Lawn mower paint job. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Use Krylon spray paint whenever you want a smooth, durable, professional-looking finish. Krylon products are specially formulated for success with:

• Quick dry times
• Easy cleanup
• Less waste
• Grab-and-go convenience
• Coverage of hard-to-reach areas
• Recyclable cans

What should I know before applying Krylon spray paint?-.-.- What should I know before applying Krylon spray paint?

Make every Krylon spray paint project a success with these simple tips.

• As you spray, start and finish the spray pattern off the surface of the object.
• Overlap the spray paint pattern by about a third.
• Use an even, side-to-side motion.
• Release the spray button at the end of each pass.
• Apply several thin coats.

How do I apply spray paint evenly?-.-.- How do I apply spray paint evenly?

Follow our simple tips for even paint application every time.

Using Fusion All-In-One ® and COLORmaxx ™ spray paint:

• Shake the can for 1 to 2 minutes before spraying.
• Test your painting technique on a piece of scrap material.
• Hold the can 8 to 10 inches away from the surface to be painted.
• Spray in a sweeping, side-to-side motion with slight overlap.
• Apply multiple thin coats
• Wait 1 minute in between each coat for best results.

Using Rust Tough ® with Anti-Rust Technology ™ :

• Shake the can for 1 to 2 minutes before spraying.
• Test your painting technique on a piece of scrap material.
• Hold the can 8 to 10 inches away from the surface to be painted.
• Spray in a sweeping, side-to-side motion with slight overlap.
• Apply multiple thin coats.
• Wait 1 minute in between each coat for best results.

How can I get coverage into hard-to-reach areas?-.-.- How can I get coverage into hard-to-reach areas?

Krylon ® makes it easy with unique nozzles on many of our spray paint cans. Our EZ Touch 360° nozzle is easy to push. It lets you comfortably spray at any angle, even upside down, to get into hard-to-reach areas or coat wide-spray areas by turning the tip vertically, horizontally or diagonally.

How do I clean the spray paint nozzle?-.-.- How do I clean the spray paint nozzle?

To guarantee the performance of Krylon ® spray paint products, make sure the can nozzle is completely cleared before storing.

• Do not use a pin to clear the nozzle.
• Wearing eye protection and using a regionally compliant cleaner, wipe off the spray nozzle until clean.

How long does Krylon spray paint take to dry?-.-.- How long does Krylon spray paint take to dry?

Check the label of each Krylon product for recommended dry and recoat times. Most Krylon spray paints are dry to the touch in 20 to 25 minutes and ready to handle in 1 hour.

How long should I wait before spraying a second or third coat?-.-.- How long should I wait before spraying a second or third coat?

When a project requires multiple coats of spray paint, be sure to wait the recommended dry time between coats for a smooth, quality finish.

PREPARATION

How do I prevent the spray can nozzle from clogging?-.-.- How do I prevent the spray can nozzle from clogging?

• Wearing eye protection, turn the spray can upside down.
• Press the spray nozzle for 5 seconds or until clear gas is discharged.

How do I prevent spray paint air bubbles?-.-.- How do I prevent spray paint air bubbles?

Applying spray paint under ideal weather conditions will help prevent air bubbles from forming on the surface. For best results, apply Krylon ® spray paint when the temperature is between 55 °F and 75 degrees °F and when the relative humidity is below 60 percent.

How do I prevent spray paint overspray?-.-.- How do I prevent spray paint overspray?

Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, it’s important to protect surrounding surfaces from overspray. Use newspapers, painter’s tape or drop cloths to keep the area around your project free from paint overspray.

When working on small tabletop projects, Krylon ® suggests creating your own spray booth for overspray protection.

• Turn a large, clean cardboard box on its side.
• Place the object inside the box and apply paint.
• Rotate the object within the spray booth as necessary as you spray.

If overspray has occurred, learn how to remove Krylon spray paint.

