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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The stain is almost absorbed into the porous concrete through the reaction.
Clear and transparent stains need a touchup every year or two. Semi-transparent last 2 to 3 years. Semi-solid stains are good for 2 to 4 years of protection. Solid stains on decks may protect up to 5 to 7 years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are two types of stains used on concrete: water-based stains and acid stains. Water-based stains are the easiest option and come in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to choose your desired finish. A water-based stain seeps into porous concrete and forms a coating on the surface, similar to paint.
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).
After surface has thoroughly dried, apply two or more coats of sealer to concrete using a brush, lamb-wool applicator or spray-equipment. Allow surface to dry 1-3 hours between coats depending on temperatures.
Concrete stain and paint interact with concrete's porosity and permeability in different ways. Concrete paint coats the surface with a thin film that forms on the surface. This traps moisture which damages concrete over time. Stain, however, colors the porous concrete surface without sealing it.
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.
One of the greatest pros of choosing staining over painting is that the stain penetrates into the concrete rather than just building up on the surface, as with paint. This results in a longer-lasting color that won't fade as quickly as paint.
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 .
The most popular finish is clear, but concrete stain colors include white, brown and gray. You can also purchase a tintable base to match dozens of popular hues. Concrete stain can be used on patios, walkways and pool decks. It can even be used inside for mudrooms, laundry rooms or basements.
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.
We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain.
Rubbing. Frantically rubbing a stain can make it spread further and also damage the weave of the fabric. Try gently dabbing the stain away first.
The new stain you are applying over the old stain should be compatible. For instance, if it's an oil-based stain, apply another oil-based stain. If it's a water-based stain, apply another water-based stain. Incompatible stains can lead to poor adhesion or blotchy and uneven finish.