Y’all.
WE HAVE POWER.
WE HAVE INTERNET.
WE (MAY) HAVE AMAZON DELIVERIES TODAY.
Greetings from the icy tundra that is Texas. Life is good. Snowy—but good.
And in amazing news? The sun is shining. The squirrels are running up the trees. The bunnies are hopping on the ground. The gas stations might be getting gas.
AND THE SNOW IS MELTING.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your e-mails and messages and kindness.
The idea for this post came from all the porch sweeping.
See, we don’t have snow shovels.
So instead?
We swept the porch.
(total aside: We broke the broom. Apparently, brooms aren’t meant for snow).
But amidst all that sweeping, I noticed our painted concrete porch under all that snow. When we finished painting it TWO years ago one of the biggest questions people always ask is:
Is your painted porch holding up?
And what better test for a painted porch than a snowstorm?
What do you think? Did the porch make it through the icy blast of cold and ice and snow?
Just a reminder.
In less snowy times, here’s where we started with the brick porch and brick steps.
This was where the front porch meets the front steps. And in awkward masonry news….
…..THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT COLORS.
At first, I planned on replacing the brick. Maybe just the brick on the top? That wouldn’t be too expensive? Right?
Ummm. Have you ever priced replacing brick?
IT IS A FORTUNE.
And I don’t have a fortune.
I have kids going to college.
It was even more expensive because the brick isn’t exactly level and between the cost of ripping the existing brick out and leveling the surface and installing new brick? I could have taken all of us on a cruise to the Bahamas.
Here’s the after.
Here are the details and some of my best front porch brick painting tips.
WHAT COLOR PAINT DID YOU USE?
When painting the brick floor outside, we used Cityscape SW 7067. I actually love that entire paint strip. I also looked at Grizzle Gray SW 7069 and Peppercorn SW 7674, but Cityscape was the perfect light gray to go with the paint color on the house, Rushing River SW 7746, which you may recall we painted a couple of years ago with Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint.
DID YOU USE A PRIMER?
No. We just applied the paint directly to the brick.
WHAT PAINT SHEEN DID YOU USE?
The Porch & Floor enamel comes in a Satin sheen and is tintable to many colors. I love the Satin because wanted to create the appearance of brick that isn’t glossy.
WHAT PREP DID YOU DO TO GET READY TO PAINT BRICK STEPS?
We thoroughly cleaned the brick and swept it to make sure there was a clean surface for the paint to adhere to. We also made sure to remove any loose debris or mortar so we had a smooth surface to paint.
CAN YOU PAINT BRICK STEPS?
Yes. With the proper prep and the right paint, you can paint brick steps. It’s been a year since we painted this porch and these steps and the paint has really held up.
HOW LONG DID THE PAINTED BRICK STEPS TAKE TO DRY?
It was a sunny day, so the paint dried to the touch within one hour. It’s recommended to wait for four hours before you recoat. We didn’t walk on it for 24 hours to make sure it set up properly. We didn’t move the benches and planters back onto the porch for several days.
HOW DID YOU APPLY THE PAINT TO PAINT BRICK STEPS?
We started brushing the grout lines first to make sure they were covered. We took a medium-sized paintbrush and painted the grout lines and around the bottom of the fence on the front porch. We then used a roller or a paintbrush for painting the brick floor outside and the rest of the flat surfaces. On the vertical surfaces, like the front of the steps and the brick foundation, we used a brush.
All those questions.
All those answers.
But the real question?
When the hard times hit and the snow fell and the ice came and the house looked like this.
When the sun came out and the snow started to melt….
….DID THE PAINTED PORCH ACTUALLY HOLD UP?
YES!!!!!! YES IT DID!
And just between us—this is as far as I was willing to go for a porch picture.
It was too cold outside for this Texas girl.
So happy for the sunshine.
So happy for the melting snow.
So happy that our porch made it through.
