How to Paint Concrete Garden Ornaments

Last Updated: January 15, 2023 References

Concrete garden ornaments come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are benches, animals, gnomes, statues and bird baths. People place them in their yards, flower beds and gardens out in the weather elements. Staining and painting a garden ornament will allow it to stand up to the elements over time without as much wear and tear. This is how to paint concrete garden ornaments.

Steps

1
Wash the garden ornament with clear water. Do not use soap. Spray the garden ornament using a hose with a spray nozzle attached.
2
Brush away any loose flakes using a dry scrub brush, or use an air sprayer.^{[1]
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3
Place the garden ornament on a turn table to make the painting process easier.
4
Apply concrete stain to the garden ornament as a protective base coat.^{[2]
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Research source} Concrete is porous and demands some kind of primer before painting.
- Lay the garden ornament down, and brush on the concrete stain to the bottom and let it dry.
- Spread concrete stain on the rest of the garden ornament when the bottom is dry and you are able to place it back upright. Let this dry.
5
Paint the garden ornament with latex paints in colors of your choice.^{[3]
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- Create a plan for the paint scheme of your garden ornament before you begin.
- Brush all the parts of the garden ornament that you wish to be the same color while you have that paint color available and the paintbrush is full of that color paint.^{[4]
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- Clean the paintbrush between colors using tap water or water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent mixed in to it. This is sufficient for cleaning latex paint from the paintbrush, so paint thinner will not be necessary.^{[5]
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6
Dry the garden ornament for 24 hours before proceeding.
7
Apply a non-yellowing exterior latex sealer to the entire garden ornament.
8
Dry the garden ornament for 24 hours before moving it to its ideal location.

Community Q&A

Question

Where can I buy small tins of paint to paint concrete garden ornaments?

Community Answer

You can buy small tins of paint to concrete garden ornaments in craft stores.
Question

Is a varnish coat the same as exterior latex sealer?

Community Answer

No - varnish or urethane are not latex products and use mineral spirits of some kind to clean up. They would generally be OK to use over the latex paint, but test a small sample to see if there will be a reaction to the different paint types. Expect about a 2-year lifespan for an exterior varnish or urethane product.
Question

Do I need to seal new garden stone ornaments before putting them into the garden?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

The materials in a garden stone ornament are made to be kept outside. There is no need to seal them unless you want to paint them a particular color.

Warnings

Bird baths and fountains should be drained of water when freezing temperatures are forecast. If they are not drained, no amount of paint or stain will keep them from cracking or breaking.

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All staining, painting and sealing should be done outdoors or in a well ventilated area.

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Concrete garden ornaments may settle over time, and those with legs may develop cracks from stress.

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Do not begin this process until the garden ornament has been out of its mold and had a chance to set for at least 3 weeks or, even better, 30 days.

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