PRODUCT

Can I use Krylon paint to repair scratches on appliances?-.-.- Can I use Krylon paint to repair scratches on appliances?

Yes, you can easily repair scratches and chips on metal appliances with Krylon ® Appliance Touch-Up Tubes.

• Quick, one-step application repairs scratches or chips.
• The finished application is compatible with most household cleaners.
• Touch-up areas are dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I safely use spray paint on grass?-.-.- Can I safely use spray paint on grass?

Yes, Krylon ® makes it easy to mark landscaping areas, volleyball courts and soccer fields with paint. Krylon Line-Up ® and Krylon Mark-It ™ Water-Based Marking Paint and Chalk are temporary, fast-drying, water-based spray paint formulas that make it simple to safely mark grassy areas.

Can I use spray paint on outdoor furniture?-.-.- Can I use spray paint on outdoor furniture?

Yes, you can paint metal and plastic outdoor furniture using Krylon ® spray paint products. We suggest Fusion All-In-One ®. COLORmaxx ™ and Rust Tough ® with Anti-Rust Technology ™.

For a durable finish on wooden outdoor furniture, use Krylon ® Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. It goes on smooth, provides UV fade protection and holds up to the toughest conditions.

Can I spray paint over rust?-.-.- Can I spray paint over rust?

Yes, you can spray paint over rust. Before painting, take the time to properly prepare the surface to ensure that your new paint finish will last.

Clean the surface. Dirt, oil and grease can affect the way paint adheres to the surface. You can remove most surface grime with ordinary soap and water or household cleaner.

• Remove grease or oil with a regionally compliant cleaner.
• Rinse and let dry completely.
• The surface should be clean, dull and dry.

Avoid using strong solvents on previously painted surfaces. Solvents may soften old paint, causing the new paint to wrinkle or pull away from the surface.

Remove loose rust and paint. If the surface is rusted or has peeling paint, remove with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover. Making sure the surface is as smooth as possible will help the new paint finish adhere properly. Lightly sand any glossy areas to dull the finish.

Do not sand old paint that may contain lead. For more information, contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD.

When a metal surface has minimal rust Spray with Krylon ® Rust Tough ® Primer with Anti-Rust Technology ™ to eliminate rust and prime the surface. Apply multiple thin coats. Rust Tough primer dries to the touch in 20 minutes and is tack-free in 15 minutes. After drying, add a color topcoat.

When a metal surface has extensive rust Start with Krylon ® Rust Tough ® Rust Converter, a primer that changes rust to a paintable surface in one easy step. Spray directly over rust to protect against further corrosion. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Rust Tough sprays on clear and dries to a black primer finish. After 24 hours, lightly sand the surface before applying a color topcoat.

Priming and painting after rust has been removed Priming is an important step that helps create a smooth, consistent surface, increase paint adhesion and decrease the likelihood of color change. When all traces of rust are removed, prime the surface with Krylon ® Rust Tough ® with Anti-Rust Technology ™. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Krylon Rust Tough dries to the touch in 20 minutes and can be finished with a topcoat after 30 minutes.

What is primer, and when should I use it?-.-.- What is primer, and when should I use it?

Primers prepare bare metal, wood, canvas and other materials by sealing the surface before applying spray paint. Priming also helps maximize the amount of coverage you get from a can of Krylon ® spray paint. Applying a primer:

• Smooths out uneven surface and blemishes
• Increases spray paint adhesion
• Ensures the true color of the painted project
• Improves corrosion resistance on bare metal
• Allows for even penetration on bare wood

To cut down on project time, prime and paint in one simple step with Krylon ® Fusion All-In-One ®.

How much does car paint repair cost?

So you found a ding in your car’s paint. Maybe you put it there, maybe someone (or something) else did. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it sure does make your nice, shiny toy feel a bit less magnificent. If you’ve never had to deal with this before now, you’re probably wondering, “How much does car paint repair cost?” There are quite a few factors that play into what that number will be in your specific situation, and I’m going to break it down for you!

