When your concrete driveway starts looking tired, cracked, or stained, driveway paint offers an affordable way to restore its appearance and protect the surface from harsh weather conditions. Whether you're considering a DIY approach or hiring professionals, understanding the true cost breakdown helps you make an informed decision for your property.
The total cost to paint a driveway varies significantly based on several factors. Professional driveway painting services typically charge between £15 to £50 per square metre, while DIY projects can cost as little as £23 for a basic transformation using products like Sika Black Tarmac Restorer.
When hiring Driveway Painting professionals, expect these price ranges:
Labour Costs:
Average Project Costs:
Many homeowners choose the DIY route for significant savings. Here's what you'll need:
Essential Materials:
Real Success Story: A homeowner in Wrexham transformed their faded driveway using just £300 worth of coloured sealant, achieving a finish that "looks like fresh tarmac." Two years later, a mere £50 top-up kept it looking sharp, proving DIY can deliver lasting results.
Different surface materials require different approaches and affect the total cost:
Concrete Driveway Paint: Concrete surfaces often need the most preparation work. Loose or flaking material must be removed, cracks filled, and the surface thoroughly cleaned. Concrete paint adheres well but requires proper surface preparation.
Block Paving: Block paving presents unique challenges. Individual blocks may need repair, and the joints require attention. Specially formulated paving paint works best for these surfaces.
Tarmac Surfaces: Generally the easiest surface to paint, tarmac typically needs less preparation. However, any soft spots or significant damage should be repaired first.
The total cost decreases per square metre as project size increases:
Proper surface preparation is crucial for long-lasting results:
Standard Preparation:
Extensive Preparation:
Acrylic resins provide excellent durability and weather resistance. These specially formulated paints typically cost £40-80 per 5-litre container, covering approximately 25-40 square metres with two coats.
Professional-grade concrete paint offers superior protection against harsh weather conditions. Expect to pay £50-120 for premium systems that include primer and sealer.
Block paving requires specially formulated paint that can flex with the surface. These products cost £35-75 per container but provide excellent adhesion and colour retention.
Adding a sealer coat protects your driveway paint investment. But you might be asking, do you need to seal concrete after painting? The answer is yes, as sealing adds significant protection and longevity to your paint job.
Sealer Benefits:
Sealer Costs:
DIY painting works well when:
Viral Success: One TikTok user achieved over 2 million views showcasing their £23 DIY transformation using B&Q's Sika Black Tarmac Restorer, with users praising its 12-year longevity.
Professional services are advisable for:
If you don't own the necessary equipment:
Ambient temperature affects both cost and quality:
Factor in long-term costs, and consider how long should a painted driveway last when planning your budget:
Home driveways typically feature:
Business and industrial sites offer:
Timing Your Project:
Preparation Work:
When selecting Driveway Painting services:
A freshly painted driveway enhances curb appeal and can increase property value by 2-5%. This improvement often exceeds the cost of professional painting, making it a worthwhile investment.
Professional Job (£1,500 lasting 7 years): £214 per year DIY Project (£300 lasting 4 years): £75 per year Premium DIY (£500 lasting 6 years): £83 per year
Skipping proper preparation leads to:
Painting in unsuitable conditions causes:
Using incorrect paint types results in:
Modern driveway paints offer environmentally conscious choices:
Proper disposal prevents environmental damage:
Costs vary across the UK:
London and Southeast: 15-25% above national average Northern England: 10-15% below national average Scotland and Wales: Variable, often 5-10% below average Rural areas: May include additional travel charges
When evaluating how much does it cost to paint a driveway, consider:
The choice between professional and DIY depends on balancing cost savings against time investment and quality expectations. Both approaches can deliver excellent results when executed properly.
Ready to transform your driveway? Contact Driveway Painting for a comprehensive assessment and free quote. Our experienced team provides professional advice tailored to your specific surface type, budget, and requirements. Whether you need a complete makeover or maintenance touch-ups, we deliver quality results that protect your investment and enhance your property's appearance.
From small domestic driveways to large commercial car parks, our specially formulated paints and expert application ensure your surface looks great and withstands harsh weather conditions for years to come.
