How to paint exposed aggregate pavers?

[lauravdh]

   

I have a number of garden paths throughout my garden that are either exposed aggregate pavers or concrete strips (see photos). Time

for a refresh although I have a tight budget so new pavers etc are not an option. I’m thinking of painting them instead. I’ve seen lots online of how to paint concrete but assuming not so much the aggregate pavers. Is it the same process of washing, priming, painting? Is there anyway to remove the texture so that the painted paths will blend in with the the painted concrete paths? Has anyone done a similar project and can send pics of the finished painted aggregate pavers? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lauravdh,

Unfortunately, the only simple way to remove the texture from the exposed aggregate would be to grind it back so there are no raised sections of aggregate. This is certainly achievable, but it is something I would be contacting a professional for their assistance with. Considering the tight budget, it is probably best to just paint them and accept that there will be a difference in texture.

The process of painting would be much the same regardless of the exposed aggregate.

You'll want to start by giving everything a good cleaning with a pressure washer. This will remove the surface-level dirt and prepare you for the next steps.

With the initial clean done, I would suggest using the Dulux Concrete & Paver paint system, which is a 3-part system, comprising a cleaner, primer and topcoat. The first part, as your concrete is bare with no sealer, is to etch and clean it with Dulux Concrete & Paving Bare Concrete Etch & Clean.

After etching, you will need to apply the Dulux Concrete And Paving Bare Concrete Primer, followed by a topcoat such as this Dulux 10L Concrete & Paving Super Grip Medium Tint, tinted to a colour of your choosing.

Check out How To Paint Concrete Floors for some further guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[lauravdh]

 Thanks Jacob, in the concrete there are some superficial cracks. Would this be an issue before painting or is it fine to paint over this? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lauravdh,

It would be best to fill them as they will show through the paint.

You can use this Gripset Betta Concrete Crack Filler to fill the cracks prior to painting.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[lauravdh]

Thanks Jakob.

one last question- I really would love to lay compacted gravel on top. Could I lay the gravel on top of the concrete and compact it? Or would I need to remove the concrete first so there is not a solid base to assist with drainage? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lauravdh,

I'd be worried that if you put the drainage gravel over the top of the pavers, water might drain through, hit the pavers and then just sit there, which would create the perfect environment for things like mould to grow in.

I'd say it's going to be best to remove the pavers. If you remove them, you negate this risk.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Jacob