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An image of a painted driveway.

Overview

Painting your driveway is an easy way to give your house an instant facelift. This D.I.Y. project can be completed in a day with a little advance planning. Follow our step-by-step guide to successfully spruce things up.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Before you begin:

  • Find a place to park your vehicle for a week. It will take approximately seven days for the paint to fully cure.
  • Watch the weather. Undertake this project when the forecast will be clear and rain-free for seven days after you paint the driveway.
  • Make sure you choose your paint before you begin.

2Clean the area

It’s important to clean the driveway first to make sure that the paint sticks to the surface. Prep the area by sweeping away loose bits of gravel and dirt. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove any loose pieces, and pull out any weeds or moss that have grown in between the pavers.

A person cleaning the driveway using a broom.

3Sand the surface

If your driveway has been painted before, you will need to sand the surface. This will remove any remnants of the previous paint and will ensure that the paint sticks to the surface.

Tip: Using a pole sander is the easiest and most efficient way to do this.
Sand the surface to remove any remnants of the previous paint.

4Remove any stains

Remove any stains from the driveway – petrol, oil and grease, for example. Use an oil and grease remover to do this.

Tip: Read the instructions before you begin and apply the solution according to the instructions on the bottle.
Cleaning the driveway to remove any stains with a brush.

5Apply a high-pressure wash

Once the driveway is clear of stains, you can begin pressure washing. A pressure washer is an easy way to remove grime from the surface of your driveway, leaving behind a smooth, clean surface. Let the driveway dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Pressure washing the driveway to remove grime from the surface.

6Prepare the paint

It’s important to prepare the paint the right way. This will make sure that the paint goes on smoothly and evenly, and will prevent it from peeling or cracking. Make sure to choose an exterior paint that is suitable for driveways and concrete floors. If needed, apply a slip-resistant additive to ensure your driveway doesn’t become hazardous in wet conditions.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Follow the instructions on the paint tin for how to properly prepare and apply the paint.
Painting driveway using a paint roller.

7Begin painting

Now you can start painting! Begin by cutting in the edges with a paintbrush. Start with the corners, edges and any areas that won’t be easy to paint with a roller.

Next, use a paint roller to cover the rest of the driveway, starting from one edge to the other so you won’t ruin your paintwork by walking on it.

Using paint roller brush to get paint from paint roller tray.

8Apply a second coat

Allow the paint to dry before applying a second coat. Allow it all to dry for approximately seven days before driving on it.

9Watch the full episode

For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 2: House facade and garden renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.