After a few years, it can easily happen that the stones on the terrace and driveway have turned gray and faded due to the weather. Then it’s time to paint the cobblestones. We’ll tell you the best way to do this.
Choose the right color
It is certainly not a problem to restore old and faded paving stones and terrace slabs to a new shine. With precise instructions, a deletion is quite possible. However, not every color can be used because it must have certain properties. she should
- be permeable to water vapor, i.e
- Allow moisture to escape from the subfloor
- will not yellow, chip or peel
- be lightfast and water-insoluble
- withstand high loads
- be easily spreadable
So-called paints are particularly suitable for painting according to the instructions
- special, mineral concrete glazes (concrete glaze, stone glaze) or
- concrete color
Concrete glazes are available in over 30 shades. Approximately 5 kilograms of glaze are required for five square meters. When painting, the glaze combines with the concrete glue of the stone surfaces and a solid and durable coating is formed. So the concrete surfaces are hardened, i.e. sealed by the integration of the color pigments. In addition to normal stone glaze, the trade also offers glazes with a lotus effect. Here no more dirt will settle on the plates. The paving stones and terrace slabs then have a self-cleaning function.
Thoroughly clean beforehand
Before the concrete surfaces can be painted, they must first be thoroughly cleaned. A clean surface is important for a good result. Nothing can go wrong if you follow the instructions below:
- Carefully remove moss and weeds from joints
- the same applies to old paint residues
- eg with wire brush or grinding machine
- then sweep thoroughly with a rubber broom
- Remove heavy soiling with special plaster or concrete cleaners
- use trisodium phosphate for grease and oil stains
- Dispense the solution with a watering can
- leave on for at least an hour
- then clean the surface with a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner
- apply multiple times if necessary
- alternatively cleaning with a rubber scrubber
- Finally, rinse well with clear water
Sufficient drying of the paving stones and terrace slabs is then important. They must be completely dry inside and out, otherwise the glaze cannot be applied properly or it simply won’t hold. Depending on the prevailing outside temperature and humidity, the drying time can last between two and three days. If rain is in sight, it is advisable to cover the cleaned area with foil. This must not rest on the floor. Various garden furniture can easily be set up at the corners, where the tarpaulin is then stretched over them.
Further preliminary work
After cleaning, there are still a few small preparations to be made before you can start painting the paving stones. These include
- Roughen particularly smooth surfaces
- otherwise the color will not last well
- Mask off drains, pipes, doors
- Cover adjacent areas with masking tape
In addition, the concrete surface should be tested for its absorbency. After cleaning, simply pour some water on a spot and observe how quickly it absorbs or dries. If drying is very irregular, it is advisable to decide on a primer before painting. This should also be done on very heavily weathered surfaces so that the paint can be applied evenly and the glaze lasts better.
Founders
Only a special primer for such surfaces should be used to prime the concrete surface. However, not a lot means a lot, but
- Apply primer thinly and regularly
- Use the thinnest mixing ratio according to the packaging
- let dry well
- at least 24 hours at an outside temperature of 15 °C
Painting paving stones: instructions
A day should be chosen for applying the paint when there is no precipitation and the outside temperature is at least 5 °C. Furthermore, the terrace slabs and paving stones must be completely dry for painting.
Now, as with the application of the primer, there are various options:
- use a short-pile or foam roller for large areas
- Brush for small and inaccessible areas sufficient
- alternatively use of a paint sprayer
- Apply paint evenly
- not too fat
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Paint joints between stones
- Don’t criss-cross the paint
- but row by row
- then do not enter the area for at least 24 hours
- Observe the drying times according to the manufacturer
If the result is not satisfactory, the surface can be painted a second time. However, the first layer of paint must be dry.
