what is the best way to stain concrete

What is the best way to apply concrete stain?

1:473:33How To Apply Concrete Stain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe second color can be applied across the whole floor or just over the areas that weren't stainedMoreThe second color can be applied across the whole floor or just over the areas that weren't stained by the first color acid stains look best if both colors are applied at the same.

Can you stain concrete on your own?

– staining one yourself is a surprisingly easy task (although you'll want to avoid one major pitfall we fell into). So anyone with a garage, sunroom, basement, porch, or patio with a concrete floor should seriously consider this super simple process that you can do without any fancy tools or equipment.

What will permanently stain concrete?

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.

Should concrete be sealed before staining?

New, unsealed concrete is porous and subject to surface wear and staining if not properly sealed and maintained.

Do you have to acid wash concrete before staining?

1:167:57How To Clean and Prepare Concrete For Acid Staining [Part 3] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut first before you do your final clean ensure that the concrete is free from any and allMoreBut first before you do your final clean ensure that the concrete is free from any and all contaminants. Make sure there's no curing agents or waxes or paint or glue or oil or grease or anything like

How long does concrete stain last?

Durability of Stained 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 .

Do you have to seal concrete after staining?

To prolong stain life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer (outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to the surface and enhancing color intensity.

What is the most durable concrete stain?

Typically, acid stains are a more durable choice for exterior concrete stain projects than water-based formulas. However, water-based stains will do fine outside if re-sealed frequently.

Is it better to paint or stain concrete?

0:011:23Is It Better To Paint Or Stain A Concrete Patio - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs far as longevity is concerned I would definitely recommend a color stain. Especially concreteMoreAs far as longevity is concerned I would definitely recommend a color stain. Especially concrete cover color concrete stain because it penetrates into the concrete.

What is the average cost to stain concrete?

Staining concrete typically costs $7 to $15 per square foot. Contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot for a simple stain job and between $12 and $25 per square foot for high-end designs.

Does staining concrete make it slippery?

Like any hard, smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet, especially if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer. For concrete floors or walkways exposed to moisture or in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there are ways you can increase the slip resistance without affecting the color.

How long does concrete stain need to dry?

1:323:12How-To: Apply Behr Premium Solid Color Concrete Stain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCleanup is easy with soap and water the concrete stain will dry to the touch in two hours pleaseMoreCleanup is easy with soap and water the concrete stain will dry to the touch in two hours please allow the first coat to dry for two to four hours before deciding if a second coat is necessary.

How do you stain a concrete floor yourself?

How to stain interior concrete floorsPrepare the surface. Before anything else, you want to make sure you're working with a clean slate. ... Clean the surface for optimal results. Once the concrete is smooth and free of any previous coatings, vacuum or wash away dust. ... Mask the design. ... Apply the color. ... Seal the color.

Is staining concrete expensive?

Staining concrete typically costs $7 to $15 per square foot. Contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot for a simple stain job and between $12 and $25 per square foot for high-end designs.

How do I stain my concrete driveway myself?

HOW TO STAIN YOUR CONCRETE DRIVEWAYClean the surface – remove the oil and other stains and debris on the concrete surface.Apply the concrete stain – follow manufacturer recommendations for what equipment is required and how to apply.More items...

Can concrete stain be applied with a roller?

Use a roller with extension pole or a sprayer to apply concrete stain over the rest of the surface evenly. Apply first coat evenly, working in one direction. Allow to dry at least 2 hours before applying the second coat.

What is the best way to finish concrete?

One popular way to finish concrete is with either acid-staining acrylic or water-based concrete stains. I recommend acid staining because it lasts longer and looks better. The downside of an acid stain, however, is that it can be somewhat unpredictable. Rather than coating on like a wood stain, acid concrete stain generates color ...

How does acid concrete stain work?

Rather than coating on like a wood stain, acid concrete stain generates color through a chemical reaction. Results depend in part on the stain you’ve chosen and how much of it you apply, but also on the concrete itself—its location, age, and mineral composition. The color you end up with may be quite different from the one you expected to get.

What do you use to stain a wall?

Use a paint roller or paintbrush to apply stain in smaller areas.

Why do people choose concrete floors?

Now, however, more homeowners are choosing concrete floors for their indoor and outdoor spaces because of the building material’s beauty and durability, and doing it yourself will cut the cost of the improvement significantly. From garage floors, basement floors, and even outdoor concrete patios, you can make your home look amazing with stained concrete floors.

Can you seal concrete with wax?

Again, please consult the product label; it’s a good idea to use the manufacturer-recommended sealer. Indoor concrete flooring is usually sealed with wax, although I would opt for epoxy beneath urethane in a high-traffic area. The same is true for your outdoor space, so consult the manufacturer’s guide to ensure you follow the correct staining process. Note that you can use a buffing machine to facilitate the sealing process, so long as you are working on a floor surface indoors.

