Looking for an easy DIY you can finish in a weekend on a budget? This painted concrete patio project is so simple and easy to create.

painted concrete patio before

Can we still be friends if I show you this?

YIKES.

Our house doesn’t have a garage. Instead, we have a carport attached to the back of the house with this small patio in the front. For more days of my life than I can count, I have pulled into this driveway and parked in this carport and opened and shut the car door and looked at this.

Concrete.

Yards and yards and yards of concrete with leftover paint stains and years of wear and tear and more miles on it than a Rand McNally atlas.

Concrete that absolutely positively was not cute.

I just accepted it. I knew it wasn’t cute and I thought it never really could be cute and I told everyone to use the front door.

And then?

We painted the brick steps on the front of the house. You can see that project here. We had tons of paint left over and one day I looked at that concrete patio and it looked back at me and I went all Thomas Edison and had a lightbulb moment.

Why not paint it?

painted concrete patio close-up

The mini-porch is 4′ wide and 24′ long.

It steps down into the driveway where you pull your car in.

Here’s a close-up of the concrete patio.

painted concrete patio DIY

There are three doors that lead off this small concrete patio area.

There are the front doors that go into the family room.

There’s an outdoor storage closet and then there’s the door to the laundry room.

I’m about to show you the after, but before you do, I think it’s important to note that this porch was transformed with 2 gallons of paint and FrogTape.

That’s it.

Are you ready?

painted concrete patio after

Here’s the after.

CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE IT?

Please go back and look at the before from the same angle one more time.

Or wait.

Better yet.

Let me add it here again.

painted concrete patio finished project

BEFORE

painted concrete patio project with diamonds

AFTER.

Paint and FrogTape.

And a little elbow grease.

BEFORE

painted concrete patio how to

AFTER

painted concrete patio steps

AND AFTER

And oh wait…..

AAAAAAAAAFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTEEEEEEERRRRRR.

I think this is one of my favorite makeovers we’ve done at the new house because:

  1. I see it every day
  2. I had given up hope that it would ever be cute
  3. It cost less than taking our family out to dinner
  4. It made such a difference to an area of the home that everyone forgets about.

Want to see the step-by-step?

Oh, good.

I have it all ready for you, but before we get started? Here are the top questions I get about this painted concrete patio project:

1. What preparation steps are necessary before painting a concrete patio?

Before painting your concrete patio, it’s essential to properly prepare the surface to ensure long-lasting results.

Here’s how to prep the area:

  • Clean the patio thoroughly: Sweep away any debris, and use a pressure washer or hose to remove dirt, stains, and mildew. Allow the surface to dry completely.
  • Repair any damage: Patch any cracks or holes with a concrete patching compound and smooth the surface using a trowel.

2. What type of paint should I use for a painted concrete patio?

Choosing the right paint for your concrete patio is crucial to ensure durability and weather resistance. Look for paints specifically formulated for exterior concrete surfaces. Acrylic-based paints or epoxy paints are popular choices. These paints are designed to withstand foot traffic, UV rays, and varying weather conditions. Additionally, consider a non-slip additive if you’re concerned about the surface being slippery when wet.

3. How do I apply the paint to a concrete patio?

Applying paint to a concrete patio requires a few steps to achieve a smooth and even finish:

  • Start by cutting in the edges with a brush or roller to create clean lines along the patio’s perimeter.
  • Use a paint roller or sprayer to apply the paint to the rest of the surface. Work in small sections, using even strokes to ensure an even coat.
  • Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This helps build up a durable layer of paint.
  • Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time and any additional steps, such as applying a sealant or topcoat.

4. How can I maintain and protect a painted concrete patio?

Once you’ve painted your concrete patio, it’s important to maintain and protect the surface to prolong its lifespan.

