Staining concrete can bring new life to a basement floor or outdoor concrete. Surface preparation is an important part of how to stain concrete. Take time to clean the old concrete before the staining process and work carefully as you apply stain to the concrete floor.
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.
You can apply the stain over worn concrete, but don't expect a miracle. You'll still be able to see the old appearance through the stain. And avoid staining spalling concrete. The stain will turn a darker color wherever the concrete is pitted.
Acid-based stain is a tried and true method when it comes to concrete renovation. Acid stains react with the concrete itself, which creates a permanent color that won't fade or chip over time.
Stains are effective in restoring glaze to dull, shabby concrete surfaces. Slabs with none to minimal cracks, blemishes, and other flaws are ideal for staining. Stains enhance the appearance of the surface; they don't conceal defects.
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.
However, bear in mind that concrete paint will obscure concrete's natural texture and isn't suitable for concrete that takes a beating, such as a concrete floor. For almost all exterior applications, concrete stain is the superior solution.
Once dry they can simply be sealed. Economical: Stains will cover up to 250-300 square feet per gallon.
Depending on the concrete sealer used, it's usually recommended to seal the concrete every couple of years to keep the color from fading. If you choose a high-quality concrete stain and sealer, you may be able to shorten the period between resealing to every 3-5 years.
Coloring Concrete With Water Based Paints
Acrylic paint can be a cheap way to color concrete crafts. The same goes for using latex paint for coloring concrete. I made these DIY Concrete Pillar Candleholders using white cement mix and the green was acrylic paint.
Although concrete stain is permanent and won't flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure. You can prevent this wear and prolong the life of your stained concrete by protecting the surface with a clear sealer.
There are two types of products you can use for staining concrete floors: acid-based concrete stain and water-based concrete stain. Each option has pros and cons. The color palette is more limited, but the stain typically lasts longer than water-based so it's the best solution for high-traffic areas.
Can the Color of Finished Concrete be Changed? In short, yes. Nonreactive stained concrete is going to be easier to fiddle with. You'll be able to tell the color of the finished product, though it's always a good idea to run a few tests.
Concrete Resurfacing
After ensuring the existing concrete slab is in good shape, contractors will add a thin layer of concrete—either over top of or combined with a bonding agent—to level out the surface.
Best Colors for Outdoor Concrete Patios
If you want a patio that looks clean and simple, standard gray is a good bet. If you'd like your outdoor concrete patio to fade into your landscape more, a modern rust color can give the patio an earthy-look without drawing the eye to it too closely.
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.
Clean the concrete with a solution of Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser and water. Observe after cleaning whether water is beading up over any oil spill area. If there is no indication of a spill that needs attention, rinse the concrete thoroughly, allow it to dry, and proceed with staining.
Prepare the Concrete Surface
The most important step of how to stain a concrete floor is surface preparation. New concrete should be at least four weeks old. Begin by removing all items from the floor and cleaning the area thoroughly.
An attractive and expertly finished garage floor can greatly improve the aesthetics of your home's interior and add to the overall appeal. It not only increases the functionality of your property but also maximizes the resale value when you decide to sell your home someday down the road.
Stained concrete can be an excellent choice for your residential house. Due to light foot traffic experienced in residential stained floors, a simple cleaning may renew their fresh look for many years.
In fact, stained concrete floors cost less than most traditional flooring types and come with numerous bonus benefits. For example, concrete stained floors are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and extremely durable.