How to Paint Patio Slabs

Patio slabs can look worn or tired over time, but they can be expensive to replace. So, can you paint patio slabs to refresh them? Yes – and our guide is here to help you achieve long-lasting, professional results. Discover the best paint to use for different materials, get tips from industry experts and follow our step-by-step guide

How to choose the right type of paint for patio slabs

Selecting the right paint for patio slabs is essential to ensure durable and lasting results. We stock a range of exterior paints suitable for various materials at Dulux Decorator Centre – read on to find out more about the best products for patios.

Can I use masonry paint on patio slabs? 

Although masonry paint can withstand extreme weather conditions and is a durable choice for exterior walls, it is not suitable for patio slabs. Unlike vertical walls, where water naturally runs off the surface, standing rainwater accumulates on patios. This can cause the paint to wear away quickly. Plus, the high-traffic nature of this area makes it even more susceptible to damage.

Instead, we recommend using a specialist floor paint, like Dulux Trade High-Performance Floor Paint. Designed for high-traffic areas like patios, the water-based epoxy formula makes it a hard-wearing choice for interior and exterior surfaces, including concrete patio slabs.

The best paint colours for patios

You can find floor paint for patios in a range of shades to suit any exterior. Dulux Trade High-Performance Floor Paint comes in soft grey shades like Tideway and Goose Wing and paler hues like Activator. Darker shades may be preferable for patios, as any natural wear and tear, like scuffs or rainwater marks, will be less noticeable.

Step-by-step guide to painting patio slabs

Painting patio slabs requires several steps, including removing old paint (if there is any) and preparing the surface for new paint. Here’s how to paint a patio:

1. Choose a warm, dry day. The best weather for painting outdoors is warm and dry, as rain can spoil the finish of your paintwork.

2. Remove old paint. If your patio has previously been painted, you’ll need to remove this before repainting. Otherwise, you can skip this step. Jet washers are a quick and effective way to remove old paint, but you may need to apply a paint stripper to any stubborn areas.

3. Clean the patio. Jet wash or scrub your patio with a brush and warm, soapy water to remove any stains or moss. Even if the patio looks relatively clean, you’ll need to remove any dirt or contaminants to ensure optimal paint adhesion.

4. Mask off areas you don’t want to paint. To achieve a neat finish, we recommend masking off the joints between slabs to preserve the pointing.

5. Apply primer. Primer improves paint adhesion, so don’t skip this step. We recommend Dulux Trade All Purpose Primer for patios and exterior masonry.

6. Apply paint. Once the primer has dried, apply your first coat of paint using a roller or brush. Leave this to dry (see the manufacturer's instructions for drying times), then apply a second coat to achieve the desired opacity.

Tips for painting different patio slab materials

Patio slabs can be made from several materials, including concrete, stone, slate and brick. We asked consumer decorating expert Mark Rigby for their advice on painting different patio materials:

“The number one tip for painting patio slabs is to choose an appropriate paint for the material. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing, and test the paint in a small area before applying it to the entire patio.”

Concrete patio slabs

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials for patio slabs, thanks to its hardness and durability. But can you paint a concrete patio? Yes – providing you use the right paint. Armstead Trade Anti-Slip Floor Paint is ideal for painting concrete patios, thanks to its anti-slip properties and textured finish.

Brick patio slabs

Paving bricks are often used for drives and patios. They are highly porous, enabling them to absorb water and reduce the risk of slipping. So, can you paint a brick patio? Sealing the pores in the material prevents moisture from getting through, which may make your patio hazardous when wet. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend painting brick patios.

Stone and slate patio slabs

One of the main appeals of stone or slate patio slabs is the unique finish these natural materials provide, so we wouldn’t recommend covering them with paint. Plus, granite and slate are highly porous like brick, so painting can prevent water from being absorbed by the material and increases the risk of slipping when wet.

How often do you have to repaint patio slabs?

Painted patio slabs should retain their finish for three to five years before you’ll need to repaint, providing you prep correctly and use the right paint. However, several factors can affect the lifespan of your patio paint, from the slab material to weather conditions and how often you use this outdoor area. If you follow the steps outlined in our guide, you can maximise the longevity of your painted patio slabs.

For more exterior painting advice, check out these related guides on our blog:

• How to Paint Decking

• How to Paint Metal

• How to Paint a Front Door