Here are a few tips:

  • Clean regularly: Sweep away debris and wash the patio with mild detergent and water as needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the paint.
  • Avoid sharp objects: Be cautious when moving furniture or other items on the patio to prevent scratching or chipping the paint.
  • Address stains promptly: If you notice any stains, clean them as soon as possible using a suitable cleaner or stain remover for painted concrete surfaces.
painted concrete patio other side view

Before and after Painted Concrete Patio

(transformed with paint and FrogTape)

Supplies:

FrogTape

Cityscape SW 7067

Grizzle Gray SW 7068

paint brush

Step 1: Clean your concrete

We completely swept and cleaned the concrete.

Patch any holes and make sure the surface is COMPLETLY clean of any debris.

You don’t want a piece of dirt to get caught on your paintbrush.

The thing I love about this paint—just like when we painted the brick we didn’t use a primer.

Step 2: Tape off and paint porch

We taped off next to the house and driveway with FrogTape and then painted Cityscape SW 7067 as the base coat.

We went ahead and painted two coats and painted the door frame Extra White SW 7006 trim paint and the doors with Tricorn Black SW 6258.

It was super rainy and humid, so we let the paint cure for about a week before we taped off the diamond pattern.

Step 3: Tape off the border

Here are the dimensions for the project:

Porch dimensions: 4′ wide and 24′ feet long

Border edge: 2″ from the side of the concrete and 2″ wide

We also added a border to the step, too.

This border is 2″ wide, but it’s only 1″ from the edge of the step.

I love how the stripes layer each other.

We taped off the stripe and then painted it Grizzle Gray SW 7068.

It needed two coats of the Grizzle Gray.

Here’s how the stripe looked like after we pulled up the tape.

Step 4: Tape off the diamonds

Each of these diamonds is 20″ x 20″.

My husband (the mathematician behind this project) suggested taping off the border first and then dividing the remaining area by the number of diamonds that you want to paint.

It’s important to note—when we were figuring this out—we did NOT take the step into account. We just acted like it wasn’t there and just let the diamonds fall where they may.

Here the porch with the diamonds taped off.

Make sure your tape is scored and all of the edges are firmly attached to the concrete.

Step 5: Paint the diamonds

Here are the diamonds painted with Grizzle Gray SW 7068.

The paint is still wet and hasn’t dried yet.

That’s the perfect time to pull up the tape.

Step 6: pull up the tape

I cannot recommend FrogTape ENOUGH for a project like this.

I have done zillions of projects using FrogTape and it hasn’t let me down yet.

There’s something so satisfying in pulling up the tape and seeing that beautiful clean line without any paint bleed on your finished painted concrete patio project.

Quick tip:  when pulling up tape—always pull away from the paint. This helps make sure your lines are extra clean and sharp.

One more time.

Just because it makes me so happy.

BEFORE.

And here’s the after again.

Do you have a space in your home that you look at every day that needs a little refresh like this painted concrete patio project?

All you need is a couple of cans of paint and FrogTape.

And a little encouragement.

You got this friend.

Truly.

Happy weekend.

PS Tons more ideas and projects just like this pinned here.

disclosure: This post was written in collaboration with FrogTape.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

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Posted On: June 7, 2019

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  2. Image for Debi Debi

    This is amazing Karianne! Just goes to show you it’s not the things or projects that cost a lot of money but the little things we look at every day and can fix with a little time and imagination! You did a great job AGAIN!!

    Reply
  4. Image for Kathy K Kathy K

    Lovely! You are my favorite blogger. Have you tried paining concrete where it is exposed to the elements? I'd love to do this to my back patio, but we have all four seasons, including very cold winters with snow and ice. I'm afraid if I did this, it would look good for a year, but then start peeling and wearing and be even more of a mess than the plain concrete.

    Reply
    1. Image for Sue Sue

      Kathy K and Karianne, me too, me too!!!I have a cement slab in my back yard, left by previous owners. I have a cute little shed on one half and would love to paint the rest- a faux rug?Pretend pavers to the shed door? But I share Kathy K's issues- harsh, 20 below winters, very rainy spring so far and then blazing summer sun. Your frog paint project looks absolutely amazing!

