In fact, sometimes it’s as simple as giving something a new paint job. Many people ask the question, ‘Can you paint paving slabs?’ and the answer is yes, absolutely.

Painting your paving slabs can breathe life back into your garden, helping to cover up any imperfections or fading from UV exposure. You don’t have to waste money ripping your ground up to make a difference!

However, your patio slabs can quickly become a hot mess if you don’t follow the best steps for achieving a smooth finish. Luckily, we’ve created the perfect guide to help you start your home improvement project.

Choosing the right paint for your patio

While you can paint patio slabs, it’s important to note that you can’t just use any old paint for the job (nothing is that easy).

Many people believe that masonry paint is a good option for patio slabs, but we’re here to set the record straight. Yes, masonry paint adheres to concrete well once a primer is applied, but it will crumble under constant rainfall and heavy footfall.

Since masonry paint is designed for brick walls and vertical concrete surfaces, it won’t last long to repel water that sits on the surface of your concrete patio slabs.

What to look for

Look for exterior floor paints that are designed for concrete, porcelain, or stone.
Avoid paints with too much sheen, as matte paints hide dirt better and reduce slippage.
Buy a moisture-resistant specialist floor paint to prevent bubbling or flaking.

Top tip: Before you settle on a paint colour, test a patch in an out-of-sight spot first. Paint can change colour once it’s dry and under natural lighting, so it’ll save you the disappointment if you don’t like the finished look.

Preparation: the key to a lasting finish

First things first, you’ll need to make sure that your paving slabs are in great condition before giving them a new appearance with paint—as effective as it is, it won’t be able to hide cracked stones.

Fill any minor gaps with a concrete filler and leave it to set fully. If any slabs are seriously uneven or loose, now’s the time to lift, reset, or replace them.

If done right, your painted patio slabs should last 3-5 years before they need a touch-up.

1. Clean your patio slabs

That patchy layer of moss and grime? It’s got to go. Start by brushing away loose dirt and debris with a stiff outdoor broom.

Make sure you get into all the small cracks and crevices to avoid dirt buildup. If your patio has been neglected for a while, consider using a pressure washer to remove any tough algae or black spots (avoid putting it on too high, as this can cause damage).

A good paving cleaner can also help to remove any stubborn spots or stains. Wait at least 24-48 hours after cleaning for the slabs to dry before moving on.

2. Apply a primer

While your paint may claim to be 3-in-1, it’s always best to add a high-quality primer beforehand to ensure you get the most out of your paint.

Apply a few coats of primer across the surface of your paving slabs, making sure not to miss any spots. This step is particularly helpful if your slabs are quite porous or have been previously sealed.

3. Add tape to the edges

Painting patio slabs can be a messy business.

To avoid paint from going anywhere you don’t want it to (like expensive garden furniture), add painter’s tape or cardboard sheets around your slabs to keep your lines tidy.

Painting your paving slabs: step-by-step

Now that your slabs are green, dry, and primed, it’s time to get to the fun part—adding the colour.

1. Pick the right tools

Before you get started, make sure you gather the following tools:

Medium pile roller
A 2” or 3” exterior brush (for small corners)
A paint tray or scuttle
Painters tape
A wire brush or stiff broom
Paint
Dust sheet (to protect the surrounding grass and floor)

2. Start painting

Give your tin of paint a good shake before opening and stir the paint with your paintbrush.

Then, choose a small section to begin painting, starting from one corner and working your way outwards. It’s best to head backwards so you don’t paint yourself into a corner.

If your patio consists of individual slabs, try to complete each one separately for neater finishes and cleaner lines. For a continuous concrete surface, go in straight rows, overlapping slightly as you go.

Apply a light coat of paint, let it dry fully, then go in with a second (or third) if needed. Thick coats take longer to dry and are more likely to crack or peel, which isn’t what we want. You should aim to let your paint dry for at least 12 hours before adding another coat or walking on your slabs.

3. Add a design twist (optional but fun)

If you’re feeling a bit more creative than one block colour, stencils can help you add patterns or borders with minimal effort.

You can create anything from a Moroccan tile effect to a simple geometric layout; this is your chance to make the space feel unique.

4. Seal the paint

Once you’ve added the final finishing touches and allowed the paint to fully dry, apply a clear sealant over the top.

This will help protect the finish from scuffs, spills, and whatever the weather throws at it. Depending on your desired final look, you can choose between a matte or glossy sealant—just roll the sealant on like paint!

Are you ready to refresh your patio?

Painting your patio is a fun and budget-friendly way to transform the beauty of your garden.

But if your patio is too old and weathered to save, replacing the paving slabs doesn’t have to be an expensive task.

At Beesley & Fildes, we stock high-quality paving slabs built to last and look great, whether you're keeping things classic or adding your own splash of colour. From concrete paving to Indian sandstone, there’s something for every home.