How To Stain Concrete Patio

Apply the Stain and Remove Residue

1. Dampen the area with water but do not let it puddle.
2. Spray in an overlapping manner, maintaining a wet edge.
3. Allow acid stain to react with the concrete floor for at least 6 hours.
4. Clean residue and pour water on the floor to approximate the final color.

More items

Can you stain existing concrete patio?

Step 1: Check Old Concrete Before Staining – Your existing old concrete should be fine to stain, so long as it is not contaminated with glue, paint, oil, grease, sealers, waxes, or anything else that would prevent the stain from soaking into the pores of the concrete. The simplest way to test to see if your old concrete is sealed is by pouring a little water onto the concrete.

Is staining concrete a good idea?

Stains are a great way to add decorative effects to concrete both indoors and outdoors. Try to keep it simple by employing just one color in a certain hue that will complement your property’s visual aesthetic. Natural earthly tones are in high demand since they blend in very well with different structures.

Is it better to stain or paint concrete?

Concrete Stain or Paint: Use Cases – Whether or not you choose concrete stain or paint may also depend on its location. Concrete paint may be utilized in smaller indoor projects often found in residential homes. Since the weather isn’t coming inside, it’s safe to use concrete paint for certain smaller projects.

How long does concrete stain last?

Durability of Stained Concrete Few materials have the longevity of concrete. And because stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with permanent color, a stained concrete floor or pavement should last a lifetime when properly maintained (see How to Protect and Maintain Stained Concrete,

Is it hard to stain concrete yourself?

Updated January 2022 A stained concrete floor is a great and durable flooring option, and – good news! – staining one yourself is a surprisingly easy task (although you’ll want to avoid one major pitfall we fell into). So anyone with a garage, sunroom, basement, porch, or patio with a concrete floor should seriously consider this super simple process that you can do without any fancy tools or equipment. Here are the simple steps to getting you a freshly stained concrete floor:

Choose your concrete stainClean and prepare your floorApply your stainSeal your floors

Sounds easy, right? Well it is!

Do you have to sand concrete before staining?

Do I Need to Sand Concrete Before Staining? – You only need to sand concrete surfaces if you cannot remove paint stains or carpet glue manually with mastic remover. Sanding to Remove Old Carpet Glue Etching the concrete: The concrete floor was machine troweled smooth, so we used an etching solution to rough up the surface before applying the acid stain. In this photo, a person is seen applying the etching solution with a roller on the concrete floor For acid staining smooth surfaces, there are other less intensive alternatives to sanding such as simply applying CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher,

Does staining concrete make it slippery?

How to Improve the Slip Resistance of Stained Concrete Like any hard, smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet, especially if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer. For concrete floors or walkways exposed to moisture or in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there are ways you can increase the slip resistance without affecting the color.

You can buy anti-slip grit in different sizes, depending on the level of traffic exposure and how much surface traction is needed. Here are a few resources: from Increte Systems from Butterfield Color from SureCrete

Photo: The Design Center Mixing a clear grit additive into a floor sealer will improve traction without affecting the appearance. Stained concrete surfaces that may benefit from an anti-slip additive:

Floors Pool decks Patios Steps Paths

If you already have stained concrete that’s slippery start by finding out if it has been sealed. If so you may need to have the sealer removed and reseal with a product that has a grit additive to improve traction. : How to Improve the Slip Resistance of Stained Concrete

What are the disadvantages of stained concrete?

Cons of Concrete Staining –

It doesn’t enhance the performance of the floor. Keep in mind that concrete staining is purely aesthetic. It doesn’t improve the floor’s strength or durability, and doesn’t change it resistance to spills or damage. If you’d like to protect your floors, we recommend combining it with another method (see point above) or opting for a decorative epoxy,

It can call attention to imperfections. Staining doesn’t cover up cracks or discolored areas the way that paint or pigmented epoxy can—rather, it can actually highlight aspects that are different. That’s why it’s important to make sure the floor surface has been properly prepared beforehand, And if you’re dealing with a floor that’s drastically uneven in color, you’re better off choosing a different refinishing method.

