Patio pavers are important elements of any yard or garden, but sometimes it needs a little freshening up when the pavers have aged a little. We've researched about painting pavers to look like stone and in this post, we'll be sharing with you some tips on how you can change the look of your patio pavers.
Painting over your old patio pavers is an option you can choose when looking for ways to freshen up your walkway. You can repaint patio pavers to look like stone, giving them an entirely different look from your original one, or if you're looking to re-style your patios on a budget.
While repainting pavers to give them a fresh new look is an option, some people worry about how it will affect their pavers. In this post, we'll share with you how to properly repaint your pavers. Keep reading as we also share with you some pros and cons, and alternatives you can do to your patio pavers.
Can you paint patio pavers to look like stone?
The quick answer to this question is yes, you can paint your patio pavers to look like stone.
Patio pavers often suffer wear and tear, making them look quite unsightly after a while. A lot of homeowners find that they don't like their pavers looking worn, and this usually means putting on new pavers.
However, there is another option. You can paint over your old patio pavers to make them look new and even make them look like stone if that is what you'd like your patio to look like.
Painting over patio pavers is a great way to completely change the look of your current patio without having to reinstall a brand new set. You can make your old concrete pavers look more like flagstone for half the cost of having to install the real kind.
If you are inclined to paint over your patio pavers, there are certain preparations and considerations you should know before you start painting. You'll have to consider the type of pavers that you originally have, the paint you will use on them, as well as the sealants needed to protect the painted pavers.
What kind of paint do you use on patio pavers?
Patio pavers are exposed to varying temperatures and extreme weather conditions all the time. That being said, the paint that you should use should be able to withstand these conditions, and it should be appropriate for the material you are painting on.
Brick
Brick is a very porous material, which is why you cannot just use paint immediately on it. It requires sealing the pores with a water-based primer for masonry so the brick will not absorb the paint. Your primer should smooth out the surface and fill in the paver pores.
Check out this acrylic primer on Amazon.
To paint over your brick patio pavers, pick an acrylic latex paint made to be used for exterior applications and masonry purposes. This will ensure that your paint can withstand different conditions and that it will paint well over your brick pavers.
Get this porch and patio floor paint on Amazon.
Concrete or stone
If you have concrete or stone pavers, the best way to paint over them is to use cement or concrete paint. These paints are made to hold on to such materials, adhering well to the surface to prevent peeling.
Acrylic cement paints are known to resist fading, and to ensure that it holds well, a cement or concrete primer should be used beforehand. Make sure to use paint that will prevent slipping, as the cement or stone does tend to have a slippery surface after being painted on.
Check out this anti-slip coating paint on Amazon.
Sealants
After you've painted on and laid out a brand new look for your pavers, it is important to seal the newly painted surfaces. Sealing the pavers ensures that your paint won't wear off easily and it protects your pavers from the weather conditions.
Choose a paver sealant that works for the material of your pavers. A clear, exterior sealant is perfect to use for projects like these.
Get this paint sealer on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of painting pavers
Just like most decisions that you have to do for your home projects, there are different pros and cons when it comes to painting pavers. Pavers are very hardy materials for your patios, but here are some of the pros and cons you should consider before doing this project.
Pros
- Gives your pavers a completely different look when painted.
- Update the design of your pavers to match your landscape or yard.
- Create uniquely-designed patios that can't be done using pre-installed materials.
Cons
- Paint peels after a while, especially if the patio is consistently exposed to changing temperatures and weather.
- Using paint on the pavers prevents the material from allowing moisture to escape, which causes structural integrity issues like cracking and breaking.
- Pavers are meant to last for a very long time, so there are other alternatives to refreshing it without using paint.
Are there alternatives to painting patio pavers?
Knowing that there are cons to painting over pavers, a lot of homeowners have also asked if there are other alternatives that they can do to freshen up the look of their pavers. Here are a few alternatives and options that you might want to consider.
Cleaning and Sealing
Generally speaking, pavers are meant to last for years, if not decades with proper maintenance. If you find that your pavers are already looking old and worn out, chances are they're just hiding beneath a layer of dirt and grime that has built up over the years.
Most pavers do well and look as good as new after a good cleaning session. If you don't have the time, you can always get a professional to do the patio cleaning for you. But for those who would like to save money and have spare time, you can do the cleaning yourselves.
Patios can be cleaned with a session with the pressure washer, and you'll see the dirt and stains washing off in no time. Make sure to use good stone or brick cleaners to remove all the dirty stuff during pressure washing.
Check out this pressure washer on Amazon.
After cleaning up using a pressure washer, you can also use a color-enhancing sealer to make the original colors of your pavers shine. This method will surely add 10 more years to your patio pavers.
Get this color-enhancing sealer on Amazon.
Staining
Getting your pavers to have a new color can also be achieved by staining them. Paver staining products penetrate the pores of the pavers, thus giving them a new color and sheen that looks more natural.
Staining the pavers also means that they are unlikely to peel off, which usually happens with paint. They are also easy to apply and they last for a long time, as long as the pavers are sealed and maintained properly.
Check out this concrete stain on Amazon.
Get new pavers
If your pavers are really worn down and old, no amount of cleaning or re-staining will bring them back to their former glory. This is true for patio pavers that are too damaged, cracked, and are most likely to disintegrate by being exposed to weather conditions.
For situations like these, the only way to get your patio and yard looking great is by getting new pavers. Seek a professional's help to give you choices on the right kind of pavers your house should have based on the activity and traffic it receives daily.
Final Thoughts
Changing the look of your walkways doesn't require digging everything out and changing all the pavers to suit your style. Painting pavers is a quick way to freshen them up, and you can experiment with painting your pavers with different styles and you'll surely have a unique and worthwhile patio.