Can I use wax on concrete floors?

Indoor concrete flooring is usually sealed with wax, although I would opt for epoxy beneath urethane in a high-traffic area. The same is true for your outdoor space, so consult the manufacturer’s guide to ensure you follow the correct staining process.

Can you stain concrete?

Applying a stain to a concrete floor can add beauty and depth to this heavy-duty material and make it even easier to maintain.

How to get a stain out of concrete?

After the concrete is no longer wet from rinsing, use a brush or roller to spread the stain across the project surface. If it’s a puddle you can splash in (don’t), it’s too thick. If it disappears right after applying it (i.e. it absorbed into the concrete), you need more.

What to use to clean concrete after it has dried?

You’re so close to being done! After the stain has dried, use a sealer or wax to protect the stain from dirt or grime that could change the color or texture over time. You’ll need to regularly clean the concrete surface, but don’t use powerful chemicals like bleach, vinegar or ammonia. Such solutions can damage stained concrete. And you wouldn’t want that, would you?

What is acid stain?

Acid stains are made up of metallic salt minerals dissolved into a water-acid mixture. The acid causes a chemical reaction during the curing process that permanently changes the concrete surface color and texture.

Can you stain concrete with acid?

If you’re a parent, the word “stain” probably doesn’t make you think of something beautiful or decorative. Nonetheless, concrete staining is a great way to turn a slab of gray into luxurious concrete with color or shine. Concrete experts generally use one of two ways to stain concrete: acid and water-based stains. Each one has a specific purpose, but which one should you use?

How much can you reduce concrete stain?

Depending on how old, rough and porous the concrete is, the coverage of the stain can be reduced by as much as 20% to 50% or more.

What is concrete stain?

True concrete stain is to concrete like wood stain is to wood. Acid staining is a chemical reaction that permanently changes the color of the concrete surface. If you want to stain old concrete, using a true acid stain is always the best option.

Why is my concrete stain not reacting?

If your concrete stain did not react properly, it could be because many of the big box concrete stains might not be up to the task, especially if the concrete has ever been acid washed or acid etched. Which is why we suggest using our Artist Grade concrete stain on older concrete.

Why do you test old concrete?

The reason that you want to test older concrete is three fold: to ensure that the concrete is properly stripped and cleaned, that the concrete stain will react properly, and that you like the color. We offer all of our stains in sample sizes for this part of the process.

What to use to remove paint from concrete?

If You Have Paints, Glues or Other Sticky Stuff On Your Concrete. You'll need to remove these with a paint stripper, mastic remover or heavy duty glue remover. With paints and glues you will still likely need to lightly sand the concrete.

Can you use grease on concrete?

If you have grease or oil on the floor, you will need to use a degreaser or stain prep for concrete floors. Since the concrete is old and you may not know for sure if any type of oils, grease and thin petroleum products have ever been spilled on the concrete, we suggest degreasing the concrete regardless.

Can you stain old concrete?

The answer is: yes, you can acid stain old concrete. The process for acid staining old concrete is not all that different from staining new concrete with a few exceptions. Below, we will walk you through how to stain old concrete and the differences from how to stain new concrete.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CONCRETE STAIN TO DRY?

Most stain manufacturers recommended a dry time of up to 24 hours. Many contractors find that letting stain dry overnight is sufficient and convenient for their schedule. If applying multiple coats of stain, allow for an hour or two of dry time in between.

What color is concrete stain?

Acid stains offer a variety of variegated earth tones, while water-based stains offer a broader range of hues, including black, white, yellow and orange .

HOW MUCH STAIN DO I NEED?

To determine how much stain you need for your project you will need to know the following:

How does acid stain work?

Acid stains work by chemically reacting with the concrete to change its color and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Use an acid stain if you want: Permanent color that won’t fade, chip or peel. Rich, natural color variations that bring character and distinction to your concrete.

What is the difference between acid stained and water based concrete?

When selecting an interior concrete stain keep in mind that acid-based stains are good for high traffic floors due to their longevity, while water-based stains are easier to apply, require less cleanup and aren’t as toxic. Acid stained concrete floors have an old-world mottled look that blends well with stone and wood and helps bring a timeless appeal to your indoor spaces. Concrete floors colored with water-based stains will have more vivid, consistent coloring suitable to more modern interior designs.

What is water based concrete stain?

WATER-BASED CONCRETE STAINS. Water-based concrete stains are a newer, non-reactive option for staining concrete. Like acid stains they are UV stable and can be used indoors and outdoors, but unlike acid stains they offer a full spectrum of colors with longer working times.

What is the benefit of acid stains?

