How to Create the Perfect Painted Concrete Porch in 7 Steps (or Less!)

Clean Your Concrete Surface

The first step in the concrete painting process is to prep the surface with a thorough clean. Start by removing all furniture and decor, then sweeping away loose debris with a broom or leaf blower.

Next, if you have a pressure washer, use it to wash away any moss, dirt, grease, and oil. Use degreasing detergent if it’s compatible with your machine. 

If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, rinse the surface with your hose and scrub it well with a hard bristle brush and detergent instead. Rinse away the detergent and let the concrete dry.

Patch Any Cracks With Caulk

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If you have any small cracks in your concrete surface, you can use a special concrete caulk sealant to patch them. Allow the caulk to dry for at least 24 hours before applying any other products. Once dry, use your hard bristle brush to remove any excess caulk residue.

If your porch has extensive damage that can’t be patched with caulk, you may need to contact a local concrete repair contractor. If repairs aren’t made your paint job may not last as long as you want or look the way you imagine when it’s complete.

Etch the Concrete

Concrete etching uses muriatic acid to help remove old coatings and fill in the pores. This prevents it from soaking up so much paint and primer, allowing it to stick better to the surface.

A Note on Safety: The acid is a powerful chemical and should be handled with caution. Wear splash-proof goggles, rubber boots, work gloves, and a face mask to protect your skin. You’ll apply the acid to your concrete using a basic plastic sprayer similar to the type you’d use to spread weed killer.

Following the instructions on the acid product bottle, add water to the sprayer first, followed by the acid. Spray the mixture over your entire concrete patio, allowing it to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Rinse it off gently with your hose and let the concrete dry again completely before moving to the next step.

Apply Concrete Paint Primer

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Painting concrete is a process that takes several coats of primer and paint, and each requires time to dry before the next coat can be added. With that in mind, watch your local weather forecast for a stretch of three to four days of dry weather. Your concrete surface should be completely dry for 24 hours before priming.

Applying primer is an important step that will help ensure a smooth paint application and a durable finish. Before starting, apply painter’s tape to any surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on. Use a leaf blower or clean broom to clean away any debris that may have collected overnight.

Use a specific concrete and masonry primer and a paint roller to cover the entire surface. It will go on white and dry clear after about an hour. Use a small paintbrush to cover any edges your roller can’t reach. Work from the back of the porch towards the outside so you don’t end up accidentally painting yourself into a corner.

Let your first coat of primer dry and cure according to the instructions on the container, waiting anywhere from one to 24 hours. Apply another layer if recommended by the manufacturer.

Apply Your Base Color of Concrete Paint

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When your last coat of primer is dry, sweep again with a clean broom or leaf blower to remove dirt and debris before painting.

Apply your paint or concrete stain using the same process as the primer. Once you’ve applied your first full coat, allow it to dry for 12 to 24 hours, then repeat the process with a second coat. If you want, you can choose to add a slip-resistant additive to the paint you use on pathways, steps, and other high-traffic areas.

Paint a Design Using a Stencil (Optional)

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You’re technically done painting here … unless you want to amp up your porch with some pizazz. To give your porch or patio some extra character, you can use a stencil to apply a painted pattern in a different paint color. Use a measuring tape to find the center of your porch, then lay your stencil square in that center spot. 

Using painter’s tape on the corners to hold the stencil still, lightly dip your brush or roller into your paint and blot it on a disposable surface to remove any excess. Gently apply paint over the stencil, taking care not to allow excess paint to run underneath. A paint sprayer can come in handy here.

Once you’ve stenciled an area, pick up your stencil and line it up in the next bare area. Repeat the process until your porch is covered. Your stencil may come with a smaller stencil to do touch-ups and fill in edge spaces where the larger stencil won’t fit. Allow time for your stencil design to dry according to the instructions on the paint label.

Apply a Sealant (Optional)

If you use a paint product designed for concrete porches, a concrete sealant usually isn’t necessary. It won’t harm your floor and can make it easier to clean, but it may also make your porch slightly more slippery when it rains. The process to apply sealant is the same as the processes for primer and paint.

Whether you choose to seal your floor or not, allow 48 hours for the porch to fully dry before returning your furniture and decor.