Decorative concrete projects can add a tremendous amount of aesthetic appeal to outdoor and indoor spaces. Learning how to stain concrete will be simple if you’re already a contractor and have experience working with it. When you stain concrete, you can breathe new life into it. Concrete can be stained whether it’s old or new, and the process for staining will depend on the products chosen, the location (indoors or outdoors), and the desired effect.
Generally speaking, there are four critical steps in the process of staining concrete, and they are as follows:
- Prepare the surface
- Apply the concrete stain
- Clean up, and neutralize acid stains
- Seal the concrete surface properly
If you’re a DIY home or business owner trying out a new project, research and follow the instructions on the chosen products. Otherwise, you may not be pleased with your results.
Exterior Concrete Stain
If you have exterior concrete at your home or business that you want to transform or update, staining is a quick and affordable option. Adding a stain color to your concrete driveway, patio, sidewalk, or pool deck can instantly lift a dull grey into a rich, beautiful color teeming with personality.
Acid-based concrete stains are typically more durable and better suited for exterior concrete projects than water-based stain options. That said, you can use water-based stains if you are open to frequently re-sealing the concrete.
Interior Concrete Stain
There are many benefits to having beautiful concrete floors inside your home or business, one being the durability of this material. When choosing stain products for these interior concrete projects, consider the amount of foot traffic the area sees and what type of effect you desire for the space. Water-based stains boast more accessible application and cleanup, but acid-based concrete stains are generally more durable. Be sure to factor in these elements when selecting products for your project.
How to Stain Concrete in a Slew of Colors
You can choose any color or hue under the sun when it comes to concrete stain colors. Acid-based stain products generally offer more variegated earth tones, and water-based stains provide a vast range of tones from black to white to orange and everything in between. You can even consider blending colors to create a more custom shade for your space. For more intricate designs, you can also add interest to your concrete project with concrete stamps, saw-cut patterns, and stencils.
We have a few tips for concrete staining projects you may want to consider before jumping right in!
- Ensure the concrete is cured fully before you apply any stain products.
- You can use acid- and water-based stains within the same project. Just be sure you understand how each works.
- Concrete can be re-stained if it hasn’t yet been sealed or the sealer has been removed.
- Test your stain color in a discrete area before staining the entire surface to ensure the desired effect.
- Always be sure to seal the concrete after staining to preserve your work
If you need products, tools, or any supplies for your upcoming decorative concrete project, our
Power Rental & Sales team is here to help. Our team is versed in all things concrete, and we want to be a resource for you through our
Chattanooga,
Nashville, and
Huntsville store locations.