Make your old, stained concrete porch look beautiful again — learn how to paint a concrete porch with this clear, step-by-step guide. I’ll walk you through cleaning, priming, painting, and finishing so your porch looks refreshed and lasts.
The covered back patio at our house had needed a fresh coat of paint since the day we moved in. Like many home projects, it sat near the bottom of the list until one summer I decided to tackle it. After a few pressure-washings over the years, I chose to go ahead and paint the porch floor — and the difference was immediate.
Here are a couple of before photos so you can see what I started with:
Update 2022: This was our old home, but the steps below are still useful if you have an older concrete patio or porch you want to refresh.
The surface looked tired and stained — and even my grill cover had seen better days. I picked up the necessary supplies at the hardware store, including a concrete-binding primer specific for cement floors. Using the right primer and a quality porch and floor paint gave me confidence the finish would hold up well.
Deciding on Porch Floor Paint Colors
When choosing a color I debated between navy-and-white stripes and a simple light gray. I ultimately selected a gray (the same Revere Pewter I used in my living room) because I already knew I liked it. Keep in mind that exterior colors can read lighter in natural light than they appear indoors. If you prefer a deeper tone, pick a darker gray or request a sample before committing. Most porch and floor paints can be tinted to your desired shade at the store, so you can color-match or choose a completely different hue.
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Supplies You’ll Need to Paint a Concrete Porch
- Concrete-binding primer made for cement floors
- Porch, floor, and patio latex paint designed for exterior concrete
- Painter’s tape to protect walls, trim, and adjacent surfaces
- Roller tray and liners for easy cleanup
- Paint roller with extension pole and appropriate nap (3/4″ nap recommended for rough concrete)
- Quality paintbrush for cut-in work along edges and tight spots
- Pressure washer or stiff brush, cleaning solution, and a garden hose for initial surface prep
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect furniture and nearby items
How to Paint a Concrete Porch
1. Clean the porch thoroughly with a pressure washer and let it dry
Start by removing all furniture, rugs, and loose debris. Pressure wash the concrete to remove dirt, mildew, and any chalky residue. If you don’t have a pressure washer, use a stiff-bristled brush with a concrete cleaner or trisodium phosphate substitute. Allow the surface to dry completely — depending on weather, this can take from several hours to a full day. Painting on a surface that isn’t fully dry can prevent proper adhesion.
2. Protect adjacent surfaces with painter’s tape
Use painter’s tape along brick, siding, steps, or trim you don’t want painted. If you’re comfortable cutting in with a steady hand and a good brush, you can skip tape for small areas, but taping ensures crisp lines and less cleanup.
3. Apply one coat of concrete-binding primer
A binding primer designed for concrete helps the paint adhere and creates a more uniform finish. The primer may go on with a milky or slightly opaque look and then dry clear or almost clear. Follow the product label for drying times — many primers are touch-dry within a couple of hours and recommend applying paint within a specific window. If conditions are cool or humid, allow extra drying time.
4. Apply two coats of porch and floor paint
Use a roller with the appropriate nap to apply the first coat of exterior porch paint. Work in manageable sections and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. After the first coat dries — typically overnight under good conditions — apply a second coat for even coverage and durability. Two coats help the color read true and improve wear resistance on high-traffic surfaces.
5. Allow proper curing time before replacing furniture
After the final coat, allow the paint to cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. I waited 72 hours before moving furniture back onto the porch to avoid scuffs, indentations, or transfer marks. For best results, avoid heavy traffic and area rugs for the first several days, and keep the surface dry until fully cured.
That’s it — a simple, affordable project that transforms a tired concrete porch into a fresh, inviting outdoor space. The right preparation, primer, and paint are the keys to a long-lasting finish.
If you want to see my favorite patio furniture selections that pair well with a painted porch, I’ve shared the pieces I love and recommend for outdoor spaces.
This was an easy and rewarding weekend update. If you’re considering freshening your porch with paint, don’t hesitate — with the right prep and products, you’ll be surprised how big an impact a painted concrete surface makes.
Shop My Patio Furniture:
We originally bought a patio conversation set that lasted for years, and I’ve since updated to a wicker set with swivel glider chairs I love. Quality outdoor furniture pairs beautifully with a newly painted porch and completes the look.
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