It isn’t a good DIY project for commercial settings. Some patterns, such as marbling effects, take a steady hand and familiarity with the medium to pull off correctly. And once the layer of stain goes down, you may only have a few seconds to manipulate it with the right tool—then it’s set permanently. This is why it’s important to hire an experienced contractor for anything that will be on display for your customers!

Want an expert opinion on whether stained concrete is right for your facility, or are you looking for a trustworthy contractor? Someone from CPC will be glad to talk with you about your project. Give us a call at (864) 855-0600 or contact us online, Topics: Concrete Polishing

What are the cons of staining concrete outside?

Cons of Outdoor Concrete Staining – Transparent: The semi-transparency of most stains will fail to hide the existing imperfections in the concrete surface. DIY is not easy: Staining concrete is the not the easiest job for the amateur weekend warrior. Using a professional contractor ensure best results.

What is the best color to stain concrete?

This article is brought to you by ConcreteNetwork.com “Most Popular Concrete Stain Color Revealed on ConcreteNetwork.com Among the many concrete stain colors available, ConcreteNetwork.com reveals that brown is the most popular color choice for concrete floors by consumers.

1. While the concrete stain products of today offer limitless color options, from subtle, natural tones to bright, vibrant hues, homeowners are increasingly requesting brown color schemes.
2. One look at the site’s photo gallery of stained, and interior floor projects will explain why.Calimesa, CA February 10, 2012 – Data from ConcreteNetwork.com, the concrete industry’s largest resource for decorative concrete information, reveals that brown concrete floors are the most popular amongst consumers.

Brown concrete stains impart rich, earth-toned color variations that fit easily into any interior design style. Traffic statistics from ConcreteNetwork.com indicate that out of hundreds of photos featuring stained concrete floors, those stained in brown tones are viewed the most by consumers visiting the site.

A few reasons why brown may be the color of choice for consumers include the idea that concrete, in its natural form, creates a surface that is organic and rustic, and becomes amplified with brown highlights. Browns create a warm base color for rooms that are easy to coordinate with other interior design accents.

Lastly, brown hues aid in hiding dirt and lint that may be present on the surface. For more design ideas on brown concrete floors, and more information on concrete stain color options, visit the site. While concrete floors offer a host of benefits aside from their aesthetic appeal, consumers are most captivated by the design versatility and customizable features these floors can offer.

From coloring to texturing techniques, concrete floors are popping up everywhere. According to the site, kitchen floors, retail floors, bathroom floors, restaurant floors and church floors are five of today’s most likely locations to find concrete as the material of choice. While all are created differently, the site provides helpful information on what considerations to take in choosing the best design.

Learn about the differences of each floor type and explore the many concrete floor design options that suit each one.” (“ConcreteNetwork.com”, 2012). For the full article click on the link below: Most Popular Concrete Stain Color Revealed on ConcreteNetwork.com (2012, July 05).

Can concrete be permanently stained?

Frequently Asked Questions About Stained Concrete – Why do people choose stained concrete? Stained concrete appeals to many people who want to achieve unique decorative effects for a reasonable cost. Stain can be used to create an infinite array of colors and special effects on both interior and exterior surfaces.

Concrete stain does more than simply add color. Rather than produce a solid, opaque effect like paint or colored coatings, stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with rich, deep, translucent tones. Some stain verbiage will use adjectives such as “antiqued,” “variegated,” or “mottled” to describe the distinctive look.

Even when treated with the same staining product in the same shade, no two concrete floors or walls will look alike due to factors such as the composition and age of the concrete and surface porosity. Can all concrete be stained? Both acid and water-based stains can be applied to new or old and plain or integrally-colored concrete.

• They can also be used both indoors and out, on everything from concrete floors to pool decks, patios and driveways.
• The most important consideration is the condition of the surface.
• If the concrete is covered by grime, glues, paint, coatings, curing membranes or sealers that inhibit the stain from soaking in, the stain won’t be able to penetrate and achieve full color development.

This is when it may be necessary to install a Concrete Craft Micro-Topping to recreate the surface in order to accept the stain. What are my color options with stained concrete? Concrete Craft offers several vibrant stain colors to choose from. The options are only limited by your imagination.

