The weather is warm, the lawn chairs are dusted off, and the bugs are starting to bite–it’s patio season. After being exposed to the elements during winter, it’s probably in need of a little TLC.

If you have an older concrete patio, there are two ways to make this happen. The first is the Benjamin Moore’s Latex Floor & Patio Enamel (122), which is a quick drying, epoxy reinforced latex floor paint. This is a very durable coating that holds up well to soaps, detergents, grease and oils. Floor & Patio is available in almost any Benjamin Moore color, so you can select one to work with the exterior of your home.

The second option is an epoxy fortified opaque stain–Benjamin Moore’s 100% Acrylic Concrete Stain (072). Concrete Stain is only available in a select number of ready-mixed colors, however it can be tinted to lighter shades. Each one can cover any exterior concrete surface, whether it’s been previously painted or not. The enamel is meant for surfaces in fair-to-good condition, as it has a satin sheen level, whereas the stain’s superior hide characteristics is a better choice for surfaces in rougher shape because of it’s low luster sheen (lower sheen levels conceal surface imperfections better).

If you are starting with a new, unfinished patio, whether poured, pre-cast, troweled smooth or non-porous, it will require 30 to 60 days to cure, then an etching with Benjamin Moore’s Concrete Pretreatment & Etch (P85), before finishing. Etching creates a porous surface and enhances the area for the product to adhere to–a properly etched surface, ready for finishing should have a texture similar to that of 120 grit sandpaper.

Prior to etching, thoroughly clean the concrete to remove any dirt, mildew or oils that could prevent the etching solution to work into the surface. After the etching process is completed, use a stiff bristle broom or vacuum to remove any residue left behind. Then apply Floor & Patio paint, thinned with one pint of water per gallon to act as a primer coat, and follow with a second coat, un-thinned. (On previously painted areas, no thinning is required.) The Concrete Stain is self-priming on both new and previously painted surfaces. All sealed walking surfaces may become slippery when wet. A small amount of (P67) Anti-Slip Aggregate or clean play sand added to the finish will reduce this.