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Did your lawn get burned in the summer heat?
Looking for a simple solution to make your yard look better immediately?
Well, the best option may be to simply paint it.
The good news is that painting your lawn is actually pretty easy.
And if you do it right, it can last for 2 to 3 months.
Below are the 5 simple steps to painting your lawn yourself. And a recipe you can use to make your own lawn paint!
And you won’t need any fancy equipment to do it either!
Let's jump in!
Tips To Keep in Mind While Painting Your Lawn
Before jumping into the 5 steps to painting your lawn, you want to bear these tips in mind:
Wear Clothes You Don’t Mind Getting Stained- Much like the paint for your home, the paint for your lawn will stain clothes, so dress accordingly.
- Test the Paint Color- Choose a hidden area to test the paint, allowing you to adjust for the perfect shade. You may need to apply multiple coats for a darker green or dilute the paint for a lighter tone.
- Check the Weather- Choose a dry, wind-free day to avoid overspray and ensure the paint dries properly.
- Spray in Circular Motions- Avoid a striped look by spraying in a random circular motion.
- Practice First- Start in an inconspicuous area to perfect your technique.
Step One: Gather Your Painting Tools
Once you have decided that painting your lawn is the right solution, simply put, the first step is to gather the tools.
Luckily you won’t need much either!
To start you will need:
Pump sprayer (a cheap one will do)
And lawn paint.
You can either buy lawn paint online or at your local hardware store, or you can make your own paint for the lawn.
Pro Tip! Use a dedicated sprayer for your lawn paint. The sprayer WILL become stained.
Step Two: Cut the Lawn To Height and Rake it Out
Assuming you haven’t already, take the time to cut your lawn to the height you would like it to be.
If you start with your lawn at the right height, the paint job can last up to 3 months while you may need to do a fall touch-up.
Next, you will want to rake out any extra debris on the lawn.
Remove any:
Sticks,
And Thatch.
Pro tip! Before mixing your lawn paint, put on the proper protective equipment. Wearing gloves and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty is a good idea.
You can also throw on the white New Balances to get that proper grass stain look detailed on them if you don’t want to mess up your premium lawn care shoes.
Step Three: Mix the Paint into The Sprayer
Now you will want to read the instructions on the paint’s label.
Lawn paint concentrate can be diluted with water quite a bit.
Most find that a mixture of 6 parts water to 1 part paint is optimal.
Now, add your mixture to the spray pump.
Pro Tip! Remove the tube from the inside of the sprayer and remove the screen at the end. While this filter may be useful with thinner liquids, paint has a hard time making it through the screen.
Step Four: Spray Your Grass Green
Now it's time for the fun part. Let's spray your lawn!
Simply start in a corner of your lawn, holding the spray nozzle about 5 - 8 inches from the lawn, and spray the paint on your lawn.
When it comes to borders and edges like driveways, spray in toward the lawn rather than toward the walkway. This will prevent overspray from getting onto your hard surfaces.
Pro Tip! Grass paint will stain any hard edges like sidewalks, driveways, etc. Have a hose at the ready so that you can spray any surfaces that may get overspray on them.
Step 5: Clean Up
Now that your lawn is green again, remember to clean out your pump sprayer so that you can use it next year if you need it.
Your newly painted lawn will take about 24 hours to cure. Be sure to keep any children and pets off of the lawn.
While dry lawn paint is safe for pets unless it’s St. Patrick's Day, I doubt you want to be dealing with a dog who has been stained green.
Now that we have painted your lawn, learn how to avoid a brown lawn in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a lawn?
The cost to paint a lawn varies depending on the size of the area and the type of paint used. On average, it can cost between $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot if you do it yourself.
Can you paint a lawn in the winter?
Yes, you can paint a lawn in the winter as long as the ground is dry. Painting during winter is common in areas where the grass turns brown due to cold temperatures.
How do I remove lawn paint from surfaces?
If lawn paint gets on unwanted surfaces like driveways or sidewalks, it's best to wash it off immediately with water before it dries. Once dry, it can be difficult to remove.
What kind of sprayer should I use for lawn painting?
A pump sprayer is typically used for lawn painting. Ensure the sprayer is dedicated to this task, as the paint can stain and make it unsuitable for other uses.
Quick Recap: Painting Your Lawn in 5 Steps
- Gather a pump sprayer and lawn paint.
- Mow and rake the lawn.
- Mix paint with water (6:1 ratio).
- Spray from a corner and avoid hard edges.
- Clean up and let dry for 24 hours.
Is Painting a Lawn a Permanent Solution?
Painting your lawn is a temporary fix. To avoid future brown patches, identify and address the root cause of your lawn's discoloration.
While there are many causes for a brown lawn, if you have to cover it up, green lawn paint is a good way to resolve the problem temporarily.
But I recommend that you look into what is causing your lawn to turn brown because it is often preventable.
For more great how-to guides check out our lawn care blog for homeowners.
