Painting a porch floor might seem like a daunting task, but when you follow the right steps it isn't as bad as it seems! With a little planning and preparation, you can make your porch look like new in no time. It’s the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor space.
How do you prep a porch for painting?
The first step is to remove everything from your porch — and we mean everything! After clearing everything off the porch, give the area a good sweep. Start on one side of the porch, and work your way across.
After you've finished sweeping up, hose down the surface to get it really clean and clear of dirt and debris.
Prepping a wooden porch
For a wooden surface, after you sweep and hose it down, you'll need to wait for the wood to completely dry before taking the next steps. Depending on the weather in your area, this can take up to 24 hours. Don't rush this, because the paint won't dry and cure properly if the surface is damp.
Once you're sure the surface is dry, it's time to remove any existing paint on the porch. The best way to do this is to use an orbital sander to remove the old paint. Make sure you wear protective goggles and a mask for safety while you work. After you are done, sweep the remaining dust off of the surface.
Now you're ready to tape! Take painters tape and line the areas you don't want any paint to touch (edges, siding, your home, etc.).
Prepping a concrete porch
For a concrete surface, you'll want to use concrete cleaning chemicals, water, and a scrub brush to really ensure the porch is clean.
Make sure you wear gloves for this process so you keep yourself from touching harmful chemicals. Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the surface off again with a hose and wait for the surface to dry completely before taking next steps (this can take up to 24 hours depending on the weather). A great option for this process is to get a power-washer, it will save time and elbow-grease!
Can I paint over old paint on a porch?
Depending on the condition of the original paint, you can absolutely paint over it.
If the pre-existing paint is cracking or peeling from your porch, remove it first. If your pre-existing paint is glossy, it’s best practice to sand your porch and prime before applying a fresh coat of paint.
You should also consider the color/shade of your pre-existing paint before repainting. If the old paint is darker than your new color, we highly recommend priming your porch before applying the new paint.
What time of year is best to paint a porch?
Painting your porch is best in the spring and fall when temperatures are best for exterior painting in most North American climates.
If you miss these seasons and still want to give your porch a facelift, make sure that you’re painting between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (about 4 and 32 degrees Celsius). Otherwise if it’s too hot or cold, you risk your paint bubbling and cracking.
What do you clean a porch with before painting?
For a smooth paint job, clean your porch of any dirt or debris. You can clean your porch with a broom, vacuum, or power washer. Note if power washing, you’ll want to start with a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging your porch.
What kind of paint do you use on a porch?
Using an exterior, porch specific paint is important because those paints are designed to withstand the wear and tear of people walking on them frequently as well as outdoor conditions.
For a concrete porch, make sure you buy concrete exterior paint. These products are designed to last a long time and will endure harsh weather conditions and frequent traffic. Once you're finished painting, wait a full 24 hours before walking on the surface to ensure it is dried and ready for action!
The best paint for wood decks comes down to the color palette used in your exterior and surroundings (you don’t want to clash with your next door neighbor!).
How long does it take to paint a front porch?
On your own, painting a porch floor could take a couple of days or even a week to do all the cleaning, prepping, painting and curing. But the WOW 1 DAY PAINTING team has systems in place to get the job done as efficiently as possible.
HOW TO PAINT A PORCH?
It’s best practice to start painting from one corner to the other, ensuring you have an exit point so you don’t damage your fresh paint job (remember, you can’t walk on it for 24 hours).
It takes at least two coats of paint to get the true color and protection your deck paint needs to last a long time. Always make sure your first coat is fully dried before painting a second!
HOW TO PAINT A CONCRETE PORCH?
There are mixed reviews on best practices when it comes to painting concrete, but we keep things nice and simple: prime then paint.
Concrete primers are easy to find from any paint provider and will ensure that your paint goes onto the surface smoothly.
HOW TO PAINT A WOODEN PORCH?
After clearing, cleaning, and priming — it’s time to paint! Much like painting concrete, start on one side and paint yourself out (leaving a path so you don’t step on your newly painted floor).
Check out these front porch paint ideas to give it the right look for your home.
Do you need to prime a wood porch before painting?
Ensure you use an exterior primer for a wood porch. You can find these through any paint provider. Just like with sweeping, you'll want to start on the opposite side of the porch so you don't step on wet paint as you walk back.
Keep an eye out for wind that brings debris and make sure you quickly remove anything so that it doesn't stick to the surface as it dries. Hack: use a drop sheet or old piece of drywall to make a protective barrier between the wind and your work area.
TYPES OF PORCHES
Ever wonder what the difference between a porch and a deck was? Well, the difference is in the cover. There are a variety of porches, but the common denominator is that they're covered and attached to a home — and oftentimes great rooms for entertaining. From gorgeous slick concrete, to the rustic beauty of a wooden porch, all of them will last a long time with proper care.
SCREENED IN PORCH
Screened-in porches are a great option if you're trying to keep the bugs out, and the kids and pets in! These porches give you the ability to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining the serenity of the indoors. Depending on the frame you have, you can also paint the frame of the screen. If you are able to paint the frame, consider choosing a different color than the porch floor to break things up a bit and add some visual interest.
FRONT PORCH
Picture this: You walk outside your home to grab the paper, and after you do you sit in your wooden rocking chair on the front porch to enjoy the news and the view of the neighborhood. Sounds like it's out of a dream! Front porches are common in both new and old homes because they are timeless. With the right care, you can make these last for years to come. Going with a solid color on the floor of the porch, or a traditional wood stain are both sure to look gorgeous.
FARMERS PORCH
Farmhouse style is very on-trend for 2024. With this in mind, go big with the Farmers Porch trend! The key is rustic wood, bold reds, and subtle white accents. Try a rustic welcome sign, and consider accenting your porch with comfy seats and accessories. When decorating, keep in mind that anything you add will need to accent your exterior home color and front door! Consider making your door pop with color - may we suggest red?
Thinking about having your porch painted? Get in touch and we can help you out!