      Reply
      1. Image for Kris Kris

        Me three! We have painted our concrete front porch (I don't love it and am not sure what to do with it .... ) and our back patio is concrete .... and it has a major fault line in it. We also get a wide variety of temperatures and precipitation, sometimes in the same day, hahaha.

        Reply
    2. Image for Ann aC Ann aC

      I have the same issue & was wondering if we used concrete paint specifically if that would make a difference.

      Reply
      1. Image for Ann C Ann C

        I just went and reread her post on painting the front porch and it IS Sherwin Williams Porch and Floor paint for wood AND concrete! Now to find a mathematician to measure out a pattern!

        Reply
  6. Image for Sandi Magle Sandi Magle

    You say--I cannot recommend frog tape for this project---is that a error, or why didn't you give a reason for the statement.

    Reply
  7. Image for TERESA GONZALES TERESA GONZALES

    This is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!What a difference!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  8. Image for Sevahn Sevahn

    You are so cute! I I'm so happy for you! I totally and wholeheartedly applaud your resolve to paint this entryway. I also think frog tape is to a paint job as miracle grow is to planting a flowerbed! Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your new happy place!

    Reply
  9. Image for Beth Y Beth Y

    Oh, my!!! This is gorgeous!!! Another example of how paint (and some imagination and hard work) can totally transform a space!!! What a huge, huge difference!! LOVE it!!!

    Reply
  10. Image for Jill Nelson Jill Nelson

    Maybe a correction? Under step 6 you say you CANNOT recommend frog tape for a project like this, Is that an error? It seems to have worked wonderfully!

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Jill, LOL! I totally fixed it! Thanks for the catch friend! I was so excited I skipped a word. :) I recommend FrogTape every day and twice on Sundays! Happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
  11. Image for june june

    Awesome applesauce! Fun space to enjoy some tea or lemonade and of course a baked treat😋 You are the best..always a solution. My hubby laughs at me when he finds me daydreaming outside or inside our home. He knows I’m thinking could we do that? I call them my Thistlewood moments❤️

    Reply
  15. Image for Susan E. Ronnfeldt Susan E. Ronnfeldt

    Oh Karianne you are hysterical! I LOVE your sense of humor! But truly, that porch and those steps have been magically transformed! They look truly amazing!! What an inspiration!! Love your blog! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  16. Image for glenda glenda

    Oh yeah....you totally rock it again! And lots of props to your mathematically gifted husband for working out the diamonds! I love projects that make you smile every time you encounter the space! We need more smiles in this world! Thanks for making me smile today friend!

    Reply
  17. Image for Terri Terri

    Incredibly gorgeous!! I love this !! I ... can't... even !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOWOW.. can we just have a glass of sweet iced tea out there ????.... :)

    Reply
  18. Image for Judy Judy

    It's beautiful! I have a porch waiting my paintbrush and now you have me thinking... There are floor boards, but could I get creative? Hmmm.... I also love your urns with the spheres. Where did you get those?

    Reply
  19. Image for Rosemary Gregory Rosemary Gregory

    Actually did a double take when I scrolled to the first “after.” Probably the most incredible I have ever seen. Makes me wish I had some concrete to stain. WAIT! Emerson moment. What about the balconies of my condo. What an inspiration!

    Reply
  26. Image for Yvonne Shafer Yvonne Shafer

    Fabulous project! But how did you hide the wires? I think you should write a blog about how to hide wires in a cute way! You’re so imaginative! Love everything you do!

    Reply
  27. Image for Janice Paschal Janice Paschal

    This may be my most favorite thing you have done to the house. It looks fabulous and makes me wish I had some concrete to paint. We only have exposed aggregate. Once again, great job You two!

    Reply
  28. Image for Esther Esther

    I love it!! I have ugly concrete that I have wanted to paint, but my husband doesn't think it will hold up. Any guarantees?