What’s The Damage?

The first question you’ll need to answer is what type of damage your vehicle has. Below is a list of the most common types of paint damage. When you’re clear on what you’re dealing with, we’ll move on to how much it will cost to repair.

Paint Chips

Minor: Minor paint chips are pretty small (no bigger than the size of a pencil eraser).

Extensive: Larger chips and chips with cracking/peeling around them.

Scratches

Minor: Just in the clear coat (if you get it wet, it disappears for a moment) and no longer than 6 inches.

Extensive: Deeper scratches that go past the clear coat into the actual paint, or even to the metal. Scratches that span more than 6 inches are extensive as well.

Scrapes

Minor: Contained in a relatively small area and just on the surface of the paint (you can’t see any metal). Some minor scrapes may even just be transfer from the thing your vehicle rubbed up against and may be easily removed with just a rubbing compound and microfiber cloth.

Extensive: Scrapes that have misshapen the surface of the car itself, cover a larger area, or have taken away the paint completely are considered extensive.

Dents

If you have paint damage on top of a dent, you’ll want to get the dent repaired before the paint so the paint job is not affected by the dent repair process.

Minor: Dents that are on a flat surface are pretty easily fixed.

Extensive: Dents on a curved surface take a bit more skill to repair. A dent may be unfixable if the metal has been completely bent out of shape, like on a bumper that’s been crushed in.

Car Paint Repair Cost

After you’ve determined which type of damage you’re dealing with, check out the guide below to see what it’s going to cost you to fix it!

For Minor Damage:

There are very likely mobile technicians near you for all of the types of car paint damage mentioned above. A mobile technician will be the cheapest option and they’ll come to you!

For minor paint chip, scratch, and scrape repair, you’ll pay between 150 and 250 for all of the damage they can fix on your vehicle. Touch-up is great for small, shallow chips and scratches. Dent repairs will cost about 75 per panel.

Touch-up repairs won’t necessarily make your car look brand new, but they will be significantly cheaper than a body shop and will look much better. They’ll keep the damage from getting worse and should last as long as you have the car. For paint repair, look for someone who uses the Dr. Colorchip system! (Read our blog post here on why we only use Dr. Colorchip paint.)

For Extensive Damage:

If your vehicle’s paint damage covers a lot of area and is quite deep, you may want to have it sprayed rather than touched up.

If you have moderate damage on a vertical surface (like a car door), you could use mobile spray paint services. This will cost you 200-400 and may be your best option for damage on multiple panels.

If your vehicle’s moderate-extensive damage is on a horizontal surface (like the hood), it’s too much for touch-up or mobile spray painting, or if you just prefer for it to look brand new, then you’ll need a body shop.

The differentiation between horizontal and vertical surfaces has to do with dust and other particles settling on the car. It’s nearly impossible to keep particles from interfering with a spray paint job on horizontal surfaces outside of a controlled environment. This is why you’d be better off taking your car to a body shop with access to a clean, well-ventilated room specifically for that purpose.

A body shop will charge anywhere from 250 to 600 per panel, depending on your location and the shop.

Mulching and Mower Decks

What is mulching? Why should I consider doing it? How will it make my lawn look better? Learn all about mulching now.

A John Deere exclusive. The MulchControl™ Kit with One-Touch Technology.

Grass mulch can help keep your lawn healthy and looking its best. It’s easy to do with our many lawn mower and mower deck offerings. Check out the tractor mower compatibility.

This is grass mulch.

The easy way to feed your lawn. To make grass mulch, grass is cut into easily absorbed grass clippings to help keep your lawn healthy and lush.

Mulch with the push of a button.

The John Deere MulchControl™ Kit with One-Touch Technology is the easy way to mulch. With the push of a button you can mulch when you want to.

Mulch mode.

Push the button and mulch. The chute closes and you have a dedicated mulching system. Perfect for regular, weekly, or bi-weekly mowing.