How do I choose the right stain color? Color choice is often dictated by personal preference or by a desire to match or complement an existing color scheme, such as staining a concrete floor to mirror the same tones as a paint color on a wall, or the stone on a fireplace. Because stain color is permanent, many homeowners opt for neutral tones, such as golden-tans, browns, grays and greens.

What special effects are possible with stained concrete? Depending on the color and application techniques used, stained concrete can be applied to achieve almost any look you desire; it can provide a lot of color/texture variation, have a consistent monochromatic design or anything in between.

1. What are the differences between acid stains and water-based stains? Acid-based concrete stains are made up of inorganic metallic salts dissolved in an acid and water solution.
2. They penetrate into the surface and react chemically with the concrete to form a permanent bond.
3. The color they impart is translucent rather than opaque, resulting in deep, rich tones and attractive marbling effects.

Non-reactive water-based stains (typically a blend of acrylic polymers and pigments) fill the pores of the concrete surface to produce a colored film or coating to give a vibrant translucent finish. The key difference is that no chemical reaction takes place, so the color is more consistent.

1. These products are also low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and safer to apply because they are free of solvents and acids.
2. How much does stained concrete cost? The cost of staining will vary considerably depending on the complexity of the stain application, surface prep requirements, and the size of the project.

Does stained concrete fade? Because stains penetrate into the concrete surface, their color is durable and long-lasting. When applied to properly prepared concrete, the color will not fade, chip, or peel away How do I maintain stained concrete? Although concrete stain is permanent and won’t flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure.

Does concrete stain need two coats?

Step 3: Apply Stain – Apply a water-based concrete stain in the color of your choice on interior or exterior surfaces. First using a brush to apply the stain around the perimeter of the area you’re staining, especially in a room such as a basement where it would be difficult to stain with a roller in corners or edges of the wall.

1. Use a roller with extension pole or a sprayer to apply concrete stain over the rest of the surface evenly.
2. Apply first coat evenly, working in one direction.
3. Allow to dry at least 2 hours before applying the second coat.
4. Apply the second coat in the opposite direction to the first coat.
5. Two coats are usually sufficient.

Before resuming traffic on the surface, be sure the stain has dried for the manufacturer-recommended time. On exterior surfaces, you can apply a solvent-based, solid-color concrete sealer, These work similarly to stains by penetrating the concrete rather than coating it, making for a more durable finish than paint.

Like stains, they are also resistant to UV rays, oil, salt and heavy traffic. Use a roller to evenly apply the sealer over the surface, working in one direction. Do not brush or roll back over any partially dried areas. This may lift the coating from the surface. Allow the surface to dry for the manufacturer-recommended time before applying a second coat, if a second coat is necessary.

Apply a second coat in the opposite direction of the first coat. Let the final coat dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Do not apply the water-based stain or solvent-based sealer if rain is expected within 12 to 24 hours.

Do you have to seal concrete after staining?

Will Sealing Concrete Change Its Appearance? – In short, yes, sealing concrete will change the appearance of your concrete. Leaving concrete unsealed will leave it with a flat look. The color will remain flatter and dull, in addition to the concrete remaining porous and easier to damage.

1. Sealing the concrete will enhance the colors and give it more of a marble or mottled look, smoother and with richer colors.
2. If you are after a less shiny or more muted tone, you can apply a matte wax on top of the sealer to get a flatter look.Another thing to point out is the cosmetic difference between water base and solvent base sealers.

Solvent base sealers tend to over darken concrete stain, looking as it does when saturated wet with water. Water base sealers such as Clear Shield, makes the concrete look as it does when damp with water, not saturated wet but not dry either. Rather, in between, damp.

Is it expensive to stain concrete?

Is stained concrete cheaper than hardwood floors? – Stained concrete costs roughly $2 to $14 per square foot, while hardwood floors cost between $6 to $25 per square foot, Stained concrete is about half the cost of hardwood flooring. Your Home. Your Decisions.

What is the best color for a concrete patio?

Make the Patio Pop with White – Source If you’re looking for a way to make your concrete patio bright and cheerful, consider using white concrete paint. Not only will this give your patio a fresh look, but it will also protect and enhance the appearance of the concrete floor.