And so happy for the squirrels and birds…
…and snow bunnies just like these. 🙂
PS Thank you again for all the sweet notes and e-mails. YOU ARE AMAZING.
So glad you're all doing well! Our daughter lives in Celina, so we know what a nightmare this has been and continues to be. We share a birthday, so let me go ahead and wish you a very happy birthday tomorrow!! Thank you for always being so encouraging and reminding us how amazing we are, especially since YOU are too!!
Glad to hear you are safe and warm! And that your porch held up beautifully, too! It may be good that you didn't have a shovel. Whenever I can I use a broom on our painted porch, even in the (light) snow, because a shovel quickly chips and deteriorates the paint. (I live in Iowa, where we get A LOT of snow; I repaint the porch every summer or two.) If you do have to use a shovel (16 inches of snow last storm could not have been swept away), use one without a sharp edge. (Many have a metal edge that should be smooth, not sharp.) Hopefully you won't need to own a shovel, but if you do, be careful shoveling your paint! Cheers!
YAY! I'm so glad you all made it through! ...porch and all, haha! 😉
So glad y'all are doing okay and things are looking up again! Been praying for everyone in Texas! My daughter lives in Groesbeck and they have been trying to help feed those in hotels that were traveling or had no power and needed to leave their homes. Everything looks so beautiful in your pics. Hang in there...the thaw is on it's way!!
You're tougher than you know! For this midwest gal all of our snow and temps is part of living here. Hubby is truly enjoying our weather as he loves snow. Morning routine has been shoveling before or after breakfast. I shudder when it melts for the snow we have and yet will deal with that too. Everyone be safe when shoveling and using those snowblowers!! Spring is around the corner!!
What a winter storm. It looks just the same in MS. It is cold and we had ice with a little snow. We are thankful for the Lord's blessings and for our nephew getting his power who lives outside of Dallas. So many people we love in a hardship and so thankful for each one that is getting some relief. I love porches, period. Glad you don't have to repaint. Stay warm and safe.
Hi Karianne, Hang in there this will pass!!! So glad to see the "littles" (not so little anymore!) are appropriately dressed! Here in Iowa we sometimes use a leave blower to move snow off of our painted front stoop. We have one that is battery powered - just in case you don't have electricity yet. It works best with light stuff - not the heavy melting kind. Hope this helps.
So glad your all doing ok in the snow and power outages. What a nightmare! The girls looks too cute in their snow gear...maybe build a snowman? A nice carrot for the nose and a good photo for next years Christmas cards and gifts? Stay safe!
The porch looks great! I'm glad the sun is shining and you have power! Stay well! Shelley
Been praying for ya'll in Texas! Your porch did hold up beautifully! Some neighbors also painted their stairs years ago and the paint is holding up thru snow and mostly this year, ice! Not much melting here, but we didn't get as much snow as you did this year!
Amen and Amen! Grateful for sunny days that match your disposition! Now, I hope you can order new brooms (and maybe a shovel) from Amazon or Walmart. And, I hope once you get a shovel, you never have to use it....I'm in snowy PA and have shoveled my driveway everyday since Monday. I'm tired of that type of exercise, but honestly, love a snow covered view. (Now if we could just get it to stay off the roads) I'll take snow over ice any day. Continued sunny days and melting snow so you can get back to your normal Texas winter. Be well!
Hi Karianne! So glad you all are doing OK! We are redecorating our home and you have really been an inspiration. We are doing the blues and whites, neutrals, and grays. Thanks for all the tips! Miss you!!
So glad you are doing well. We are headed to the metroplex tomorrow to check on our son in Heath,, who had lost power for almost 3 days - his house hasn't fared so well... and to watch a little baseball in the new Rangers ballpark. I hope they have the heat on! Stay warm and safe!
I simply luv your house 😊 but with one exception ,do u have any plans to add something to your second floor outside rails ?
