If you want to stain old concrete, using a true acid stain is always the best option. Avoid "acrylic stains" as these are disguised paint and will also peel with time. Concrete Acid Stains are the only true stains with permanent results.
New concrete should be fully cured before staining, which takes between 21 and 28 days. Whether you're a professional wanting to add staining to your repertoire or a homeowner who loves a DIY challenge, here are the steps for staining concrete: Clean and prepare the concrete. Apply the concrete stain.
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.
Compared to dyes, stains tend to last longer and hold up better. They have a less saturated color than a dye but are more durable and show less wear. For this reason, stained concrete is favored for outdoor surfaces that are exposed to foot traffic, weather, and sunlight.
Concrete stains can be a great option for changing the color of your concrete without having to completely resurface it. EasyTint solvent-based tinted sealer is a semi-transparent stain that can add a new color to your already stained concrete.
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.
Top it with a decorative overlay.
With some overlay systems, you can customize the look by staining, dying, scoring, stenciling or even stamping the surface. "The beauty of using an overlay system," Bob says, "is that you can transform a bland, unattractive slab of concrete into something that looks quite spectacular."
Bleach. Does a large area of your concrete need a good cleaning? Fill a bucket with warm water and about ¾ a cup of liquid bleach and start mopping. Let the bleach solution sit for a few minutes before using a bucket with clean water to mop up the bleach solution.
This will disappear with time. Concrete containing ground slag does, however, have a generally lighter color. The discoloration of concrete cast in forms or in slabs on grade is usually the result of a change in either the concrete composition or a concrete construction practice.
You can expect to reseal every 2 to 3 years to keep your concrete in its best condition. Any longer and the color of your stamped concrete can start to fade. There are UV protectant sealers that can minimize and virtually eliminate any fading due to sunlight exposure.
A mild laundry detergent, dish soap, or another mild detergent can help create an effective cleaning solution that will help remove most stains and dirt from your stamped concrete. There are even cleaners that are specially formulated for use on concrete that you can use.
Vinegar or baking soda: These natural cleaners work well to clean cement patios with stubborn charcoal or rust spots. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, scrub the patio with the mixture, then give it a good rinse. If stains don't dissolve, try undiluted vinegar.
Resurfacing a driveway will extend its lifespan. Adding an overlay above the existing concrete makes it incredibly durable so it can withstand its usual daily pounding from vehicles, foot traffic and harsh weather.
If you're repairing an indoor concrete slab, like a garage floor or enclosed patio, Quikrete Self-Leveling Resurfacer will be your best option. The product's thinner consistency helps it to self-level as you apply it to your concrete surface.
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.
If properly taken care of, Concrete dye will last as long as the concrete itself. However, projects using Concrete Dye MUST be sealed every 1-2 years depending on exposure to retain the original color. If not properly cared for, the color could significantly fade requiring an additional application of dye.
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.
Concrete outdoor surfaces can face a lot of wear and tear over time. A fresh coat of paint can provide a welcome makeover. The best concrete paint or stain conceals discolorations and signs of damage. It also provides a protective coating that extends the life of the surface.
A basic stamped concrete design –– a simple pattern and one color –– costs most homeowners between $8.50 to $13.25 per square foot. On the other hand, a complex design with multiple colors, patterns, and accents will cost between $18 and $25.25 per square foot on average.
Colored concrete will get good and hard just like normal concrete. However, all concrete benefits from being sealed against stains and water damage. So even though it's not necessary, sealing your colored concrete will make it look good longer and will help prevent dusting of the surface.