Most people don’t know the proper way to paint a porch. After all, it isn’t a space you commonly paint such as your bathroom or living room. It can often seem like a very tedious task, but knowing what steps to follow, along with the best paint for your job, can make for a simple project with results you can be proud of.
If you live in the Boise area and need help with your exterior home painting or porch painting, we’ll give you a free quote! We serve the entire Boise area including Meridian and Eagle.
How to Paint a Porch
When gearing up to paint your porch, there are some simple steps to follow to get started:
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Remove Everything From Your Porch
Your very first step should be to remove everything from your porch. This would include any furniture as well as decorations on your floor. Be sure to cover any items you don’t want to be painted but can’t remove, with a drop cloth for paint protection.
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Thoroughly Clean the Area
Once everything is removed, you’ll want to give your porch a good cleaning. Start by sweeping away any cobwebs or debris. You’ll need a smooth, clean surface before painting for the best results. Next, hose down the area, allowing plenty of time to dry before applying any paint.
If you have a wooden porch, you’ll want to sweep away all dirt, paying special attention to cleaning between the cracks and crevices of the planks.
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Apply Primer
Once your porch is clean, it’s a good idea to prime before you start painting. If you’re working with a wood surface, apply two coats of primer with a roller. Allow at least 8 hours to dry.
For concrete porches, apply only one coat of primer with a roller on an extension pole and also let dry for at least 8 hours.
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Pick a Paint Color
Once you decide which color to go with, be sure to choose an exterior, porch-specific paint that is designed to withstand the wear and tear of foot traffic and can handle the outdoor elements.
How to Paint a Wooden Porch
If your porch has a wooden surface, clean and spray it down completely then give it at least 24 hours to dry. Once you’re certain the surface is dry, use a sander to help remove any existing paint. Remember to wear protective eyewear and a mask during sanding. After you’ve finished sanding, sweep away any residual dust from the surface.
Next comes taping. Use high-quality painters tape to ensure your new paint doesn’t get onto the siding or trim of your home. Now that you have all your edges taped off, it’s time to apply an exterior primer. Pay attention to any debris the wind may blow into your fresh primers so it doesn’t stick to the primer as it dries. Depending on the outside temperature, you’ll need to let your primer dry from 2-8 hours before moving on.
Now you can apply your paint of choice. Allow around 8 hours to dry before applying a second coat.
How to Paint a Concrete Porch
For a concrete porch you’ll still start with cleaning but you’ll want to use concrete chemicals for the best results. Safety needs to be a big concern during this part of the process so wear gloves and a mask for protection. After you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the concrete down with a scrub brush, spray with a hose or pressure washer and let it completely dry. This generally takes around 24 hours but will obviously dry faster on warmer days.
Tape off any areas you don’t want paint to touch then start applying a concrete primer. After your primer has had a chance to dry, apply your paint of choice. Make sure you go with a concrete exterior paint. Exterior paints are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and general activity. When finished, allow at least 24 hours for your paint to dry.
Best Paint for Porches
When painting a porch floor, you’ll want to choose a porch or deck paint that is designed for your specific porch surface. Concrete porches do well with low-luster acrylic latex paints. This paint is excellent at preventing scuffing, bubbling, cracking, and fading, and hides all those little imperfections. It’s also durable and stain resistant. For a wooden porch, we recommend Premium Advanced Deckover by Behr. It comes in dozens of colors and makes your wood splinter-proof. It may cost a little more but the fact that it’s mildew-resistant and long-lasting makes it well worth your money. Also, be sure to choose an exterior paint specifically made for horizontal surfaces rather than vertical ones for walls and trim.
Cost to Paint a Porch
Obviously, the size of your porch and the quality of paint you choose will play a large part in figuring out how much painting your porch will cost. On average, you can expect to pay around $2-$5 per square foot. Porches are usually around 150 square feet in size with a typical cost running around $525. Take the time to accurately measure your porch before purchasing paint so you’ll have a good idea of what you’ll be spending.
Paint Ideas for Porches
Because your porch is one of the first things people see when they pull up to your home, it can have a profound overall impact on its appearance. With that said, if your porch is looking run-down and dingy, it puts a negative spin on your curb appeal. And while your front porch can give a powerful first impression, don’t forget about your back porch. A back porch is an extension of your home as well as a place to create memories with friends and family.
We’ve compiled a few of our favorite porch painting ideas that can add personality and style to the entryway of your home:
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Go with a Contrasting Paint Color
Painting your porch a contrasting color from the rest of your home is an excellent way to highlight this unique feature. The color you choose for your porch doesn’t need to match that of your house but needs to be a nice compliment.
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Have fun with Patterns
A bold or playful pattern can be an attention-grabbing asset to any porch. From your classic checkerboard diamonds to stripes or stamped concrete, a pattern can dress up your porch with a fun and inviting element of style. Black and white will always be a popular duo. However, neutral or earthy tones of blue, gray, tan, and brown will always pair well with rock pillars or dark wood doors.
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Look to your Landscaping
Don’t forget that your landscaping is a natural way to compliment your porch. You can draw in the bold floral colors of blossoms to enhance your porch’s beauty or keep a crisp and clean look while contrasting your white porch against crisp green foliage.
How to Paint a Porch Conclusion
Painting your porch isn’t a complicated process. Follow the steps focused on above and you’ll be thrilled with the results of your labors. However, if you prefer to leave your porch painting to the professionals, contact Boise Home Painting. Our skilled team of painters has years of experience throughout the entire Treasure Valley. We pay attention to the details and only use the best quality products to ensure our customers are more than satisfied with the finished product.