Garage floors Basement floors Brick patios Poured concrete and block patios

It doesn’t require a primer, will resist hot tires, harsh chemicals and is suitable for high traffic areas such as showroom floors. It comes in two premixed colors and can be tinted in ten additional semi-gloss shades.

When should I stain my concrete patio?

The most important step of how to stain a concrete floor is surface preparation. New concrete should be at least four weeks old.

Can you color stain old concrete?

How to Stain Concrete (simple DIY method)

Understand the Differences Between Concrete Dyes, Stains and Pigments Pictured, an outdoor living space where acid stains were used to etch the concrete surface. Let’s take a closer look at three different that help you turn your concrete surface into an amazing piece of art — dyes, stains, and pigments. Dyes Dyes can be defined as a coloring material or matter for imparting a particular hue to a surface.

Dyes are a great way to color existing slabs of concrete and they offer a wide range of color options which will dry very quickly. The raw form of a dye is a super fine powder that depending on manufacturing can be dispersed in a solvent or water. True dyes are not UV stable. “Recently, manufacturers have used the term ‘dye’ for exterior pigments,” says Brett Cline, Sales Manager, Super-Krete of Texas.

“These special ‘exterior dyes’ or pigments come in vibrant colors as well and are UV stable.” Stains Unlike dyes, concrete stains are generally classified into three categories: film-forming, penetrating and acid stains. All three types of stains come in a variety of colors, tints, shades and textures, but each uses different technology to create distinct decorative looks.

Film-forming stains have been around the longest and are still very common today. Like paint, film-forming stains simply coat or lay on top of a concrete surface to add color to a concrete surface. However, over time exposure to weather, traffic, chemicals and other harmful elements will cause film-forming stains to fad, peel or flake.

A more permanent alternative to film-forming stains are penetrating stains, which are designed to literally penetrate deeper into the pores of concrete and bond to the concrete. The water-based, polymer-bonded technology in penetrating stains minimizes the possibility of it fading, peeling or flaking while being VOC-friendly.

In addition, penetrating stains are available in an almost endless assortment of tints and shades ranging from very light translucent colors to bright and bold solid colors. Typically water-based and user friendly, water-based penetrating stains can often be mixed together to create new colors without any adverse effects, they are often translucent and do not hide surface defects or flaws.

While both film-forming and penetrating stains rely on color pigments to alter the decorative appearance of concrete, acid stains chemically react with the minerals in concrete to generate a natural-looking marble appearance by physically etching the surface.

Acids stains are slightly more expensive, and require more safety precautions and experience to apply than the film-forming and penetrating stains. Pigments Pigments impart black, white or a color to other materials. Typically, pigments are available as a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used to impart color to coating materials (such as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber.

As it relates to coloring concrete, the main type of pigment used in coloring concrete is Synthetic Iron Oxide. In manufacturing these minerals different colors are produced. They can either be left in their original powder form or dispersed into a liquid to create liquid pigments.

• Surface preparation
• Before applying any of these products it’s critical the concrete surface is thoroughly cleaned and free of any contaminants, and in the case of penetrating stains, the surface should be porous and profiled enough to accept a stain.
• “There are a variety of effective methods for cleaning concrete including pressure washing, stain removers, mild cleaners, etchers and degreasers,” notes Paul Luecke, Vice President of Coatings for
• Dyes — The most common method of applying dye is to disperse the dye powder in acetone and spray a fine mist over the concrete surface.

“Using acetone will cause the dye to dry very quickly which will allow you to introduce more colors if desired and seal the surface right away,” Cline says. “Dyes will also get darker the more you spray, so one color of dye will mottle by spraying it randomly over the surface.” Cline offers the following best practices when applying these products:

1. Always do a mock up or sample area before doing the whole job for color consistency, etc. Sealers will enhance color, be sure the customer sees the color sealed vs unsealed.
2. Dyes will highlight existing stains and imperfections of the concrete. Make sure you educate the buyer.
3. If spraying, always start and stop in a container. Not doing so will cause you to drip on the floor. The dye dries too fast to eliminate the drip marks.
4. 4. Introducing saw cuts to the floor will help you fix any coloring mishaps. It’s much easier to fix a three inch by three inch square than the whole room.

