How to Stencil a Concrete Patio for a Budget-Friendly Outdoor Refresh

If needed, remove existing tiles to reveal the concrete patio. Jenna removed layers of green paint under the old tiles with a power washer and putty knife. Once the surface is clean, let the concrete dry completely. Fill in any cracks with crack seal and sand the surface smooth. 

After clearing debris a section at a time with a leaf blower, Jenna painted the patio gray using a brush and a roller. For best results, choose an exterior paint that's designed for concrete surfaces and includes primer in the formula. Check the weather before you begin to ensure the paint will have ample time to dry. Let the base color dry completely before stenciling.

Jenna aligned the first stencil along a joint in the concrete for a built-in straight line. She secured the stencil with painters tape, dipped the stencil brush in white paint, and lightly dabbed it on a paper towel before dabbing on the stencil. A light touch created the chalky look.

Where the patio abuts a wall, Jenna flexed the stencil and taped it for ease in stenciling. Her solution for paint buildup on the stencil that can cause uneven edges: Coat the stencil with Krud Kutter ($7, The Home Depot) and place it in a garbage bag overnight. The dried paint peels right off the next morning. 

Once the patio dried, Jenna rolled on two coats of sealer. The busy pattern masks most imperfections in the concrete and the stenciling, Jenna says. Let the sealer dry completely before walking on the surface.