
Concrete driveways and patios are affordable and easy to maintain, but they can be awfully plain. By staining your concrete to look like stone, you can give your house a warm, exotic look.
What You’ll Need:
- Brushes or Sponges
- Sprayer and Compressor
- Measuring Tape
- Paint Roller and Paint Pan
- Garden Sprayer (all plastic)
- Power Washer
- Push Broom
- Degreaser
- Masking Tape and Plastic Sheeting
- Efflorescence Blocker
- Roller Covers
- Concrete Stain
- Concrete Sealer
- Vinyl Gloves
- Eye Protection
- Filter Masks
Preparation
Clean the area with a degreaser, paying particular attention to stains. Rinse with the power washer. Let it dry, then sweep off any debris.
Mask the surrounding areas you don’t wish to stain.
To prevent the leaching of salts from the ground into the concrete, which will discolor your stain, use an efflorescence blocker. Apply it with the garden sprayer, then brush it out with the broom. Let dry for about an hour.
Staining
Let your inner artist decide what looks best to you. Drying time between layers could be as much as twenty-four hours, and the more coats you spray, the longer it will take to dry.
After letting the stain dry for an additional twenty-four hours, apply the sealer with a low-nap paint roller. Let it dry, and you’re finished!
Beware
If the concrete is new, it should be at least 28 days old before staining.
Always use protective gear.
If you use acid-based stain on an interior floor, make sure the room is well ventilated.
Keep kids and pets away from the surface while the stain is drying. It’s very hard to get footprints out of stain and stain out of other surfaces if it’s tracked onto other surfaces.