Glad you are all doing well! Your porch looks amazing! Happy birthday upcoming! Thank you for all your positive encouragement to your readers! You look amazing!
I was so happy to see this post from you!!! I have been thinking about all of you Southern gals and the mega storm. So glad all is well for you...and your porch;)
Wow - what an amazing snow you're having! You did a great job with only brooms! So glad you're safe and as happy as the squirrels! :) You and those lovely girls have a wonderful weekend!
So glad to hear you all are doing good. Glad to hear your porch held up. My heart breaks for all in Texas and throughout the south, who are experiencing this cold and snow. I am in Michigan and we are much better prepared for this kind of weather. I pray that all who have suffered through this, see relief soon.
I'm so thankful that you are all alright! We've been praying for all of Texas, and really hoping this would clear up quickly. Now onto the steps, they look so amazing! I've been thinking of painting our concrete out on our back patio. Thanks for all the info, you are the best!
Your porch looks great. Have been praying and thinking about all of my Texas neighbors. I live in Oklahoma and I broomed a walk for my miniature schnauzer from the patio door to the west gate. She loves it. We go out and celebrate the sun, snow, and the birds. So happy to see the sun and a bare spot on my driveway!
So glad ya'll are ok! We have family in Flower Mound TX and luckily they never lost power. Photos they sent looked like a blizzard!! Stay cozy and warm- love the snow bunnies:)
So glad you are back in action! Good thing the porch made it through unscathed as well! We've been praying for you Texans! Hope you have a great weekend!
Wow! Can't believe it was 2 years ago for the porch project! It's held up nicely! Glad you are safe and warm! Lots of snow here in Indy! Much love to you!
Lots of snow in the South Bend area too! Stay safe and warm!
It's crazy how much snow there was all over the country!
It is so difficult to even imagine how snow is foreign to some states. I mean it is such an integrrel part of our life for so many months. I am so happy to know things are settling for you again. How scary, huh? And COLD without electricity! I am sorry but I actually laughed out loud that your broke your broom. Snow is HEAVY!!! And not all snow is the same - powdery light fluffy snow is perfect for skiing and for snow angel making,, but not for snowman making. This last big storm was frozen snow - so wet, so treacherous and so heavy. Anyway, glad your gorgeous porch - and daughters- held up! : - ) Stay warm. Spring can wait. Enjoy each of these days, for they all matter. Hugs.
So happy to see you back!!!!! You’ve been in my prayers this week as I’ve seen news reports of snow and power outages in Texas. So glad you and your family are doing well and so is the porch!
Karianne, so glad to hear all is well! Did you ever, in your wildest imagination, think you'd have pictures of your home covered in snow!
So good to hear from you! Happy that things are ok or getting there, I know that Texas is still having a crisis for some populations and we are praying and exploring ways to help those communities in need. Those snow bunnies are adorable! xo Pat
IT is so nice to hear your voice and see your happy daughters. Thank God you are ok and have power! IT is an absolute travesty in Texas, heartbreaking to see so many suffer and some who have lost their lives. I've been keeping up with you on Facebook, I hope that Dee Dee is well too! Have an amazing weekend Karianne!
So glad to know you are ok. Did not email you as I have a work acquaintance in Texas, we were trying to email back and forth during the outage and she was not getting my emails. So I figured you probably wouldn't get it either. Could be her ISP was affected by the power outage. Kept you and your family in my prayers. Love the snowbunnies picture and the porch looks fantastic!
Hello, Love the porch. Did you ever state where you bought the huge lanterns on the porch closest to the pillars? Thank you.
Karianne....you and your family and everyone in Texas have been in our prayers here in Minnesota. My dear friends daughter relocated from here to the Austin area with her husband last year. She has kept in touch daily...as much as they love their independent life...obviously very scared by the surroundings. Continued prayers for everyone. Happy to see that your porch held up❤️
I've been wondering how you were faring. So glad you made it through the storm okay. Sounds like it's been a nightmare for some people. I bet all your cute throw blankets got used! It's good to hear from you.
