Terrace floor painting in 4 steps

Do you want to paint the floor of the terrace to update it and make it look like new, but don’t know how? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! Below we give you all the keys to learn how to do it.

If the floor of your terrace is old and dull, it may be time to renew it. You don’t need to replace it, but you can give it a whole new look with just paint, although you will need to choose the right product.

Find out how to paint the terrace floor, what type of paint to use and what is the step-by-step process to follow.

Preparation of the terrace floor

The first thing to do before painting the terrace floor is to prepare it properly, so that it is in the best possible condition when the paint is applied.

Whatever the floor material, you should start by cleaning it thoroughly. You can use a pressure washer, which will make the task easier. Use a scraper to remove the most stubborn dirt and any old paint or cement residue.

Afterwards, it is convenient to check the pavement and repair any damage it may have: cracks, chipping, a loose tile, etc. If your floor is made of cement and has some areas in bad condition, it is time to fix it.

Step 2. Choose the right materials

As a general rule, regardless of the flooring material, you should use paints for exterior areas, which are better able to withstand adverse weather conditions, such as rain or solar radiation.

Paints for painting exterior floors are usually more resistant and offer some durability. They must withstand shocks, rubbing and humidity. In addition, they must have a non-slip finish and be easy to clean. Here are some tips on which material to choose.

Types of paints for exterior floors

There are different products that can be used to paint the floor of the terrace, depending on the result you want to achieve.

• Paint composed of polyurethane resins. It is resistant and durable and, therefore, very suitable for outdoor flooring. It is a two-component resin, base and catalyst, which must be mixed before painting. This type of paint can withstand extreme temperatures and solar radiation without any problem, although the latter depends on the type of resin used. The aliphatic resins are those that better tolerate the effects of the sun, since they incorporate inhibitors of the ultraviolet rays, reason why they do not deteriorate nor discolor.
• Acrylic paint. Water-based paint specifically for outdoor floors is resistant to friction and impact, although not as resistant as polyurethane paints. In general, it does not fade in the sun and withstands the effects of rain, cold and high temperatures.
• Protective varnish. Although it is not a type of paint as such, it should be taken into account if acrylic paint is chosen for the terrace floor. This varnish provides a perfect finishing coat that will protect the result.
• Anti-slip varnish. This product is very suitable for application in high traffic areas such as stairs or terraces. It is colorless and adheres very well to concrete, cement, ceramic or stone floors, and prevents accidents.
• Waterproofing paint. If your terrace has humidity problems, the best thing to do is to use a waterproofing paint. There are several types: acrylic waterproofing paint (with enough insulating capacity), acrylic rubber paint (it is also capable of reflecting solar radiation to reduce the thermal sensation) and anti-saltpeter paint (the most insulating, perfect if there is a lot of humidity and mold stains).

Take into account the material of the pavement

The material of the surface on which you are going to apply the paint is also a factor to consider. Depending on the circumstances, one product or another will be more suitable.

• Wooden floors. If the pavement of the terrace is made of wood, you can use an acrylic paint suitable for outdoor areas. It is important to apply a protective varnish afterwards to make it last longer in good condition.
• Outdoor laminate flooring. As with wood floors, acrylic paint is a good alternative.
• Cement, concrete or brick floors. These pavements can be painted with various types of paint: acrylic or polyurethane-based bicomponent resin. The latter is very resistant, perfect for high traffic areas, as it does not crack or change color.
• Porous ceramic, stone or terracotta floors. You can paint them with acrylic or synthetic paint for exteriors, although it is advisable to apply a protective varnish afterwards.

Step 3. How to apply the paint on the terrace floor.

Once the terrace floor is perfectly clean and repaired, free of dirt and dust, you can get down to work.

• Cover with plastic and masking tape all surfaces that you do not want to paint. This way you will have to clean up less afterwards.

• Apply a specific primer on the pavement to improve the adhesion of the paint and achieve better results, and let it dry.
• Start painting the floor by applying a first coat of paint with a roller or brush. If the pavement is smooth, cement or ceramic, paint the perimeter of the terrace with the brush and continue with the roller. If it is a wooden floor, a wide, flat brush may be more suitable for the entire floor. Depending on the hiding power of the paint, you will need to apply two or three coats – don’t forget to let each coat dry!

Step 4. Tips for a perfect finish

Now that you know the technique for painting the terrace floor, keep in mind the following tips that will help you achieve the best result.

• Look for the best time to do the work, which is usually in the spring or summer. Outdoor jobs work best when the weather is nice. However, you don’t want it to be too hot and sunny either, because the paint will dry too quickly, which can be counterproductive.
• Calculate well the amount of paint you will need to avoid wasting money. Find out the square meters that measures the floor of the terrace and look at the yield of the paint (it is specified on the can in^{m2 / l}). Now you only have to divide the square meters of your terrace by the yield and you will get the liters of paint you need.
• Use a special roller for floors (wide and short-haired) to obtain a finer finish, with a telescopic handle that allows you to paint comfortably.

Your terrace floor, as good as new

Now you know that painting the floor of your terrace is not only possible, but it is also a job you can easily do. You just have to choose the right product depending on the type of flooring and the results you want to achieve.

If you have any doubts,ask us and get to work!