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How to stencil paint outdoor tiles

Blue tiles Stencilled pathway leading up to the front door, with white timber railing

Overview

Transform tired outdoor tiles

Give the outdoor tiles on your verandah or patio a stunning makeover using a specialised paint system and a stencil design. First, patch cracked tiles and rejuvenate the grout, then apply a base colour using concrete paint and finish with a stencil and sealer. 

Steps

1Clean the patio tiles

Wearing protective gear, sweep and pressure-clean the tiles. In a bucket, mix one part sealed surface cleaner into five parts water and scrub the porch with a deck brush. Rinse off with the pressure washer and leave to dry.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Before cleaning, wet surrounding foliage to dilute any solution that spills over.
A broom is used to scrub tiles clean to prepare for painting

2Repair chipped tiles

To repair chipped tiles, wear disposable gloves to knead a multipurpose epoxy into a uniform colour. While it’s still warm, work quickly to push it into the chipped section of tile, shaping to fit and squaring the edges with a scraper. Leave to cure for an hour, then sand smooth with 120-grit abrasive paper. 

Hands wearing gloves are pushing epoxy into chipped tiles to repair them

3Revive grout and fill cracks

Use a ready-mix exterior grout to fill damaged grout and cracks, working in one direction to smooth into the gaps with a small rubber squeegee. Wipe away excess with a clean, damp sponge. Wash out the sponge, wring to remove water, then wipe away the grout haze and leave to dry.
A hand wearing a glove is using squeegee to fill a crack in a tile with exterior grout

4Apply the primer

Mask around house walls and posts with painter’s tape. Mix up sealed surface primer with the supplied additive and pour into a tray. To apply, cut in around the edges with a brush, then complete with a roller and leave to dry.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: The primer is a membrane that goes on pale blue but dries clear.
A hand wearing a glove is using a paintbrush to cut in around the edges of the tiles with primer

5Paint the tiles

To apply the base colour, cut in with a brush, then complete with a roller and leave to dry. Apply a second coat and leave to dry overnight. 

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: We used the Dulux ‘Concrete & Paving’ system including self-sealing finish with anti-slip additive.
A hand wearing a glove is using a roller to apply paint to the patio tiles

6Paint the stencils

Use a utility knife to cut cardboard the same size as the tiles with a cutout in the middle for the stencil pattern. Centre the stencil on the cardboard and secure with painter’s tape, reinforcing around the edges. To transfer, hold the template on each tile, stencil face down, and dab on the stencil colour with a round chalk-paint brush. Leave to dry overnight.

A stencil taped to a tile is being painted by gloved hands using a round brush

7Keep in mind…

• Wear a mask, protective eyewear, gloves and waterproof footwear, and cover skin when working with cleaning solutions and a pressure washer.

• Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets, and wear safety gear while painting.

• Paint colours may vary on application.

8Looking for more ground-level projects?

Check out our flooring ideas and advice for inspiration.

 

Photo Credit: Jonny Valiant, Natasha Dickins

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.