Side-discharge mow or bag mode.

Push the button again, or pull the lever, with your MulchControl™ System, the chute opens and you can side-discharge mow or bag. The choice is yours.

Eight things you need to know about mulch mowing.

Fertilizing your lawn just got easier. Just let your grass clippings do the job for you. Grass clipping mulch is the natural way to feed your lawn essential nutrients. Here are eight things you need to know:

Mulch mowing allows clippings to be cut finely enough so that they can’t be seen when redistributed into the lawn.

Make sure your blades are sharp. Sharp blades help ensure a precise, quality cut.

Mulching returns nitrogen-rich nutrients to your lawn. This feeds your lawn and can reduce the amount of fertilizer you need.

Follow the “one-third” rule when mulch mowing, taking no more off than the top third of the grass blade. Fast-growing conditions will warrant more frequent mowing.

Mulching works better when the grass is dry.

The MulchControl™ System from John Deere is the easy way to mulch while you mow.

If tall or wet grass conditions result in unsightly clumps, your MulchControl™ System should be used in side-discharge mode.

If conditions warrant using your MulchControl™ System in side-discharge mode, clippings are likely to be visible for a few days as they decay.

This exclusive technology is available with One-Touch Technology on the John Deere X350 Select Series Riding Lawn Tractor with a 42-in or 48-in Accel Deep™ Mower Deck and other Select Series mowers.

MulchControl™ Kits, with the pull-of-a-lever technology, are available on S240 Riding Mowers with Accel Deep™ Mower Decks, Select Series Mowers, Signature Series Mowers, and all Residential ZTrak™ Mowers.

All MulchControl™ Kits from John Deere include mulching blades for best grass mulching results.

The science behind mulching.

Who loves lugging a heavy bag of lawn clippings to the compost pile or yard waste bin, or endlessly raking leaves in the fall? Pretty much nobody, that’s who. Fortunately, for the sake of aching backs and nutrient-hungry lawns, it’s best to forgo the bag and opt to mulch lawn clippings and leaves instead.

Each little bit of plant material is full of nutrients, and being organic matter, when left in place, can improve the overall health of the soil which in turn, better supports the turf and potentially decreases inputs.

“In the lawncare industry, we’re realizing that rather than feed the lawn synthetically with fertilizers, we can choose to do it more organically by mulching grass clippings and leaving them on the lawn to sift in,” says Richard Hentschel, University of Illinois horticultural extension educator. “Leaving clippings on the lawn provides the equivalent of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. That’s nitrogen you didn’t have to buy and apply.” Removing the clippings means also removing those nutrients from the system.

Besides nutrients, clippings return carbon to the soil, which helps build soil organic matter by feeding the microflora that decomposes that organic matter. Soil organic matter (SOM) is measured as a percentage of organic matter in the soil and is the primary indicator of soil health, and therefore the health of the lawn growing in the soil. The higher the percentage of SOM, the more nutrients and water the soil can retain.

“Every 1 percent of SOM holds 1/3 gallon of water per cubic foot of soil,” Hentschel explains. “So, a soil with a fairly good measurement of 3 percent SOM can hold as much as 1 gallon of water per cubic foot.” The ability to hold more water means more of the water applied to the soil through irrigation or falling on the lawn as rain will stay put and turf will be more resistant to swings in temperature and drought conditions.

“SOM also is Mother Nature’s slow release fertilizer. It’s not just the usual nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium either, it’s all 16 of the nutrients essential for plant growth,” Hentschel says. Constantly removing lawn clippings and other organic matter results in decreasing levels of SOM, and lawns will become increasingly dependent on the application of synthetic fertilizers.

While lawns benefit from clippings, they don’t want to be smothered by them. Using best mowing practices can leave grass room to breathe and looking as clean as it would with bagging. The key is to mow with sharp blades and frequently enough that no more than 1/3 of the plant tissue is removed per cutting. This will result in less plant material for the lawn to reincorporate per pass.

