A patio makeover with paint can completely refresh an outdoor entertainment area without the need to replace tiles, rip up flooring or invest in completely new furniture.
With the right preparation and the correct coating system for each surface, you can refresh patio walls, floors, brickwork and outdoor furniture to create a more polished, coordinated space.
The key is to treat each surface differently. A concrete patio floor, painted wall, wooden bench and metal chair all have their own preparation and coating requirements.
Patio Makeover: Start With the Walls
One of the quickest ways to change the feel of an outdoor entertainment area is to repaint the walls.
Because patio and braai-area walls are exposed to sunlight, rain and temperature changes, the coating needs to offer more than colour alone. It should also provide good adhesion, UV resistance, washability and durability.
Before painting, make sure the walls are:
- Clean
- Dry
- Sound
- Free from dust and dirt
- Free from loose or flaking paint
- Free from fungal or algae growth
Repair visible cracks and damaged areas before priming.
Depending on the surface and its condition, Water-Based Plaster Primer, Pigmented Plaster Primer or Bonding Liquid may be used as part of the preparation system.
Treat Fungal and Algae Growth Before Painting
Outdoor entertainment areas are often exposed to water, shade and garden irrigation, which can encourage fungal or algae growth.
Do not simply paint over green or black contamination.
Apply Fungal Wash generously to the affected area and allow it to soak into the surface. After approximately 12 hours, scrub thoroughly with plenty of clean water and allow the area to dry completely.
If contamination is still visible, repeat the treatment before priming or painting.
Choose the Right Finish for Patio Walls
Allcote Pure Acrylic
Allcote is a premium water-based pure acrylic long-life coating with a suede finish. It offers:
- 10-year life expectancy
- Excellent adhesion
- UV resistance
- Full washability
- Durability
- Low VOC
This makes it a strong option for outdoor entertainment areas where walls may need regular cleaning. Apply two coats, allowing approximately 4–6 hours drying time between coats.
Velvet Sheen Pure Acrylic
Velvet Sheen is another durable option where you prefer a smoother sheen finish.
Its washable surface and UV resistance make it well suited to patio and entertainment walls that are exposed to weather and regular use. Apply two coats, allowing approximately 4–6 hours drying time between coats.
Semitex Textured Paint
If the wall has minor imperfections or you prefer a textured look, Semitex is a useful option. Semitex is a finely textured pure acrylic coating designed with excellent flexibility, adhesion and elasticity. It can help cover hairline cracks while giving the wall a more textured decorative finish. It is:
- UV resistant
- Durable
- Low VOC
- Flexible
- Suitable for interior and exterior use
- Designed for a long service life
Apply two coats, allowing approximately 4–6 hours drying time between coats.
This can work especially well on feature walls, braai areas and boundary walls where texture adds to the overall design.
Give Wooden Patio Floors a New Finish
Suitable timber flooring can also be refreshed rather than replaced. For wooden floors, Unifloor provides a hard-wearing polyurethane finish. Before application, the timber should be clean, dry and sound. For new wood:
- Sand in the direction of the grain using approximately 100–150 grit paper
- Remove all sanding dust
For previously coated timber:
- Remove loose or flaking coatings
- Sand the existing coating to a matt finish
- Sand in the direction of the grain
- Remove all dust
Apply three coats of Unifloor, allowing approximately 16–18 hours drying time between coats.
Unifloor provides:
- A tough polyurethane finish
- Excellent flow and levelling
- A fully washable surface
- Gloss or matt finish options
- Approximately two years’ life expectancy when correctly applied and maintained
Preserve Natural Brick and Stone Instead of Painting It
If your patio has attractive face brick, stone or exposed masonry, you may prefer to protect the natural finish rather than cover it with colour.
Brick & Stone Sealer is designed for sound, unpainted brick, cement, concrete, stone and masonry. It forms a clear, breathable, water-resistant barrier that helps:
- Reduce water absorption
- Improve protection against weather exposure
- Impede fungal growth
- Preserve the natural appearance of the surface
The surface should first be clean, dry and sound.
Apply two coats, allowing approximately 16–24 hours drying time between coats.
This can be a particularly attractive option for braai areas, feature walls and natural masonry floors where you want to keep the original character of the material visible.
Refresh Metal Outdoor Furniture
Metal chairs, tables, benches and stands can start looking tired after years of sun and rain. Common problems include:
- Faded paint
- Scratches
- Peeling coatings
- Rust
- Exposed metal
Before repainting, remove loose and flaking paint and sand the surface thoroughly. Rusted areas should be cleaned back to bright metal before priming.