Film-forming stains — The film-forming stain can be applied with a plastic sprayer, roller or brush being sure to avoid any pooling or dripping in order to achieve a consistent and uniform look. “When using a plastic sprayer hold the wand one to two feet from the surface and move in circular motion,” Luecke says.

“When using a roller or brush, make smooth, even strokes in one direction while keeping a wet edge to avoid streaking.” Once the film-forming stain has dried for 24 hours, a sealer can be applied for added protection Penetrating stains – When applying penetrating stains, the concrete surface must be void of any paint, stain, coatings or sealers and thoroughly clean.

Before applying the stain, prepare the surface with a cleaner, etcher and degreaser. “Taking these steps insure that the concrete will accept the penetrating stain and maximize the bond to the surface,” Luecke notes. “An easy test for determining if the concrete will accept penetrating stain is to pour a small amount of water on the surface.

1. Like film-forming stains, rinse the cleaned surface and allow it to dry before applying the penetrating stain with a plastic sprayer, roller or brush following the same technique and taking the same precautions for best results.
2. While a sprayer, roller or brush are all appropriate application tools, a sponge can provide more control, creativity and texture when taking a multi-toned approach to decorating concrete.
3. “For the best results, practice various techniques on an inconspicuous area of the surface or on a disposable piece/area of concrete,” Luecke says.
4. For added visual appeal and another layer of protection against wear-and tear and other potentially harmful elements like oil, grease and UV rays, apply a clear sealer over the stained concrete surface.
5. Acid stains — Cleaning a surface before applying acid stain is also very important, but it should be done without the use of chemicals that could prematurely trigger a reaction with minerals in the concrete.

“If that happens, the acid stains won’t etch the concrete or create the visual appearance expected when it’s applied to the surface,” Luecke explains. “The application of the acid stain should be done with a plastic garden sprayer using a circular motion about one to two feet from the surface, being careful not to drip or pool the stain on the concrete surface.” A word of caution, there is very little control of acid stains.

1. If the concrete slab isn’t level, the stain will puddle and appear darker in those areas.
2. While a sealer is recommended, but not required with film-forming or penetrating stains, it has to be applied on acid stained concrete surfaces to fully develop the desired marbling effect.
3. Pigments — Pigments can be applied either integrally or topically to achieve a uniform look.

“Integrally colored concrete means whether you are pouring new concrete or doing an overlay system, pigments are added to the cementious mix for a full depth of color,” Cline explains. “This method creates a product that when scratched or worn the color remains consistent.” The main topical application is achieved by broadcasting the pigment (pre-blended with cement and other materials) on the surface of freshly poured concrete.

1. Always do a mock up for the customer. “This will save you a lot of heartache when the customer decides they do not like the color they chose after seeing it over a larger area.”
2. When using pigments in overlays it’s best to have the same person adding the pigment.
3. Always read the Data Sheets before using any products.

As a concrete contractor, understanding the differences between these decorative concrete materials will allow you to offer a variety of options to meet your customers’ expectations. : Understand the Differences Between Concrete Dyes, Stains and Pigments

Does stained concrete fade in the sun?

The process of coloring concrete has been around for close to 100 years, but that doesn’t mean it’s old fashioned. Continuing advances in stain and color chemistry have multiplied the options and methods of coloring as well as the resulting look one can achieve.

• As the most widely used building material in the world, plain concrete is seldom described as beautiful.
• Now we have coloring methods that allow the concrete to really POP, or allow the concrete to blend into its surroundings.
• Perhaps you want the concrete to mimic natural stone, or to help create a theme.

The large variety of coloring options allows you to do just that. Whether you are looking to color new or old concrete, horizontal slabs or vertical walls, you have many looks to choose from. – STAINS ACID STAINS, also known as reactive stains have been around for years. Frank Lloyd Wright was using acid stains as far back as the early 1900’s. These stains don’t use pigments but rather use metallic salts to stain the concrete, bringing a unique marbling or variegated look to the slab.