    Reply
  29. Image for Marty Marty

    Oh my word, this is amazing. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. You did such an amazing job. I thought the paint was enough, the the diamonds and edging. That went over the top. How fabulous is this.

    Reply
  30. Image for Jenn Jenn

    Looks amazing!! We did our girls room in checks like that with paint, so thankful for a husband that can do math, if I was in charge, it would have turned out all wonky! What a cheerful way to enter your home now!

    Reply
  31. Image for PJ PJ

    This looks a-ma-zing! The tricky part for me is figuring out how to tape it off to get the look I want. My husband is not a mathematician and neither am I. ( He's a mechanic which does come in very handy) Love this project and bet it will make you smile every time you come in that way.

    Reply
  38. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    I would do this in a heartbeat, if only I had a concrete porch....sigh. If only I had a PORCH! I have a wooden deck that desperately needs pressure washing. Soon. Very soon.

    Reply
  40. Image for Juli Rivers Juli Rivers

    It looks AMAZING!! If you patched or sealed during this project, what did you use? I have a similar carport that we use as an outdoor room. I have said for at least four years now that I was going to do this, haahah!

    Reply
  41. Image for jillian jillian

    This looks fabulous! Did you know there is also driveway paint? We finally got a new driveway last year. But for many years hubby filled the cracks and painted the driveway with a special paint for driveways. I think he rolled it on, rather than sprayed even tho' he has commercial sprayers. It might be an epoxy paint. It wore pretty well.

    Reply
  47. Image for Beth Patterson Beth Patterson

    Love Love Love!!! You, and what you do, are amazing! <3 P.S. Do you think paint could make concrete slick at all? I would so like to do this on our screened in porch!

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Beth, I'm not sure? Our concrete was a little rough already so it's not slick when painted? I would ask at the Sherwin-Williams paint store for more help! Thanks so much friend! KariAnne

      Reply
  48. Image for Joyce Joyce

    Can you tell me where you got the round spheres in the planter boxes? I love the juxtaposition between the round and the argyle/diamond pattern.

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne KariAnne

      Joyce, I got them several years ago at a shop called Trees and Trends in Kentucky! Hope this helps a little! KariAnne

      Reply
  52. Image for JC at the uncommon pearl JC at the uncommon pearl

    Be still my heart! You just raised your back entrance a hundred cuteness fold! Way to go, KariAnne!

    Reply
  53. Image for Denise V Cox Denise V Cox

    KariAnne, I am just amazed at the GORGEOUS improvements you are making to your home!! And, the thing is, it's not like this is a MAJOR DIY! But WOW.. what a lovely improvement!! I am sooo jealous... but in a good way... 😉!! Keep on grooving.... 😘👍!!!!!

    Reply
  56. Image for Carrie Carrie

    Not sure who is more amazing ~ you for the idea or Frogtape for the completion! Each are tied with SW Paints...goes without saying...and you, my friend, are the ROCK STARS of rock stars!!! EXTRA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  57. Image for Mary Mary

    can you show the before and after 1 ;more time? bwaaahaaahaaa! love it! and I really did like that you showed the before and after a couple of time, I didn't have to scroll back!! karianne, I'm in love with you, lol. You are truly a gift!

    Reply
  58. Image for Sue Sue

    What an ASTONISHING transformation! You constantly amaze me with your vision for your home. You could have just painted the concrete gray and it would have automatically looked better, but adding the stripes and diamonds really took it to the next level. This is one of my favorite things that you've done with your house. Nice job, Karianne!

    Reply
  59. Image for Laura Harrie Laura Harrie

    KariAnne, the porch Before was very underwhelming, but the porch After is amazing! You are the queen of transformations!

    Reply
  61. Image for Doris Doris

    That looks amazing!!!! Question: Are you going to paint the carport pad next to the porch? That would be totally awesome!