“If you mow often with a sharp mower blade, even a conventional mower — as opposed to a mower designed specifically for mulching — will cut the grass up fine enough for it to sift back into the standing grass and break up quickly releasing nutrients to the soil and growing grass as it decomposes,” Hentschel says.

It may be a relatively simple task to stay ahead of grass to get a nice fine mulch that disappears quickly into the lawn, but what about leaves in the fall? Hentschel says to go ahead and mulch them, too. Leaves should be mowed frequently as they fall. To ensure finely parsed leaves that will move into the thatch layer more quickly, it may be necessary to make two or more passes with the lawnmower per mowing. When more leaves fall, simply keep making passes to chop up the material and help speed the composting process.

Hentschel says the leaf residue will work its way into the soil taking valuable nutrients with them and creating a barrier that can help control weeds. With multiple years of mulching leaves, which returns more nutrients to the soil through the extra organic matter, lawns may not need as much fertilizer in the spring. And because the leaf residue covers up bare spots where weeds can gain a foothold, it’s possible over time to see fewer dandelions and crabgrass issues after multiple years of mulching.

No raking, no lugging, less fertilizer, more efficient water use, and fewer weeds—for once, the easy choice is also the best choice. Go ahead and leave the mower bag in the shed if you’re so inclined, and leave the organic matter right where it belongs, on the lawn.

What is Grass Paint and How to Paint Your Lawn

Does your lawn look more like January than September? Want to keep it looking its green best instead of browning out during a drought or in winter? Grass paint to the rescue! In this article, we’ll explain what grass paint is and how to paint your lawn to keep it green no matter the weather or time of year.

Popular Grass Paints

So, is it as easy as it sounds? Yes, the sales pitch is true: Lawn paint will have your lawn looking a verdant green in just a couple of hours without intensive work or breaking the bank.

“It’s a great do-it-yourself project; you can get into it relatively easily,” says Grady Miller, professor and Extension specialist with North Carolina State University (NCSU). “Next thing you know, you’re Picasso.”

Here are our top picks for the best grass paints for your lawn:

A Short History

Although you may not have heard of grass paint before, it’s not a new idea. In recent years, many Southern golf course managers have opted to use grass paint to save time, money, and hassle during the winter. Grass paint keeps putting greens a consistent green without the playability issues that arise from overseeding with perennial ryegrass.

From golf courses, the practice spread to residential neighborhoods where homeowners saw the potential for savings, as well. Who doesn’t want a green lawn without overseeding in the winter or high water bills in the summer?

Grass Paint: What It Is

Lawn paint goes by several names, including “turf paint” and “turf colorant.”

Grass paint is:

• Environmentally friendly: Lawn paint is made of non-toxic, biodegradable materials such as pulverized kaolin (a soft stone) and decayed plants.
• Kid and pet safe: The painted grass is safe for use by kids and pets once the lawn paint has dried.
• A long-lasting colorant: The color won’t rub off on your clothes, run on misty mornings, or be washed away by rain.
• An affordable option: Lawn paint will keep your lawn lush with green grass all winter, much like overseeding, but it’s cheaper.
• An overseeding alternative: Lawn paint, as a guide from the NCSU Extension says, serves as the standard alternative to overseeding warm-season grasses in the fall.
• A water-wise option: Grass colorant will keep your cool-season grass green with less water in the summer months.

Many people use products to paint or dye their lawns to give dormant grass a uniform and healthy-looking green color or to cover brown spots.

Grass Paint: What It Isn’t

Grass paint differs from store-bought paint and other lawn care practices you may be familiar with. Here are a few things to keep in mind when painting your lawn.

