or spice up your backyard with an unexpected pop of bright color, you can’t go wrong.

Whatever you decide to do, remember one essential truth: painting your concrete patio isn’t just a cosmetic improvement – it brings the charm and personality of your home to life. So explore the many possibilities, and make sure your newly refreshed patio reflects your style!

Author

Hubert Miles | Licensed Home Inspector, CMI, CPI

Hubert Miles is a licensed home inspector (RBI# 2556) with more than two decades of experience in inspection and construction. Since 2008, he has been serving South Carolina through his company, Patriot Home Inspections LLC. As a Certified Master Inspector, Hubert is dedicated to providing his expertise in home inspections, repairs, maintenance, and DIY projects.