    Reply
  62. Image for Mary Mary

    OMG!! THAT IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!! YOU AMAZE ME!! Now, the rest of the concrete??? Why not just paint it a solid color?? it will make it easier to keep clean and easy to sweep or hose off. Dang Girl!! that looks so GREAT! I keep looking at it too.!

    Reply
  66. Image for Donna Marie Donna Marie

    My back porch is the only entryway used to get into my house sooooo. I might need to copy this for entryway purposes--Okay?!?!?! It's so lovely!!!

    Reply
  69. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    I am in love with this! I think my front porch is screaming for this look!! Thanks, ALWAYS, my friend for the encouragement. I have spent weeks looking for a new look with indoor and outdoor rugs even. This is perfect.❤️

    Reply
  71. Image for Belinda Belinda

    I LOVE THIS!!! IT IS GORGEOUS!!!! What did you clean your concrete with, did you pressure wash it? This is so strikingly beautiful and it is AMAZING what you can do with paint to transform almost anything!! Can I say it one more time: I LOVE IT!!!!

    Reply
  75. Image for Indigo Indigo

    This is just remarkable. I was just visiting my sister in north Dallas and she had her swimming pool edging redone last summer with flagstone. They hired a concrete guy to come and refinish the decking by painting it to look like the real flagstone. I could not tell the real from the faux flagstone. When I left Dallas to drive back to Dallas, I decided to drive up to McKinney because you have always made it seem so charming. I parked near the downtown square and strolled in several shops. Then as I was leaving, I drove several of the tree lined streets and the area is absolutely beautifully charming. I would have stopped by and shared some sweet tea with you, but alas, I couldn’t find your home. Maybe next time. Or come to Santa Fe and I’ll share some ‘Lake Worth’ tea .. black tea, squeeze of lemon, lime, and orange, and some mint. Delicious!

    Reply
  77. Image for Graham Graham

    I'm blown away! I would be sitting outdoors for hours just gazing at it or at the very least going to the windows constantly to look at it. I'm with you, best update yet!

    Reply
  78. Image for Terry Cross Terry Cross

    So I am swooning!!! That is so gorgeous and inspiring!!! I'm desperate to paint my green house floor and I've been putting it off because I knew it would be so hard 😐 No more excuses, I can do this thanks to your great tutorial!

    Reply
  81. Image for CherylB CherylB

    Girl!? I have an incredible idea... why don’t you ... have a tv show or streaming show called ‘Traveling Thistlewood’ and go around in an RV surprising people and doing their little projects!?! Or just pulling up in front of a random home and ‘thistle’ something for them in one day!?!? What do you think?! Cheryl from KY

    Reply
  82. Image for Tara @ Stilettos and Shiplap Tara @ Stilettos and Shiplap

    How funny that you should do this blog post just now. I was fully intending to paint my covered front patio THIS SUMMER for the very same reasons but we sold the house instead and now it's someone else's ugly concrete. However I have some concrete at the new house that will definitely be getting some paint and frog tape very soon.

    Reply
  89. Image for Laura Parker Laura Parker

    It's transformations to out of the way spots like this that really stand out, imo! Beautiful job! Question: when you said to make sure the tape is scored, did you just mean to make sure the tape is completely flattened along the edges with no gaps? I'm going back to look at the before and after photos - inspirational.

    Reply
  90. Image for Pat Miller Pat Miller

    KariAnne, Scrolled through all the wonderful comments....you are indeed amazing! I was just wondering why you chose not to paint the door on the end black, also? Your outdoor supply/ stash room? It doesn’’t matter in the overall look of the floor makeover, cuz it’s gorgeous,...but, just an inquiring mind....

    Reply
  91. Image for Chloe Chloe

    KariAnne, that is AMAZING!! What a fantastic way to give a new life to that old concrete! You never cease to amaze me...but then, we know you are amazing! I am amazing too!

    Reply

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