• Different raw materials used in concrete and different finishing methods mean that every slab stained will have a slightly different appearance, almost a natural stone look.
• Not only do these colors become a permanent part of the surface, but various sealer and coating options can reduce maintenance and extend the life before re-staining is necessary.

WATER-BASED STAINS have grown in popularity with the green movement and the increasing concern we have about our environment. These colorants can be found in solid colors or in semi-transparent colors that mimic the look of acid stains, without the hazardous acid content.

• Water-based stains are made in a large spectrum of colors, shades, and tints.
• STAIN SEALERS are just what the name implies; they both color and seal the concrete with one product.
• The acrylics used are the same acrylics found in many clear sealers, but with pigments and other ingredients added to provide a solid color to the concrete surface.

Available in a wide selection of standard colors, this product can also be custom-colored to match almost any color imaginable. Formulations exist for both solvent-based and water-based versions. The most frequently asked questions when it comes to concrete stains are: “Will the color fade over time?” and “How often will I need to re-stain my concrete?” As far as fading, the answer that covers most stains is NO, they do not fade.

• There may be exceptions for unusual custom colors so it is always best to check with the manufacturer, but for standard colors offered in the variety of stains we’ve mentioned, they do not fade.
• When it comes to re-staining there are many factors to consider so there isn’t an easy answer.
• Traffic (and type of traffic), weather conditions, abuse, and more all play a part in the longevity of the project.

So too does the type of sealer used and what maintenance, if any, is performed. DYES Dyes are similar to stains in that they are a topical method of coloring concrete. However, in addition to the earth tones you find in other stains, dyes also provide more vibrant colors than the other products. Another difference is their UV stability. Concrete dyes use pigments that are not UV safe and will fade when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, they are strictly used for interior projects only. Available in both water-based and solvent-based versions, they are most frequently used in the polishing process, although they can be sealed or coated like a stain. Integral pigments used in concrete are typically synthetic iron oxides that are mixed directly into concrete before it is placed. While the basic chemistry hasn’t changed in well over 100 years, the technology behind the manufacturing and delivery process has dramatically improved.

• Ready mix producers are adopting automated color batching equipment as a part of their plant operations and this provides the end user with more consistent color from truck to truck – leading to a more uniform color consistency across the entire job.
• This coloring method saves both time and labor over staining because the color is already in the concrete when it is placed and finished.

Another advantage is that the color is throughout the slab so as the surface wears you will continue to see the color – no re-staining necessary. Integral iron oxide pigments should conform to ASTM C-979 and are available in the following forms: liquid, granular, and powder. COLOR HARDENERS The other coloring method for freshly poured concrete is a color hardener that is broadcast over the surface after the concrete has been placed. Color hardener is often used as the base color for stamped concrete and it also provides durability and abrasion resistance to the concrete – hence the “hardener”.

	Indoor/Outdoor	UV Stability	New/Old Concrete*	Euclid Chemical Product
ACID-BASED STAINS	Indoor/Outdoor	Stable	New & Old	Increte Stain-Crete
WATER-BASED STAINS	Indoor/Outdoor	Stable	New & Old	Increte Stone Essence
FILM-FORMING STAINS (stain sealers)	Indoor/Outdoor	Stable	New & Old	Increte Concrete Stain Sealer Increte Concrete Stain Sealer VOC Increte Concrete Stain Sealer WB
ACETONE-SOLUBLE DYE	Indoor	Not Stable	New & Old	Increte Vibra Stain SB
WATER-SOLUBLE DYE	Indoor	Not Stable	New & Old	Increte Vibra Stain
INTEGRAL COLOR	Indoor/Outdoor	Stable	New	Increte Color-Crete
COLOR HARDENER	Indoor/Outdoor	Stable	New	Increte Color Hardener

On new concrete a minimum cure time is required. Check product TDS for details Alternative ways to add color to an old slab CEMENTITOUS MICRO TOPPINGS: Renovate For restoring old, worn, stamped concrete or to change the color, mask repairs, or renovate any slab concrete surface.

