How to Paint My Wood Patio

Clean the surface of the patio with a pressure washer, being careful not to gouge the wood. The pressure should always be below 1,200 psi and you need to keep the wand moving at all times.

Clean any mold or mildew from the wood with a mixture of four parts water to one part household bleach. You will need to use a stiff-bristled scrub brush and a pair of rubber gloves when cleaning the mold off the wood.

Allow the patio to dry for three to four days in good weather before sanding the wood. Use a belt sander with a fine sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections in the wood, being careful not to sand so much that you groove the wood or cause low spots.

Sweep the patio with a stiff broom to remove the dust from sanding and mask off any areas that you will not be painting. If your patio is directly attached to the house, mask off the area where the two meet. Painters tape is a good way to mask. It is designed to stick well and not leave a residue behind. It can be found in many widths to suit your needs.

Apply a coat of exterior primer to the patio using a brush or roller. Be sure to make your coats thin but try to get as even coverage as you can.

Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second and even third coat if needed. The drying time will be dependent on the brand and type of paint used, so be sure to read the directions or ask at the paint store where you bought it.

Apply the paint to the patio in several coats. It is important to work slowly and carefully to minimize drips, runs, and spatters. You will need to allow the paint to dry between coats and you will need to continue adding coats until you achieve the desired color and coverage that you are looking for. Check the drying time recommendation on your brand of paint to be sure that you provide sufficient time for it to dry.

Allow the paint to dry for 24 to 48 hours before using your patio or moving any patio furniture onto it.