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.
The most popular colors for concrete stains are earth tones including browns, tans, and terra cottas. Gray, green and blue hues are also possible. Color choice ultimately depends on the desired appearance for the project.
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.
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.
Acid Staining
Acid stains are a reactive coloring process that penetrates into the porous concrete surface. This is probably the most permanent of all coloring options but is usually limited to eight colors.
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.
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.
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.
Some experts believe that matching the color of walkway, driveway and patio pavers to the color of your home's roof is the way to go because this strategy ties colors together. The colors don't need to match exactly but should have the same hues.
Earthy hues like browns, tans, and beiges are popular among clients who appreciate the natural look of materials such as stone, wood, or brick. These warm colors blend well with most landscapes and create an inviting atmosphere. Here are some popular Brickform earth-tone colors for stamped concrete.
The easiest way to make over a concrete patio is to invest in a large and striking outdoor rug. The eye will instantly go to the rug and the concrete patio will disappear into the background. Put some great outdoor furniture on top of the rug and you've got yourself an outdoor space you can be proud of.
The durability of stained concrete
This applies to both interior floors as well as outdoor surfaces, so any concrete floor will benefit from a stained concrete finish that beautifies, seals, and protects against cracking, peeling, chipping, and fading.
For outstanding results, it comes down to the type and quality of the product, any unique characteristics, the location of the transformed area, and the application process. With all the right choices, the color will remain gorgeous for 10 to 15 years or more.
Concrete Acid Stains are the only true stains with permanent results.
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.
Unlike paint, stains don't chip or peel. Give your dull and worn-out concrete a lustrous look by applying a concrete stain that will both complement the look of your house and protect the integrity of the surface.
Because of this, acid stain is the best concrete stain to use on an outdoor surface. Other styles of concrete stain may fade or discolor as they're exposed to sunlight. Acid stains are so durable that they can be utilized in high-traffic areas without the risk of chipping or peeling.
Spread The Love! Concrete floors that are stained and sealed don't just look beautiful but are also very durable. But this does not mean they are invincible. If you don't take good care of them, they can develop scratch marks, become dull, and wear out over time.
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.
Apply at least two thin and even coats, leaving time in between for the coats to dry, for a duration specified by the manufacturer. Don't use the concrete surface for the manufacturer-recommended time.
If you are doing two coats then you would apply the first coat and allow to completely dry, usually an hour or two. Then you would apply second coat and allow to dry overnight and up to 24 hours. Drying time(final coat)- 4 hours minimum to overnight to 24 hours.
Apply the stain when air and surface temperatures are between 50-90 degrees F. Since concrete varies in texture and porosity, 2 coats may be required for uniform appearance.