How to Paint a Driveway in 7 Simple Steps
Step zero: remind yourself that patience is a virtue
- Broom
- Pressure washer
- Bucket
- Hose
- Paint roller
- Oil/grease removing agent
- Warm water
- Concrete epoxy paint/coating
- Caulking agent
Deciding whether to replace or repair your driveway can be a stressful decision, especially considering a new concrete driveway can cost as much as $7,400. While it's a steep investment, there is something to be said for having a smooth, attractive driveway that's free of debris, stains, cracks, and holes.
But maybe you don't have to start from scratch. Instead of a total redo, learn how to paint an old driveway to make it look as sleek as a new one would. The job's time-consuming, but not all that hard, so long as you don't mind waiting around for things to dry.
Move Your Vehicles
For at least the next few days, you'll need to find somewhere to park your vehicle(s). If street parking isn't an option where you live, ask friends or family for a temporary spot. You'll be unable to park in your driveway during the duration of the project.
Clean Your Driveway Thoroughly
Use a broom to remove rocks, pebbles, leaves, dirt, and any other debris you find on your driveway. Be diligent with this part of the project; it's the first step to make sure your driveway's paint job looks smooth and neat.
Pressure Wash
Photo: The Toidi / Adobe StockTo really wash away the grime, use a pressure washer to get rid of bacteria, weeds, chalk marks, and other difficult driveway stains. Cleaning your driveway is about half the job of painting it, so be thorough. Let the surface dry before you continue.
There are pros and cons when deciding whether to rent or hire a pressure washer. In this case, it might be best to just rent or borrow one since you're just washing your driveway.
Use a Degreasing Agent (Optional)
Mix 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate cleaning agent (or another driveway-safe alternative) for every 1 gallon of water. You can find these products at outdoor stores for $10 to $20.
Using a brush, apply the degreaser to stains on your driveway then scrub the affected area. You may have to go over it more than once. Wear latex gloves to prevent getting the agent on your skin.
Degreasing agents won't do much good for spray paint removal. A squirt of soap and water or a spray paint removing agent are your best bets.
Fill In Any Holes or Cracks
By now, you've likely sussed out any major holes and cracks on your driveway. Now's a good time to fill them! You can buy an outdoor driveway caulking agent tube for around $10 at home improvement stores.
Each caulk product is different, so read the directions before you start. Some quick-dry formulas dry in as little as 30 minutes, while others may need a whole day to solidify. No matter what you use, wait for the caulk to dry completely before you begin painting.
Mix Your Driveway Paint or Epoxy
Most of the driveway paints you'll find at home improvement stores aren't actually paint at all—they're usually an epoxy paint, which is a latex acrylic product. Due to its strength, epoxy works especially well on floored surfaces.
A gallon of epoxy costs around $35 on the low end, but could cost up to $100 for different colors or higher durability ratings.
Once more you'll want to carefully read labels and directions. Some epoxies come premixed, while others you'll need to mix with water. Take note of dry times and other pertinent details.
Paint the Edges First, Then Work Your Way In
Photo: faithie / Adobe StockWork around the perimeter of your driveway with a smaller, handheld brush. Add epoxy paint to all the edges first. Paint a 6-inch "barrier," so to speak, before working your way in towards the center. Once you've painted the perimeter, switch to the big roller and paint the rest of your driveway.
If plants surround the immediate edge of your driveway, you may want to cover them with plastic or create a tape barrier between where you're painting. Paint of any kind can kill plants if it seeps into the ground in large doses.
Add a Second Coat, If Needed
Most epoxy coatings for driveways take 24 to 48 hours to dry. After everything’s dry, assess your driveway. Does it look new and sleek, or could it benefit from another coat?
If needed, repeat step six. Painting an old driveway to make it look new is definitely time-intensive, but a lot of that is just waiting around for stuff to dry. Be patient and rejoice in the fact that your driveway's about to look brand spanking new again!
After you're done you might consider sealing your driveway. Ask a local driveway sealing professional for a quote or information about getting started with your project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY painting allows you to save money on labor costs. It can also provide a sense of pride. However, it is essential to be knowledgeable about every step in the process as this job demands meticulous preparation, understanding of suitable materials, and precision in application. Remember, a poorly executed job can lead to uneven coatings, peeling paint, and an unsightly finish.
On the other hand, hiring a professional painter near you ensures expertise and high-quality results. Professionals possess the necessary skills, tools, and experience to prepare the surface correctly, select the suitable paints, and execute the project efficiently. Additionally, pros often provide warranties so you can feel secure about your painted driveway's long-term durability and appearance. Ultimately, weighing the cost savings against the potential risks and considering your abilities before deciding is essential.
Cost to Paint a Driveway
The DIY cost for driveway painting falls between $100 and $500, with the exact figure contingent upon the specific materials and supplies required.
If you opt for professional driveway painting, you can expect to pay hourly rates ranging from $30 to $60, depending on the condition of the surface. Any necessary repair work before painting would be an additional expense. Additionally, you should factor in the cost of concrete paint and other supplies, which can accumulate to an extra $400.
Comparatively, when considering the expense of driveway resurfacing, which ranges between $1,000 and $5,000, painting emerges as a more budget-friendly option, whether you DIY or hire a pro, if your driveway only requires a refresh and not extensive repairs.
Ben Kissam contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is advisable to prime a driveway before painting. Primer serves as a preparatory step, promoting better paint adhesion to the surface, enhancing durability, and ensuring a smoother, more even finish. Priming is essential for concrete driveways as they are porous and absorb paint unevenly without proper priming. Skipping this step may result in a less durable and less aesthetically pleasing paint job, requiring more frequent repainting.
The life span of a painted concrete driveway can vary based on several factors. When properly prepared, primed, and painted with high-quality concrete paint, a well-maintained driveway can last 5 to 10 years or more. Other factors like climate conditions, traffic volume, and lack of maintenance also impact life span. Regular cleaning, resealing, and touch-ups can extend the longevity of a painted concrete driveway, ensuring it remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Painting a driveway can be a good idea for specific situations. It offers aesthetic improvements, helps protect the surface from UV damage and stains, and can extend the driveway's life span. It's beneficial for driveways in relatively good condition that need a refresh or color enhancement. However, painting is unsuitable for severely cracked or damaged surfaces, as it won't address structural issues. Additionally, proper preparation, priming, and choice of paint are crucial for a successful outcome.