RENOVATE is an easy to use two part polymermodified cementitious micro-topping that is easily applied using only a paint roller or a pump-up hand sprayer. RENOVATE can be integrally colored with THIN-CRETE COLOR PACKS or it can be stained with a variety of stains. For stamped concrete, this ultra thin coating retains the original texture and pattern, and a secondary highlight colorant ANTIQUING AGENT may be used.

This tough, durable wear-bearing surface is stain resistant and easy to clean. Euco Re-Cover Concrete surfaces are designed and constructed to last for decades. However, instances occur where the surface or top layer of cement paste deteriorates due to improper placement and finishing techniques, chemical attack, or a combination of factors that take place over the course of years. ABOUT RICH COFOID Rich Cofoid is the Senior Marketing & Product Line Manager for Euclid Chemical’s Increte decorative products. Rich travels the country and holds training classes for contractors through our national network of distributors. His training sessions include many years at World of Concrete, the Concrete Décor Show, ASCC, ACI, and AIA.

Can you stain already stained concrete?

Transforming Chalky Pinkish Orange Concrete into a Rich Rusty Iron Color with EasyTint Tinted Sealer – In this project, the homeowner wanted to change the color of their outdoor stamped concrete walkway and driveway edging, which was a bright pinkish orange color that they inherited when they purchased the house. Transforming a tired, pinkish-red stained concrete walkway into a sleek, elegant and rich rusty iron color. To prepare the surface for the EasyTint, the homeowner removed any paint or previously applied sealer using Soy Gel Stripper and cleaned the surface of any oils, dirt, debris, using a scrub brush and ProClean Degreaser™. Before On the first day of the project, the homeowner applied two coats of the EasyTint using a 1/2″ nap roller, taking care to keep the coat even and covering each section completely. Despite the fast dry time, they did not experience any roller lines. EasyTint is a semi-transparent stain, so the final color will depend on the original color of the concrete. Use trial kits to test the resulting color before starting your project After the EasyTint had cured for eight hours, the homeowner applied one coat of EasySeal™ to protect the finish. After Here are some tips for using EasyTint tinted sealer:

Before starting the project, prepare the surface by edging the sod around it and pressure spraying the concrete. When applying the tinted sealer, use a 1/2″ nap roller, even though Direct Colors recommends a 3/8″ nap roller at most. This is because the extra thickness will help the sealer run into deeper wells in stamped concrete. Make sure to apply the sealer evenly and cover each section completely. If you’re worried about seeing roller lines due to the fast drying time, don’t be – there shouldn’t be any visible lines. When applying the sealer to edges, use a roller to squeeze it over them. Only hand paint a few sections that are deeper than others. Mix the tinted sealer by shaking and rolling it around on the ground before opening it. Shake it again before each pour. The tinted sealer should dry completely between coats, but it won’t be fully cured yet. It will be tough enough to walk on without leaving any footprints. On the second day, apply two coats of solvent-based acrylic satin concrete sealer using a 1/2″ nap roller and being careful to watch for puddling. For cleanup, use Xylene. You may need more tinted sealer and acrylic sealer than the recommended amount, depending on how thirsty your concrete is. The acrylic sealer will not only add protection, but also another layer of richness to the look of the concrete.

Follow these steps to successfully use EasyTint tinted sealer to change the color of your already stained concrete: Step 1: Preparation

Cover areas at risk of over-spray with plastic drop cloth. For existing concrete:

Remove paint or previously applied sealer using Soy Gel Stripper. Remove any oils, dirt, debris, Soy Gel Stripper, or Bean-E-Doo® Mastic Remover using scrub brush and ProClean Degreaser™. Verify absorption by pouring a cup of water in various areas. If not absorbed within five minutes, etch the surface with CitrusEtch™, then neutralize surface with ProClean Neutralizer™ and rinse thoroughly. Allow the concrete to thoroughly dry before application.

Step 2: Application

Shake EasyTint™ well before pouring into pump-up sprayer. Spray EasyTint™ on surface in slightly circular motions with irregular overlaps. Shake sprayer tank from side to side often to prevent color from settling. Spray thin coats to avoid puddling. Allow eight hours before applying second coat (maximum of two thin coats).