The primary benefit of acid stains is that once the reaction is complete the color is permanent and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Acid stains are translucent and produce a unique look every time depending on the condition of the concrete. The colors are limited primarily to earth tones and the acid in the stain must be neutralized to stop the reaction.

What is the best stain for concrete?

Another acid-based stain, Kemiko Stone Tone is widely regarded as an excellent choice for achieving a natural, stone-like look. Stone Tone is touted as a great choice for both interior and exterior concrete, giving you a lot of versatility and adaptability.

What Is Concrete Stain?

To put it simply, concrete stain is a liquid meant to beautify your concrete floor. Much like wood stain, concrete stain is designed to add colors or an organic effect to concrete flooring.

What is acid based stain?

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. This makes acid stain an excellent choice for outdoor work.

What is the best water based stain?

Concrete Resurrection. Concrete Resurrection is one of the best water-based stains you can find. The flexibility of this stain is what consumers love. You can choose between a marbled effect or more of an opaque look, with a range of colors to choose from.

Is water based stain better than acid based stain?

Rather than interacting chemically with concrete, water-based stains adhere to the surface of the concrete. It's typically easier to apply than acid stains, dries more quickly, and is available in a wider array of colors.

Is it bad to rent a concrete grinder?

Renting a concrete grinder is not a bad idea. A grinder can smooth out any rough patches, or help scrub off those stubborn stains that washing will not remove. With plenty of concrete prep packages available, finding the right grinder and additional supplies has never been easier.

When to gather concrete tools?

Once your floors have been cleaned and are dry, it's time to gather your concrete tools and all your supplies.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STAIN A CONCRETE PATIO?

Basic concrete staining costs $2 - $4 per sq. ft., for a single color with minimal slab preparation. While this is a very cost-effective way to get a new look for your patio, the cost can increase as the preparation needs become greater, or the design calls for multiple colors, or custom graphics.

How long does concrete paint last?

Where stain will last for the life of your patio, paint will only last for a year with normal wear and tear.

What is water based stain?

Water-based stains are good for going beyond the subtle drama of acid staining, since they come in a much broader spectrum of hues. Most manufacturers offer dozens of standard colors, including black and white and even metallic tints. Like acid stains, water-based stains (typically a blend of acrylic polymers and pigments) penetrate the concrete to produce permanent color, ranging from translucent to opaque.

How to mimic natural stone?

Apply multiple colors of stain to mimic the look of natural stone (see Concrete Patio Mimics Natural Stone ).

What color is acid stain?

Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won't fade, chip off or peel away. The palette for acid staining is generally limited to earthy tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas and soft blue greens.

Do you need to prep concrete before staining?

Prior to staining a patio, the surface needs to be prepped. Because concrete stains are translucent, they won’t hide color variations or unwanted stains from dirt, oil, grease, organic matter, or weather exposure.

Can you stain concrete with acid?

Depending on the look you want to achieve for your stained concrete patio, you can choose from acid-based chemical stains or water-based stains. Acid stains work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing it to penetrate more easily.

Why is concrete stain so easy to apply?

A concrete stain should be easy to apply because it will determine the effort you have to exert, which could impact the result. It also determines if you have to buy additional products such as cleaners or brushes. Some concrete stains are sprays, so they don’t require brushes and other accessories.

Which is the best concrete stain?

You have several factors to consider when choosing a concrete stain. After looking at all of the 10 product reviews that we’ve done, we found that Kemiko Stone Tone Concrete Stain was the best overall product. It had great features and fared better when compared to the other products.

Why are acid stains so expensive?

Acid stains tend to provide the most strength and stickiness with a concrete surface out of all the types . That’s one of the reasons that they tend to be more expensive. Their particles are absorbed into the concrete, creating a longer-lasting effect.

How much dilution ratio for a stain?

With some stains, you can dilute them to get more surface coverage. Some provide a dilution ratio of 4:1. Others can provide a 10:1 ratio. That allows you to cover more surface, but it shouldn’t compromise the stain quality. The stain shouldn’t become thinner once diluted. If that happens, you might have to apply more than one coat to get a dark color.

What is the difference between water based and acid based stain?

The difference with water-based stains is that their particles are usually too big for the concrete to absorb, so they provide more of a coating for the surface than absorption like acid stains.

How long does it take for acid to cure on concrete?

It provides the optimal result with minerals that exist in concrete and have cured for at least 28 days. With 1 gallon, you can expect to stain about 250 to 500 square feet of concrete. That obviously depends on how many coatings you use.

Can you use water based stain on concrete?

Since most water-based stains are UV and weather-resistant, you can use them outdoors, but you’ll have to reseal regularly to maintain your concrete more frequently than with acid stain. They usually produce very low VOCs.