Sitting a spell on the porch swing has not been easy the past couple of weeks
Hey, y’all! Welcome to Sweet Sorghum Living–a place to sit a spell with a good cup of coffee and enjoy good conversation about everything from gluten-free goodies to handmade goodness. Today on the blog, we are going to continue our “How Not To Clean a Front Porch” conversation. Bless! I am just now recovering from all the paint scraping *wink* Now, before I wander off topic–which I am prone to do–let’s get this porch-prepping party started!
Powerwashing is the first step. Scraping loose paint is the second. This step is definitely time consuming, but totally worth the pain and time.
This product is a must and a top pick for proper porch prep. Simply follow the instructions on the jug + wear some old wellies. This is not the time to sport flip-flops *wink*
After the concrete has completely dried from the cleaning-n-etching procedure, apply concrete bonding primer. Do not skip this step, and do not skimp with a cheap imitation. Believe me–you do not want to wake up one morning after a wind-driven rain to paint peeling off your porch!
While your primer is drying, head to Lowe’s and purchase your porch paint. Feel free to stop at your local coffee shop for coffee. You have earned it + you will need it *wink* A big shout out to The Corner Cup in Jonesborough for keeping me going while I paint *big smile*
The base color of the porch was inspired by my love of anything coffee–Frappe. It is the perfect light neutral + it works well with all the colors of my furniture and flower pots.
I am totally crushing on “Italian Leather”–a super, rich brown that reminds me of espresso. This color is the trim color for the porch floor + it will be used in the “rug” pattern that will be stenciled on the porch…soon…well, kinda soon *wink*
For the base color I used almost two gallons, but for the trim I used only part of a quart.
Once the primer has dried, it is time to apply the base color. We painted two coats of Frappe in order to achieve a consistent look–our concrete is very old (and has seen many things), so we took extra coverage precautions!
THE BEST TAPE EVER for all your painting projects–especially ones involving old porches! Absolutely FROGTAPE is a top pick!!!
After the base coat has thoroughly dried (and I do mean like totally completely dried), tape off for the border|trim.
While painting, we battled a dove who really wanted to build a nest on our porch. Apparently, the little Robin family told the Dove family that the Hathorns were totally cool with nest-building. Yes, I do have a Robin family on my porch…there are three little babies. No, I did not allow the Dove family to build because it was an unsafe area with not enough room for a proper nest.
The paint was still wet while the Dove family was trying to build a nest next to one of our motion sensors. All I could do was shake my head, shoo the Dove family, and gently sand and repaint the area.
Mattie practiced her yoga while I painted trim.
Thanks so much for a sitting a spell with me today as we chatted about what you need to prep your concrete porch for paint. Honestly, the best advice I can give you is invest in quality and proven products. Yes, it will cost a bit more–but it is totally worth the extra money. **p.s. I have been accused of being a paint and brush snob–but quality paint and brushes really do make a huge difference.**
Speaking of being a paint snob *wink*, I am a huge fan of Liquitex. **Here is a little sneaky peek of one of my latest pieces.**
Pinks + Texture
Mattie says that it is time for Mommy to quit painting and chatting!