Step 3: Seal & Protect Finish

Allow EasyTint™ to cure for eight hours and then apply one thin coat of EasySeal™.

Pro Tips:

Begin spraying at a far corner to maintain a clear path to exit. If sealer is pooling or appears uneven, backroll with a 3/8th nap roller. Roller must be wetted in sealer with excess rung out before back rolling. To avoid droplets dripping onto surface: before releasing sprayer trigger, immediately place tip in a bucket. Cleanup: Uncured Sealer: Clean tools and supplies with Xylene. Cured Sealer: Clean tools and supplies with Soy Gel Stripper.

Step 4: Maintenance

Protect finish every two years with EasySeal™ or as needed.

Tools & Supplies:

Pump-up sprayer Plastic drop cloth Scrub brush

Can you color to existing concrete patio?

HERE’S HOW: Add color to the surface of your concrete patio Dear James: I had painted a concrete patio before, but it peeled off over time. I want to decorate my new patio by my garden. How can I add a pale pink tint to the concrete surface? — Cindy R. Dear Cindy: A pale pink tint on the concrete should create attractive contrast with the green from the new landscaping. You are wise to choose just a light tint instead of a deep, rich color. A deep color might sound nice, but an entire patio area of it may become a bit overwhelming. Painting is definitely not a good idea for a concrete patio unless you want to redo it every several years. When it starts to peel in spots, it will look much worse than the plain gray concrete looks now. Some painted concrete can become slippery when it is wet, so it can be hazardous when children run on it with muddy shoes. Using a concrete stain is a much better method to color a concrete patio. Stain actually penetrates the surface of the concrete instead of just coating the surface as paint does. There are many tinting colors available. Greens and browns are also commonly used to accent or blend with landscaping. Since the stain penetrates the surface and does not create a skin over it like paint, moisture from the ground beneath the concrete will pass through it without making it peel. Good concrete stain should last for about five years. With your light tint, it will not be apparent as it slowly fades or wears off over time. If you are a handy do-it-yourselfer, consider using a acid-based concrete stain. This is the type professionals generally use. The acid causes a chemical reaction with the concrete and the tint actually creates a strong permanent chemical bond with the top layer of concrete. A solvent stain, somewhat similar to wood stain, is another option. The solvent soaks into the pores of the concrete carrying the tint pigment along with it. Depending on the texture of the concrete surface, the amount of solvent stain used will vary significantly. A water-based acrylic concrete stain is probably the easiest to apply for the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. The acrylic compound soaks into the concrete and adheres well. This type of stain can produce some very deep colors. Check the packaging to be sure you are actually purchasing stain and not an acrylic latex paint. If you have trouble finding the type of stain you desire, contact these companies: Bomanite, Increte, Rustoleum and L.M. Scofield. The Portland Cement Association has a publication on staining concrete called “Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture”. You no doubt have done some barbecue grilling on your patio, so there is likely some grease and oil on the concrete. It is extremely important to clean this off along with other ordinary dirt. A scrub brush and detergent is effective, but a pressure washer makes the job much quicker. Let it dry thoroughly after it is cleaned. The manufacturers of the stain include detailing application instructions with their products, so follow them closely. If you choose the acid-based stain, where protective clothing and eye protection. When using the water-based stain, check the weather forecast for several dry days. Send your questions to Here’s How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. : HERE’S HOW: Add color to the surface of your concrete patio

Can concrete be stained after it is poured?

The four steps for staining concrete are: surface preparation, stain application (pictured), residue removal and sealer application. Staining concrete is a great way to add color to an otherwise dull surface. The concrete staining process takes about 2 days, is moderately difficult and fairly affordable.

1. Clean and prepare the concrete
2. Apply the concrete stain
3. Clean up and neutralize the stain
4. Seal your concrete for long-term protection

Need help with your project? Find contractors that specialize in concrete staining near me,

Can stained concrete be stained a different color?

Can the color of stained concrete floors be changed? – Yes, the color of stained concrete floors can be changed. There are several methods available to alter the color of stained concrete, including acid staining, water-based staining, and concrete dyeing. These methods allow for the application of new colors to the existing stained concrete surface.