Having an outdoor space can be an incredible feature of your home, but you may want to change the style in the future. Completely removing and installing new pavers or hardscaping materials can potentially cost you thousands of dollars. However, you may not necessarily need a full renovation when looking to change the exterior look of your home.
Painting outdoor pavers is easier than you might think, whether it’s your walkway, driveway, patio, or anything else outside. The primary obstacle is getting the supplies you need to get the job done right. At Batchelder & Collins, we have the variety of pavers necessary to create the outdoor space of your dreams. Take a closer look at our handy guide for painting outdoor pavers to find out what would be best for your Hampton Roads hardscaping project.
Is Painting Pavers a Good Idea?
Whether or not painting pavers is a good idea will depend on your unique situation. It can be an effective way to change the look of your outdoor space without having to buy more pavers, but there are downsides to painting. Since outdoor pavers are going to be exposed to the sun every day, the paint will likely fade over time. One of the benefits of brick is that the alluring natural colors won’t fade. When painting pavers, the new color will fade after exposure to sunlight, revealing the original paver color underneath.
How Do You Prepare Clay Pavers for Painting?
Before you begin painting your clay pavers, you will need to thoroughly prep the area. The first step is to clean the surface, making sure any excess debris is completely removed. Once cleaned, you should apply a primer that will prep the surface to receive the paint and have its color shine. Only when the primer has been applied should you start painting. When the painting is complete, apply a sealer to keep that fresh coat looking right and in place.
If you are looking for a specific color of paver, Batchelder & Collins has a wide inventory of options available.
How Long Does It Usually Take for the Paint to Dry on the Pavers?
How long it will take for the paint to dry will vary based on your unique circumstances. Whether or not your paint is dry is easy enough to determine. However, you need to test the same small section each time. Make sure that you keep the surface of the pavers completely clean as they are drying so nothing interferes with the new coat of paint.
Alternatives to Painting Your Pavers
The main alternative to painting your pavers is to replace them entirely. While that will certainly get the job done, a complete replacement can be a costly endeavor that may not be warranted when all you really want is a different color. Fortunately, there are some other alternatives available.
- Replace the polymeric sand: By replacing the sand in the joints of your pavers, you can give the overall appearance a fresher look at a fraction of the cost of a complete replacement of the pavers.
- Staining: Stain your pavers rather than paint them to change the color without sealing their pores. This is much easier than painting, though it tends to only work with colors close to natural brick options.
- Only use sealant: Instead of primer, paint, and sealant, you can just use sealant to give your pavers that sleek “wet” look. It will make them look fresher without having to actually paint them all.
Can Paint on a Paver Be Removed?
Yes, paint on pavers can be removed. Over time, it will likely fade through simple exposure to the sun, but that will take years to happen. In the short term, enough pressure should strip the paint from the pavers. Pressure washing, for example, will typically make the paint come off relatively quickly.
Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins
Batchelder & Collins has been serving the Hampton Roads area for more than a century with high-quality bricks, pavers, and other outdoor hardscaping materials. As members of the Brick Institute of America and the American Institute of Architects, our team can offer professional advice on the kind of materials necessary for your next hardscaping project. With our varied inventory, you’ll find solutions for both residential and commercial needs. Take a look at what some of our previous customers had to say about our supplies and services.
Testimonials
“A very helpful staff. My little brother came in to get some estimates for his Eagle Scout project. The nice lady at the front desk, Karli Woodard, helped my brother for probably a solid hour on pricing and perhaps even an opportunity for discounts on his project. It was overall a very welcoming and knowledge-gaining experience for all involved parties. I would 100% recommend for anyone with stone and mortar needs.” — Ryan R.
“We at Champion Fences have worked with Batchelder & Collins for years. They are a very professional and customer service based company. I recommend them for any job in the Coastal VA area. Ask for David Weiner, great guy to work with!” — Cole T.
“Staff are very friendly and provided excellent service. We worked with Karli and she was very knowledgeable about the various product lines they carried and made our selection process quick and simple.” — Matthew N.
Additional Resources
- How to Paint Interior Brick: Painting interior brick is an entirely different type of project than outdoor hardscaping, but we can help you get the tools you need to paint them with confidence.
- 7 Ways to Update Your Interior Exposed Brick Wall: An interior exposed brick wall has so much to offer on its own, but these update ideas can help it truly stand out.
- How to Update Your Kitchen’s Brick Backsplash: Having a brick backsplash in your kitchen is already impressive, but these potential updates can take it to the next level.
Give Your Outdoor Space a Fresh Look
You can paint pavers to give your outdoor space a fresh look, but that is only one of the many options available. At Batchelder & Collins, we offer all the materials you need for your next hardscaping project. Visit our Norfolk or Williamsburg location to shop our inventory. Or give us a call today to learn what’s in store!
