Old and weather-beaten patio tiles quickly leave an unsightly appearance, which is reinforced by the uniform grey. The solution to this problem is to paint the concrete slabs with a special paint.
In a nutshell
- Only use paints suitable for concrete
- Thoroughly clean patio slabs before painting
- Foam roller with telescopic handle helps with the work
- Work in neat and straight rows
- Multiple coats are required for optimal coverage
Appropriate colors
Special concrete glazes and resistant wall paints are best suited for painting concrete slabs. These color mixtures react with the concrete surface and then harden. In this way, the color pigments are integrated into the usually gray building material, creating a strong connection between the two materials that is difficult to detach. When selecting the colors, the type of concrete and its special properties must always be taken into account. Since these aspects can vary extremely, you should seek advice from a specialist retailer regarding the optimal combination. In addition, read the manufacturer's instructions in detail before purchasing. Good quality shades provide instant coverage, but most products will require multiple passes. In addition, the drying times are extremely different and must be observed for a successful result.
- Suitable paints for concrete come in many different tones
- Become waterproof after curing and drying
- However, the breathability of the concrete remains
- Are permanently lightfast and free from yellowing
- Will not peel or chip even under heavy use
- Mineral and durable concrete glazes are ideal
- Convince with strong covering power
- Acrylic, floor and facade paint are also suitable
- Alternatively, use paints, silicate paints or sealants
Notice: A primer for the concrete surfaces is recommended to adequately prepare the terrace slabs for painting.
Required Utensils
After the desired color for the concrete slabs has been determined, other utensils are required for painting the terrace slabs. There are various tools on offer for the coating process, but not all are equally suitable for this. The size of the terrace must always be taken into account when making your selection. A normal brush can be used for smaller areas. However, if the terrace is larger, you need more powerful tools. Otherwise, the painting process takes an extremely long time. Good preparation and cleaning of the substrate is important so that the coat of paint is visually appealing afterwards.
- A foam roller with a telescopic handle is ideal
- Pressure washer or steam jet for cleaning
- Use only rubber scrubbers to avoid scratching
- Use special concrete cleaner
- Grinding machine for repairing damaged areas
- Masking tape for masking the border areas
preparation
Before you paint the patio tiles, thorough cleaning is very important. Even relatively new concrete slabs must be cleaned beforehand. Powerful concrete and high-pressure cleaners are best suited for this. If the concrete has a very smooth surface, roughening the slabs beforehand is recommended. In this way, the color of the terrace covering can bind much better. A longer drying phase after cleaning is very important, otherwise the paint cannot be applied correctly. Depending on the outside temperature and humidity, this can take between one and three days. If the weather conditions don't play along, the cleaned terrace can be covered with foil. To do this, strategically place some garden furniture in the corners and stretch the foil over them. Since the cover is not directly on the concrete, the surfaces can dry better and faster.
- Thoroughly sweep the terrace and remove plant debris
- Moss must be removed completely
- Also remove other residues such as old paints
- Repair any cracks and other damage
- Process several times with a high-pressure cleaner
- Scrub thoroughly, using concrete cleaner
- Remove grease and oil stains with trisodium phosphate
- Mask off adjacent drains, door frames and pipes
- Also protect nearby surfaces with masking tape
Notice: After the terrace tiles have been painted for the first time, no other products may be used, otherwise the color result will be distorted or unsightly stains will appear.
manual
You should always plan enough time for painting the terrace slabs. In addition to a completely dry substrate, dry weather conditions are another basic requirement. Heavy rainfall also requires a longer drying phase. Furthermore, painting with paint only works on concrete blocks that are intact. A test in a hidden corner on the terrace is also advisable as a test, as every concrete reacts differently to colours. With the variable foam roller, the telescopic handle can be adjusted to the height of the user. In this way, it is possible to work without having to bend down and all zones can be easily reached.
- First apply a primer with a blocking effect
- Then apply sufficient but not too much paint
- Do not paint panels criss-cross
- Proceed in a very targeted manner in straight rows on the terrace
- More layers are usually necessary
- Take a break to dry after each layer
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions
- Be careful so that the paint lasts for a long time
Notice: When fresh, the first coat often looks very different than on the package. However, the actual color only shows up later, when all the applied layers have completely dried out.
frequently asked Questions
How can gross damage to the concrete slabs be repaired?In order to repair breaks and cracks, practical fillers for outdoor use are ideal for repairs. This allows for an exact procedure so that the damage is no longer visible after the coat of paint and a uniform overall impression is created.
What is the procedure for old paintwork on the terrace covering?If the terrace has already been painted once or several times, it is essential to remove the old paint before painting again. Mechanical aids in the form of wire brushes and facade grinders are ideal for this. As an alternative, concrete can be stripped with the solvents provided for this purpose. Then rinse the treated area thoroughly with plenty of clear water.
Why is it advisable to prime the concrete slabs?Thanks to the primer, the color that is subsequently applied lasts much better and longer. In order to further optimize these factors, it is advisable to apply two layers of the concrete primer.
What is the procedure for particularly smooth concrete surfaces?If the terrace slabs are made of smooth concrete and are painted, they often become even smoother when it rains. It is therefore recommended to use additional texture additives. These products are mixed directly into the paint and make the resulting surface significantly rougher. This means that users do not slip on it, even when it is very wet.