4 Tips for Painting Brick Pavers

colorful pattern of brick pavers
What You'll Need
Brick pavers
Paint
Paintbrushes
Paint thinner
eye protection
Respirator
Turpentine
What You'll Need
Brick pavers
Paint
Paintbrushes
Paint thinner
eye protection
Respirator
Turpentine

Brick pavers are a durable paving stone material. They can be installed over a variety of different surfaces with proper preparation and are typically used to construct driveways, walkways, and patios. If you are installing brick pavers, you may have the idea to paint them at some point.

Adding a splash of paint to your brick pavers not only gives them a whole new aesthetic but also provides them with a protective coating and makes it easier for you to clean. Here are some instructions to keep in mind when painting brick pavers.

Clean Well

One of the most important things for you to keep in mind before this process starts is that you need to make sure that everything is clean. You have to get rid of all of the dirt or dust that has built up on the brick pavers. They may be brick stones on the ground, but your thought process as far as cleaning and preparation should be the same as it were if you were painting a wall.

If you try to start painting before you have thoroughly cleaned the surface of the brick pavers, you will essentially be locking all of that debris underneath the paint. It will also be difficult for the paint to adhere to the brick pavers.

You should sweep all of the dirt off of the surface of the brick pavers. You also might consider rinsing them off with water before moving forward.

Planning Ahead

Don't start painting your brick pavers haphazardly. Make sure that you plan ahead a little bit and have a design already in mind.

You need to choose a day to do this job when the weather will cooperate with you. If the temperature is going to be below 50ºF, you may want to avoid the job that day. You need to work on this project when the weather is warm. In addition to that, you should also check the forecast for rain. If there is even a remote chance of rain, you should avoid the project.

Mix With Turpentine

One of the most valuable tricks that you can use when applying paint to brick pavers is to mix it with turpentine.

Mix 1 part turpentine with 4 parts of paint. Only do this with the first coat of paint; do not add turpentine for subsequent coats. However, you don't want to mix the turpentine in the bucket of paint because it will dilute all of the paint that is not being used as well. The paint and the turpentine should be mixed in some other type of container.

When you mix it with turpentine, it will adhere to the surface of the brick pavers much better. Then you can go over that initial coat with a true coat of paint.

Allow plenty of time for the first coat to dry before putting another coat on. This may take as long as eight hours for the paint to completely dry.

Warning: Turpentine is a solvent that is flammable and hazardous to human lungs, skin, and eyes. Wear safety gloves, goggles, and even a mask or respirator when handling and mixing the turpentine.

Multiple Coats

Once the first coat of turpentine-laced paint has dried, you may apply additional coats of paint that have not been mixed with anything. Aim to complete two or three coats, and keep in mind that the downtime between coats can be hours.

Make sure your brick pavers are protected from wind, debris, and foot traffic during the drying stages.