Tired of staring at dull, gray concrete walls every time you step into your backyard or patio area? Painting your exterior concrete surfaces is an easy and affordable way to instantly give them a makeover. Vibrant colors, fun patterns, and imaginative designs will transform those boring slabs into eye-catching works of art.
Painting concrete opens up endless possibilities for customizing your outdoor space. With the right prep work, paints, and application techniques, you can use your concrete walls as a creative canvas to match your personal style. Read on for some inspiration and tips for livening up your outdoor concrete with paint.
Benefits of Painting Outdoor Concrete Walls
Before delving into the fun stuff – all the creative ways you can paint concrete – let’s look at why painting your exterior walls is a great idea in the first place:
- Adds beautiful pops of color and visual interest.
- Protects concrete from weathering damage from sun, rain, snow and ice.
- Allows you to customize concrete walls affordably to match your taste and style.
- Much more budget-friendly than installing new siding, stonework, or wood paneling.
- An opportunity to match your home’s exterior color scheme and architecture.
Painting those dull slabs around your yard boosts your curb appeal and makes the space more inviting. And you can easily change up the look in the future with a new color or design.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Concrete Paint
Picking the right type of paint for your exterior project is key to getting great results. Here’s what to consider:
Paint Type
Look for durable exterior-grade acrylic latex paints that can withstand sun exposure, rain, snow, and other outdoor conditions. For high-traffic areas like patio flooring, epoxy paints are even more heavy-duty and long-lasting.
Paint Finish
Flat or matte finishes subtly mute the concrete surface. Satin or eggshell finishes provide a balance of subtlety and wipeability. Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes make colors pop but show imperfections. You can also use special rollers to create textured finishes like knockdown or sand textures.
Paint Colors
Lighter paint colors visually enlarge and brighten a space. But you can also opt for brighter or deeper hues for some dramatic contrast. Be sure your color scheme complements your home’s exterior palette.
Preparing the Concrete Surface
Before bringing out the paint cans, properly prep your concrete walls:
- Clean surfaces with soap and water, let dry fully.
- Repair any cracks, holes or damages.
- Use degreaser to remove oil and grease stains.
- Etch smooth concrete to help paint adhere.
- Apply concrete primer and sealer.
Taking time to prep ensures the paint lasts longer and provides maximum protection.
Creative Paint Techniques and Concrete Wall Ideas
Here are some fun and imaginative ways to paint your exterior concrete walls and surfaces:
Classic Stripes
No design is more classic and timeless than simple stripes. Paint crisp horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines in alternating colors. Varying the stripe widths adds interest. Keep stripe edges razor-sharp with painter’s tape.
Geometric Shapes and Patterns
Get creative with repeating geometric shapes like circles, squares, triangles and diamonds. Interlocking patterns like argyle and tessellations also add eye-catching texture. Use painter’s tape and stencils to create consistent shapes.
Faux Finishes
Specialty painting tools like rags, sponges, and textured rollers allow you to mimic finishes like stone, brick, or tiled walls. Rag rolling creates an organic, mottled color effect. Crumpled paper or plastic sheeting makes random indentations. Practice first on scrap wood or cardboard to test techniques.
Chalkboard Surface
Turn your concrete wall into a fun chalkboard for leaving messages, playing games, or getting creative. Use chalkboard paint formulated especially for exterior surfaces. Remember to seal it after installation.
Graffiti Art
Add a dose of urban edge with graffiti-inspired art. Paint freehand letters, characters, and shapes in bright, bold colors. This is your chance to channel your inner street artist! Just be sure to use exterior-grade spray paint.
Faux Tile
Concrete walls painted to mimic ceramic or stone tile add beautiful visual texture. Paint “grout lines” between the faux tiles. You can freehand a grid, use painter’s tape, or apply tile stencils. Contrasting colors make the effect pop.
Sealing and Protecting Painted Concrete
The final but equally important step is applying a clear concrete sealer. Two or three coats create a protective barrier against sun, rain, snow and other exposure. Reapply the sealer every one to two years.
Plain old concrete gets a new life when you apply imagination and vibrant color. With the right paint and preparation, you can transform boring exterior walls into a fun, artistic focal point. Which of these creative paint ideas will you try first in your outdoor space? Get inspired and let your creative side shine!
