Ideas for Outdoor Concrete Paint

Stamping

• Use a stamp to create a unique design on your outdoor concrete surface. You can create your own stamp with foam or a sponge, or you can buy one already made. Select two complementary concrete paint colors, one for the base and one for the stamp. Then, apply the base paint and allow it to dry. Once the surface is dry, stamp the concrete with your design. You can use two colors of paint on your stamp to create more dimension. Stamping can be done to create one large, attention-grabbing image or a smaller stamp can be used several times over to create a pattern.

Border

• A painted border can help to define a space. This can be useful for concrete covered areas such as a driveway, patio or sidewalk. Consider using a stencil for more intricate designs or free-hand paint a border for a more organic look. If you want a geometrical design, use painters tape to create a straight edge. Some border ideas to consider include painted ivy vines along a garden walkway or a a few rows of checkers outlining a child's play area.

Tiles or Stone

• Concrete is much less expensive than having tiles or stonework installed. An outdoor concrete space, such as a driveway or a patio, can be given a more fancy look by painting it to simulate either tile or stonework. To create a tile look, first paint the concrete a base color. The base color will be the color of the faux grout lines. Once the base color dries, use painter's tape to create an edge for the tiles to be painted in. Use a sponge to apply the paint so the faux tile has a textured look. Consider using two colors for the tile to give it more dimension. Use this same technique to paint faux stonework, omitting the painter's tape and making the grout lines more organic to create the shape of the faux stones.

Epoxy

• Epoxy is good to use for high-traffic areas. It is long-lasting, withstands wear and tear and is resistant to stains. Epoxy paint provides a non-slip surface and is especially suitable for the outdoors due to its moisture-resistant properties. It comes in a variety of colors and can even be made to look like terrazzo.