What is Patio Paint? Tips for a Beautiful Patio

Patios would look awesome if you use the best color for paint. Well, colors are only a small part of picking your next patio paint, you need to get the right paint meant for patio applications. 

So, patio paint is simply paint designed to be weather resistant for outdoor use. It will definitely be better at resisting the weather elements compared to the paint you use for indoor applications. 

Patio paint would also be good at resisting water and still provide impressive adhesion to the ever-changing temperatures. 

Features of Patio Paint

Other than being resistant to water and other weather elements, here are more features of patio paint. 

  • It is resistant to soaps, grease, oil, and detergents
  • The paint often offers a smooth and uniform finish
  • The paint is easy to apply even for those new to painting 
  • Patio paint offers excellent durability 
  • Most are mold and mildew resistant 

Recommended Applications for Patio Paint

The name of the paint should easily give away where you can use it. Here are more ideas on the applications of patio paint. 

  • Wood decks
  • Pool decks
  • Boat docks
  • Doors and trim 
  • Wood railings 
  • Walkways 
  • Concrete floors
  • Tennis courts

The applications are quite many, however, do not use such paint in garages or where there might be a lot of automotive traffic. 

Preparing the Surface for Patio Paint Application

The way the surface is prepared determines the outcome of the patio paint look. It is only logical to expect the patio paint to look good if you take your time to prepare the surface right. 

  1. General surface preparation 

Make sure that the entire surface is clean and dry. It should also be free from waxes, mildew, dirt, grime, grease, mill scale, form release agents, any curing compounds, rust, and any other surface contaminants generally. 

  1. Any prepainted surfaces

In case the patio had prepainted surfaces, you should still prepare it for the fresh coat. The preparation includes;

  • Removing the loose, cracked, scaling, or peeling paint. The processes involve hand scraping, using a wire brush, or sometimes electric grinders and sanders to achieve a smooth surface. 
  • Consider also sanding the rough edges that were already painted which are next to the smooth edges to make them uniform.
  • The glossy surfaces need to be sanded to allow better paint adherence 
  • You can spot prime the bare surfaces before painting. Make sure to leave the primer to dry first before painting. 
  1. New surface 

If it is aluminum, remove all the oils, dirt, grease, and surface contaminants using the appropriate cleaners. 

The wood surfaces must also be clean, sound, and dry. Make sure to also prime the wood properly before you can start the installation. You are also to remove any stamps or marks the supplier may have added. 

The wood moisture content should be lower than 15% before applying patio paint. 

How about concrete and masonry? Always allow for a minimum of 30 days for the concrete to cure. Test for pH also. The readings should not be higher than 10.0. As always, clean the concrete surface to remove contaminants before painting. 

  1. Mildew 

To remove mildew, consider treating the surface with a commercial mildew removal product. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on this to leave you with a clean surface. 

Also, rinse the surface with clean water until the cleaner residue is all removed. Give it at least 24 hours to dry before applying patio paint. 

What is the Dry Time for Patio Paint?

The drying time will largely depend on the relative humidity and temperatures. As such, it is expected that a longer dry time may be expected for cooler temperatures and when the humidity is higher. 

Most patio paint brands recommend giving it a longer drying time. 

When the relative humidity is at 50% and the temperature is 77 degrees F, the dry time is 1 hour to touch and 4 to 6 hours to recoat. 

You are advised to allow up to 72 hours before normal use of the patio. You can do a thorough cleaning after 30 days. Make sure to use a mild non-abrasive detergent. 

How to Clean Patio Paint

Cleaning for minor spills and splatters should be done immediately. Do this by using warm soapy water and also include airless equipment and painting tools where possible. 

Serious spills would require containment faster. This can be removed by using an inert absorbent material. Dispose of the absorbent material based on local, state, or federal regulations. 

Warnings and Cautions of Using Patio Paint

Like when using any other type of paint, patio paint can also have some side effects. Here are the precautions to consider. 

  • It can cause eye and skin irritation 
  • Always wear protective clothing, gloves, face, and eye protection
  • You should not eat, smoke, or drink when using patio paint 
  • Consider taking off any contaminated clothing and wash before reusing 
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly after you are done handling the paint 
  • Always dispose the contaminated wastes as recommended by the law 

Patio Paint First Aid 

Sometimes accidents happen. If the paint gets into your eyes, rinse with water for several minutes. If you have contacts, remove them. Get further medical attention in case the eye irritation continues. 

Use plenty of water and soap to clean the paint on the skin. 

Those who might swallow the paint should rinse their mouth with clean water and get medical attention if the need arises. 

Conclusion 

So far patio paint seems as one thing you need next for your patio. If you love having a beautiful patio, go ahead and get some for yourself. Make sure you always take precautions while handling paint and you should be fine. Also, prepare your surface as recommended to have a better paint adhesion.