Grass paint is not:

• Not vanity: Painting your grass may help it weather cold winter months.
• Not regular paint: The paint is special, not regular spray paint on the shelf at your local hardware store.
• Not hydroseed: This viscous spray is used by contractors as an affordable way to establish a large, new lawn. It’s a mix of seed, fiber mulch and fertilizer sprayed to help a lawn get established.
• Not a cure for a dead lawn: If your lawn has died, painting over the dead grass will keep it looking decent for a while, but ultimately the grass will deteriorate to the point where you’ll need to remove it and reseed your lawn.
• Not life support: While grass paint will reduce the amount of water your lawn needs, applying just enough water to keep the turf alive during a drought is ideal until the situation improves.

The best advice is to water the lawn one-quarter to one-half inch every two to four weeks when it’s dormant.

Grass paints have not been as popular among homeowners as it is with pros due to product availability and because many are unaware of the alternative.

Why You Should Use Grass Paint

Miller says, “It’s an aesthetic type of product,” he says. “By and large these are going to be used for a more-attractive” lawn.

• Hides problems: Professional landscape and lawn care companies use colorant to hide blemishes from pet urine and stress from disease. Lawn paint is also used on drought-stricken grasses or during periods of water restrictions to present a more even appearance.

• Increases surface temperature: This aids plant growth during the cold weather to come.
• Lower maintenance: Lawn paint protects the grass from drought and high heat as an alternative to putting more fertilizer and water into the soil.

Before you give your brown grass a new coat of summer green, consider the paint (buy it? make it?) the preparations, the precautions, and the techniques.

The Paint: Choose the Right Product

The first step, Miller notes, is choosing the right paint. Take time up-front to select the right paint for your lawn’s size, grass color, and condition to enjoy a greener, longer-lasting color in the end.

Where to Buy

You will likely have to go to a commercial supplier or turn to the internet for your lawn paint, although local hardware retailers may carry it in-store. A quick search of Amazon and company websites turns up plenty of lawn paint options for the ambitious homeowner.

Application

Products such as LawnStar, EnviroColor, and Lawnlift grass paint offer options in both concentrated form and ready-to-spray bottles.

For brown, dormant lawns, treatments with a higher rate of application are preferable. On grass that is still green but might use a little color, products with lower application rates perform better.

How Much to Buy

On average, a 32-ounce bottle will run you about 30. That’s enough to cover 500-1,000 square feet, according to LawnStar.

Buying in bulk often saves you some money. A 1-gallon jug from manufacturer Endurant sells on Amazon for 95. That’s enough to cover 10,000 square feet of lawn.

Many times, though, product labels aren’t very clear as far as rates and application, Miller says. So you may have to experiment with what works well for your situation.

How Long Does It Last?

If the grass is dormant, the paint will appear to fade when it begins to grow again. Rain, mowing, and heavy foot traffic can all degrade the paint on your grass. It should typically last between 2 and 3 months.

• Lawnlift, which also makes mulch paints to spruce up the look of last year’s fading mulch, says its grass paint products last up to three months, depending on how often you mow.
• Endurant says their turf paint will typically last 6 to 8 weeks. Because colorant is removed by mowing, when applied to dormant turf, it lasts longer than when applied to turf that is actively growing.
• EnviroColor states that their grass colorant lasts up to two months depending on the condition of your lawns.

Make Your Own Lawn Paint

If those seem steep for covering a few dead spots in your lawn, you can make your own grass paint at home.

You’ll need a few things to get started when making your DIY green grass paint.

For a small to medium sized yard – Mix one pound of fertilizer with four pounds of Epsom salt and one-quarter cup of green food coloring.

Pro tip: Epsom salt adds magnesium and iron to the lawn. This may not be the best idea if you’ve got a healthy soil nutrient balance. If that’s the case, simply replace the Epsom salt with water. It’s the food coloring that serves as the grass dye.

How to Paint Your Grass

The Preparations

So you’ve got the paint. What now?

