Whilst painting patio slabs may divide a crowd, it’s an affordable way to create a new garden look.
It’s also a home improvement Britons can DIY with a few basic supplies, and it will last between three and five years before it needs redoing.
According to the experts at Checkatrade, a patio can be painted in just a few easy steps.
Make sure to check the weather forecast before painting slabs, as dry and warm conditions are favoured for this job.
1. Clean and prep the patio
The experts said: “First, use a stiff brush to remove any dirt, dust or debris. Then, clean your patio using a jet wash.
“Remove moss or mould by applying a patio cleaner solution, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
“Finally, fill any cracks in your paving slabs with a concrete caulk.”
2. Etch the concrete
The experts said people will need to apply an etching formula to open up the surface of the paving.
This is typically mixed with water and applied evenly over the patio surface, before scrubbing and cleaning with water.
3. Apply primer
The pros continued: “Mask off any areas you want to protect from paint. Not all paints require primer.
“Check the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you do need to apply a primer, aim for a thin layer and leave to dry.”
4. Apply your base colour paint
Stir the paint thoroughly and apply the paint with a brush or roller, making sure the coverage is not too thick.
Work from the corner to the outer edge, and apply two to three coats, requiring sufficient drying time between coats, which is usually a couple of hours.
5. Apply finishing touches
The experts noted: “Getting creative? Now’s the time to apply your design using a stencil.
“If your paint requires a sealant, remember to apply this once your paintwork is complete.”
To ensure a “great finish”, make sure to select masonry paint rather than exterior house paint, found in most DIY stores.