DIY Bloggers Beat: Pattern Play

DIY Bloggers Beat: Pattern Play

Has your backyard patio seen better days? Whether most frequently used for entertaining guests or just escaping from a hectic day, an unwelcoming slab transforms from drab to fab with this idea from Atlanta blogger Kevin O’Gara. Use paint in a new way to give fresh, colorful life to your outdoor space. O’Gara explains, “I chose Behr’s DeckOver paint in pale blue and green to create a soothing, naturally inspired palette.The paint is durable and also has built-in mildew protection.”
 

Materials
•  Measuring tape and calculator
•  Chalk
•  Exterior painting tape
•  Behr DeckOver Paint
•  Small roller and paint tray

Project Steps
1. Pressure wash your patio. Paint won’t adhere well with debris clinging to the surface.

2. Measure the patio and plan an evenly spaced checkerboard or diamond pattern to tape off. Sketch this part out on paper before attempting to tape. Larger squares or diamonds mean you’ll have less taping.

3. Use chalk to mark the design boundaries along perimeter of the patio. With those marks as guidelines, tape off the pattern.

4. It’s time to paint! The small roller will easily cover each square. For best coverage and durability, use two or more layers of paint.

5. Give paint adequate time to dry and cure, then peel back tape to reveal a faux “grout.”

This project is brought to you by Kevin O’Gara, a high-school student at The Westminster Schools, founder and editor of the blog “Thou Swell.” He named the blog after the jazz standard because he was inspired by the song’s spirit. In just two years, “Thou Swell” has become a popular destination for interior-design enthusiasts.

ThouSwell.co