What you need:

For best results:

• Grass should be mowed and dry: Painting your grass when it still has dew may improve the outcome of the color. If your grass is extremely dry, the blades will absorb the paint, so you will need more paint per square foot.
• Set sprayer to fine mist: Get the best coverage on the finest setting and give the whole sprayer a shake periodically. This will avoid the pigment settling and the nozzle clogging.
• Good weather: Paint on a sunny day with no wind. Puddles of water will dilute the application, give you an off-color, and extend drying time.
• Pay attention: Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and product information to get the correct concentrate-to-water ratio.

You should mask off any areas you don’t want to turn green. A cardboard screen or other splash guard will protect those surfaces.

Don’t wait until your grass is entirely straw-brown. The natural green color of active turf will greatly enhance any paint or colorant you add. Miller says the greener the grass already is, the better it will take color.

The Precautions

Keep in mind that lawn paint is paint and it will color whatever it touches.

Take precautions:

• Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a breathing mask.
• Keep a bucket of soap handy with a wire brush to remove any accidental overspray quickly.
• Wear old shoes you don’t mind getting stained.

Miller says he’s seen golf courses turn their tee markers green, and urged caution around places such as driveways or the walls of your house.

“Most of these [stains] are permanent,” Miller warns, especially on porous surfaces like concrete. “If you paint your sidewalk green, it’s going to stay green.”

The Techniques: 5 Tips for Grass Painting

• Paint a test spot. In an out-of-the-way corner of your lawn, try the paint out to make sure you get the right color. You may need a couple of passes for a darker green, or to dilute the mixture to lighten it up.

• Spray consistently. Spray about 6 to 8 inches from the surface in a sweeping, overlapping motion. In areas bordering driveways or other surfaces you don’t want to paint, pour some of the mixtures into a small spray bottle for greater accuracy.
• Avoid striping. Spray in a random, orbital pattern. This will keep the paint from striping and give the lawn a more even, natural look.
• Clean up immediately. Once you’re finished, immediately clean your sprayer until the water comes out clear. Also, clean up any stained concrete or other surfaces quickly before the paint is fully dry.
• Let it dry completely. Check the manufacturer’s recommended drying time. You may be able to get back out in your yard in as little as 60 minutes, or you may have to wait as long as 24 hours for the lawn to dry in very humid conditions. The smell should also dissipate automatically, so there’s no need to take precautions as you would when painting indoors.

Keep in Mind

Miller offers some more advice, saying that the products do fade and wear over time, and some fade is less-attractive than others.

To get the green grass color, he says companies mix blue and yellow pigments. It seems like the yellows fade quicker, leaving the blue behind. And Miller says that once it gets too blue — think Smurf blue —it’s too late to turn it back green. The trick is to reapply the colorant before the paint fades too much.

FAQ

Yes. Once the paint has fully dried, it’s safe to be on. Lawn paint can dry in as little as an hour, but it can take up to 24 hours in high humidity conditions.

As long as the paint has fully dried on your grass, the rain will not affect it.

No. The paint won’t damage your lawn, and once dried, it’s safe for the whole family, including your four-legged friends.

Grass paint will hide problems in your lawn but not fix them. Lawn paint doesn’t provide a wearable surface, meaning if the paint wears off in a spot, the green stays gone and your lawn looks brown again. Also, it will stain anything it touches, including sidewalks and you, so be careful as you apply.

When to Call a Professional

Maybe that all sounds like a daunting task for a first-timer. Don’t worry, lawn care services and professional landscapers will also handle this one for you. But one thing’s for sure: After a successful coat of paint, you’ll have the greenest lawn on the block in no time.

Editorial Note: LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Main Image Credit: dencg / Shutterstock

Derek Lacey

Formerly the agriculture writer for the Hendersonville Times-News, Derek Lacey’s articles have appeared in U.S. News World Report, The Charlotte Observer, News Observer, and The State. He has won 15 awards from the North Carolina Press Association and GateHouse Media, for pieces ranging from news features and investigative reporting to photography and multimedia projects.

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