Personalize Your Garden Pathway With DIY Custom Painted Pavers

Outdoor pavers are an excellent way to give your home some character. After a while, though, looking at the same old pathway can get tiring. But if you're in the mood for a refresh, you don't have to completely replace your old pathway. Instead, you can paint your pavers with your own unique designs to give them a revamped, personalized look.

With this DIY project, your creativity is the limit as you can find paint in a range of colors including earth tones, vibrant blues or greens, and more. You also don't have to paint your pathway one color. You can combine hues, use stencils for patterns like polka dots and flowers, or make your own glow-in-the-dark landscape. If you want to make sure your pathway remains cohesive with the rest of your yard, you can also follow these tips to pick the perfect paver color to match your home. 

The timeline of painting your pavers depends on a few factors like the size of your pathway, skill level, and intricacy of your design. If you opt to paint all your pavers one color, you can likely complete this project in the span of one afternoon. Before you dive in, though, you need to choose the correct paint for the job. When it comes to pavers, one of the most important factors to consider is what material you're working with. 

Pavers can be made out of a range of materials including natural stones like travertine and granite, plastic, and more. For areas like pathways and patios, brick and concrete are popular because they hold up well to traffic. Another popular choice is rubber, especially for wet areas as they are slip resistant. 

It's possible to paint each of these materials as long as you're considerate of their needs. For example, brick is extremely porous. You may think this means that brick would be extremely easy to paint. However, brick's high porosity means that it will suck up paint so much that you likely need to apply extra layers for adequate coverage. It can sometimes be challenging to make the paint even, too. With rubber, you may need to first apply a degreasing agent before you begin. 

When purchasing paint, pick one designed for outdoor use and compatible with your pavers. Additionally, you want paint that is both UV and slip-resistant to make your painted look last longer and keep your pathway safe for use. For example, acrylic is a popular choice for pathways because it holds up well to foot traffic, and masonry paints are good for concrete. If you have a concrete pathway, Sure Step's Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint, available in seven colors, is a solid option.

Once you've selected the right paint for the job, you can get started by prepping your pavers. This includes cleaning them with a pressure washer or scrub brush to remove any dirt and debris. Scrubbing also helps paint stick better. When you're done cleaning, check your pavers for any cracks, chips, or other damages as they need to be repaired before you move on. After that is completed, you should prime your pavers to ensure that the paint properly adheres to them. 

If you are applying patterns, you will want to have your stencils ready at this point. You can make your own by drawing and cutting out a design on a material like this blank white sign from Enjoyist. You can also purchase pre-made stencils or use painter's tape directly on your pavers for geometric designs. Lay your stencils or painter's tape out to test the pattern and make sure it fits your space. Once you've settled on a design, you can begin painting in thin layers with a roller, paint sprayer, or small brushes depending on how much area you want to cover.

Be sure to avoid applying paint too thick as it can cause peeling. Instead, only add a thin layer of paint and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Then, you can add a second layer of paint. After you are finished, you should also seal your pavers to ensure that hold up over time. You can check out these suggestions for how to best apply sealer to your pathway.