Prime the Metal First
For suitable mild steel, use Red Oxide Quick-Dry Primer or the appropriate Universal metal primer.
Allow approximately 4–6 hours drying time before applying the topcoat.
For galvanised steel, use Galvanised Primer after the surface has been correctly cleaned and degreased.
Choose a Hardwearing Topcoat for Metal Furniture
High Gloss Enamel
High Gloss Enamel provides a durable, fully washable high-gloss finish. It offers:
- Scratch and mar resistance
- Excellent adhesion
- A hardwearing surface
- A traditional gloss appearance
Apply two coats, allowing approximately 16–24 hours drying time between coats.
This is ideal for outdoor chairs, tables and metal details that need regular cleaning.
Quick Dry Enamel
Where you want a faster turnaround, Quick Dry Enamel provides good adhesion and durability with a much shorter drying time.
Apply two coats, allowing approximately 4–6 hours drying time between coats. This can be useful for furniture that you want to put back into use relatively quickly.
Refresh Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Wooden furniture can either be painted for a completely new look or finished in a way that keeps the wood grain visible.
Painting Bare Wood
For bare timber, start with Pinkwood Primer.
The wood should be clean, dry and sound before priming.
Apply one coat of Pinkwood Primer and allow approximately 16–24 hours drying time before applying the finishing coats.
Follow with two coats of High Gloss Enamel or UniGlo (water-based Enamel) if you want a hardwearing painted finish.
High Gloss Enamel provides:
- Full washability
- Scratch and mar resistance
- Excellent adhesion
- A durable high-gloss finish
- Approximately 3–5 years’ life expectancy when correctly applied and maintained
Uniglo Provides:
- Full washability and stain resistance
- Scratch and mar resistance
- UV Resistance – Non Yellowing
- Approximately 10 years’ life expectancy when correctly applied and maintained
Keep the Natural Wood Look With Allwood
If you prefer to see the natural timber grain, Allwood is another option.
Allwood is a single-pack, low-viscosity oil-based wood varnish suitable for items such as:
- Wooden doors and frames
- Window frames
- Skirtings
- Garden furniture
It offers:
- High durability
- UV resistance
- Clear and standard colour options
- Gloss and matt finishes
- Approximately two years’ life expectancy
The timber should first be sanded and properly prepared.
Apply with a brush or roller and allow approximately 18–24 hours drying time between coats.
Allwood is ideal when you want to refresh and protect wooden furniture without hiding the natural character of the wood.
Previously Painted Wooden Furniture
If the existing coating is still sound and well adhered, the furniture can usually be cleaned, sanded to create a suitable key and recoated. If the coating is peeling or failing:
- Remove loose and flaking paint
- Sand the surface
- Prepare exposed wood
- Spot-prime bare areas with Pinkwood Primer
- Follow with two coats of High Gloss Enamel or UniGlo (water-based Enamel) if you want a hardwearing painted finish.
The quality of the preparation will make a noticeable difference to both the appearance and durability of the finished project.
Choose the Right Weather for Outdoor Painting
Outdoor coatings need enough time to dry and cure. Avoid painting when:
- Rain is expected
- Surfaces are damp
- Heavy condensation is likely
- Conditions are especially cold or humid
- Surfaces are excessively hot from direct sunlight
Whenever possible, work during stable, dry weather and allow each coat the correct drying time before applying the next.
Small Paint Projects Can Completely Change the Space
Refreshing a patio or entertainment area does not have to be a major renovation.
A better approach can be:
Inspect → Clean → Repair → Prepare each surface correctly → Prime where required → Repaint walls → Refresh floors → Seal natural masonry → Refinish furniture.
A fresh wall colour, a newly coated floor and revived furniture can make an older patio feel completely different.
You can also use colour to tie together previously mismatched furniture, walls and architectural details, creating a more coordinated and inviting outdoor entertainment area.
The most important thing is to use the right coating for the right surface.
A concrete floor, timber deck, face brick wall and steel chair all need different preparation and coating systems. Taking the time to prepare each one properly gives the finished makeover a much better foundation.
Visit your nearest Universal Paints Direct Outlet for advice on the right preparation products, primers, floor coatings, sealers, wood finishes and exterior paints for your patio or entertainment area.
