5 Tips for Painting Patio Pavers

Like any DIY project, things go better when you take a little time to plan. Start by choosing your paver’s size and color. Lay the pavers out how you’d like to see them arranged on your patio. From there, think about what shapes or patterns would work best for your outdoor space. If there’s a lot going on, a simple geometric design elevates without drawing too much attention from the outdoor living space. Here, Monica holds the pavers in place using pea gravel. Not only does it offer ease of installation, it complements the modern pattern she painted on the pavers.  

If you’ve never painted a pattern don’t feel like you need to attempt something complicated. Even a simple pattern, like the half circles she used here, creates visual interest. It’s easy to make your own stencil too. For this specific look, Monica used a piece of plastic poster board that she found in the sign section at Lowe’s to make her own stencil. After cutting out the half circle with scissors, use a construction pencil and trace it on to the paver. From there decide whether you want to do one or more than one half circles depending on your paver layout. 

If you’re looking for a challenge, use painter’s tape or plastic stencils for a more difficult design. If you want to use painter’s tape, keep in mind that pavers are porous. This can make it hard to create a seal that results in the crisp lines you might be looking for. For the best results with stencils, make sure you have a brush that’s specifically designed for stenciling. Also, since you might need to add multiple coats, the process moves faster if you purchase more than one stencil. Then you can do two coats of paint on more than one paver at a time.  

To keep your hard work looking good for as long as possible, not just any paint will do. Monica used a porch, floor and patio paint which is specially formulated to help the paint hold up to foot traffic and the elements. Also, even though she used white here, this type of paint comes in many other colors. So don’t be afraid to try something different that works well with your patio décor. For the best results, plan on using two coats of paint. If you’re painting free hand like she did here, a 1.5-inch angled brush offers coverage and control.  

Adding paint to your patio pavers doesn’t have to be all about design — it can be fun too. Include the kids in the project and use your leftover porch, patio and floor paint to add a few lines to other pavers in the yard. Painted pavers in an area dedicated to play can be transformed into a fun road for cars or a painted dollhouse design. Or let the kids go rogue and have them paint their own decorative touches or playful shapes.