Oh, I'm so glad ya'll are doing well!!!! We have been praying for those in TX. ❤
So glad you made it through!! My best friend moved to TX from NY, just last July, so I was keeping tabs on her daily. I'm sure you all felt quite vulnerable without electricity not to mention it can be so dangerous! Glad you are all well and isn't it nice when the paint holds up! Your home looks beautiful with the snowfall. Stay safe!!
I was reading all the replys and just about fainted when I saw your name That was my name.....My name is Linda and my maiden same was Scott IAM from Kentucky. It is a small world after all
So so glad you came through this! Praying for better- and warmer! - days ahead!
It even looks beautiful covered in snow!! Glad life is starting to return to normal!
Hurray! It looks perfect! So happy to hear you are all doing well and getting somewhat back to normal!
So glad you are doing better, love your porch. I live close to OKC. and we had a lot of snow, no hot water and a cold water was just barely, water main burst. But I had power must of the time, God is so good but, I truly hope it's over, too cold!! Have a great weekend.
Can you provide name of paint .... don’t know which brand to buy
I was wondering how y'all were doing in TX. I was traveling in VA on assignment in 2018 when they had 18 inches of snow. I dug my car out with a broom because the hotel did not have a snow shovel. I totally get it. Take care and be safe.
Oh goodness, I’m so glad you guys are ok and you have all the essentials! Mainly Internet ..ha ha 😁
Karianne, so glad you and your family are ok. You do so much to lift our spirits so Im sure all of us were praying for you. I live in Buffalo NY so I am well versed in snow storms. We had the blizzard of 77, then in 1981 there was so much snow everyone just stayed home. Next came the surrpprise October storm amd last but bot least Snowvember where we got 7 ft in like 2 days and no power for days and days. Just take the advise of our mayor in 1977, grab a 6 ack and stay home. In my case a 6 pack and 2 bottles of wine. Stay well and stay safe . We will continue to pray for all in Texas that are still suffering from the storm.
Oh I forgot to add God bless your porch and the great state of Texas. Kim
Oh my gosh, you have more snow than we have had all winter in the Denver-metro area. So jealous. i want snow! Hope the city is warming up! The brooms is hilarious. I just bought a new shovel hoping for a blizzard... in april! laura
[…] details on painting a brick porch + how it’s held up • because this looks amazing • this pantry • gorgeous punch needle rugs • an […]
So glad that you have your power back! Your home looks gorgeous in the snow.
Now I can breathe a sigh of relief! I was so worried for you. Reminds me of our hurricane season here in Florida...no power, need to stock up on food and water....but it always brings out the best in our neighborhood when we help each other out. Great pics of the snow and the girls! Hope you had a happy birthday.
Kari Anne, I read your post eagerly as we painted our cement patio last fall ( it was horribly stained when we bought our house here in the mountains.) We used a paint/stain mixture and it's already coming off in spots! So glad yours lasted, but for some reason our paint is not adhering properly to our concrete. Any suggestions??
I am so glad you are doing well! After all these years this remains one of my favorite blogs. And you remain the blogger that always makes me smile and feel welcome! Thank you for continuing to be your sweet, positive self. I'm happy your porch held up:)
Glad you are all doing well, and so is the porch!! xoxo
Love reading the update. I’ve been wanting to paint my front porch (concrete) since I first moved in. It’s so stained and awful. It’s not been poured properly though and so it retains water whenever it rains etc so I’ve put off painting it, certain that the paint wouldn’t last out there. I think you’ve given me the nudge I needed to just go for it!
[…] then she wrote a new blog post recently showing how well her painted porch has held up over the past year even under snow this […]
On the porch painting, can this paint be used on driveway, it’s concrete and stains easy. And have car oil stains, tried cleaning but no results had to put mats to cover them. Any ideas?