Staining concrete is an affordable and simple way to transform your patio into an inviting outdoor living area. Additionally, it helps protect the surface against fading, wear, and damage.
There are a wide variety of stains available, but we suggest eco-friendly acid or water-based options that are safe for both your plants and pets. Traci and her husband chose to create a marbleized effect in their concrete; you can apply one color or multiple hues for an eye-catching appearance.
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Applying The Stain
Staining concrete is an economical way to give your patio a fresh new look and feel. You have hundreds of acid and water-based stains available to select from, so there’s sure to be one that meets both your requirements and preferences.
Paint produces solid opaque colors, while acid-based and water-based stains penetrate deeply into concrete’s surface, producing natural color variations and mottling effects for your patio.
Before applying the stain, make sure your concrete surface has been properly prepared. This includes using an organic cleaner and degreaser to eliminate any dirt or oils from the surface.
Cutting Kerfs
If you want to stain your patio a different color, you will need to cut kerfs (small cuts in concrete). These are used to separate sections that will be stained with different hues.
You can rent an electric concrete-cutting saw with a diamond masonry blade to make kerfs in exposed portions of your patio. Set the blade to a depth of 1/4 in.
Wear safety glasses and a dust mask, and have someone spray water mist onto the blade during the cut to contain any dust particles.
Next, use a wide board as a saw guide to keep the kerfs straight and tidy. Mark where you plan to make cuts with chalk.
Make four parallel kerfs about 1/2 inch apart on the concrete with the rented saw. Be prepared for clouds of dust to come flying up from below; have someone hold a wet/dry vac hose near the blade to catch some of it.
How to stain concrete
Applying The Sealer
Before applying your sealant, make sure to clean away any dirt or stains from your concrete. You can do this by power washing the surface or using a chemical stripper and following the product’s instructions.
Apply a thin film of sealer evenly across the concrete surface, protecting it from UV rays and any debris which could cause cracking or discoloration over time.
When selecting a sealer for your outdoor project, you have two options: water-based or solvent. Solvent-based sealers tend to be preferred on outdoor tasks like driveways and patios since they offer a higher gloss finish that enhances the visual appeal of concrete.
Sealers are the ideal way to protect your concrete and keep it looking great. Not only will they repel stains, and resist moisture, but they also keep the added color from fading over time. Regular maintenance such as using soap and water every few months is key; if any areas where the sealer has worn thin, reapplication with light pressure may do the trick.
Touching Up
As your patio ages, the ground beneath it may shift and cause cracks in its surface. However, this is an entirely normal occurrence in concrete construction – nothing to worry about!
But if you notice that the corners of your patio are chipping or crumbling, there could be an underlying issue. Fortunately, there is a simple fix for this problem.
Before you touch up the corner, it is essential to clean it thoroughly so your repair product adheres properly. This can be accomplished using a brush and cleaner such as Quikrete Concrete & Asphalt Cleaner.
Once you’ve cleaned, rinse thoroughly and allow it to air-dry. Applying a repair compound will allow you to reattach your corner.
Polyurethane repair compounds make the process of concrete repair quick and effortless. They dry rapidly, create a strong bond to the concrete surface, and have excellent durability – lasting for years to come.
