Patio Concrete Staining

As an increasing number of people want to spend time at home, their decks and lawns are being used more frequently. And, frequent use necessitates maintenance. As A result many householders are opting for patio concrete staining that is quite convenient to maintain and not so expensive either. That apart, it gives a clean natural look of stone or brick. That’s how the trend got started and is a favorite of people.

An improved patio with a neat and fresh look makes it ideal for socializing and induces relaxation. Here are a few points to help you understand this technique of concrete staining.



We all know that an outer concrete surface presents a very dull and dreary look but we got used to that as the area with that kind of a finish was used very infrequently. The same place could be better used by giving it a new look. For getting that new look by the use of concrete staining, you need not necessarily rip apart your present concrete. You may continue with your present exterior, but it will be highly desirable to have a thin layer of concrete over and above what you might already have.

Should you decide to go for concrete straining, you may have a new thin layer of concrete as noted above. In case you want to do away with that, as the concrete may be in a good condition, you certainly are required to clean the existing old layer with a high pressure washer. Next, you have to decide the kind of stain you are going to have. There are two types of stains available. If you opt for acid stains, you will get a translucent lovely smooth color. But, if your concrete is not in such a good state and has been corroded you should go for an acrylic stain as it is a bit easier to handle and won’t affect your lawn in the vicinity.



In case you decided not to get rid of the existing concrete, it is of utmost importance that you thoroughly clean it. Use a masonry cleaner of the kind of muriatic acid, a derivative of hydrochloric acid. Apart from leaving the treated surface absolutely clean, it facilitates adhesion of the new concrete stain. The other precaution you should take will be to protect your grass and shrubs by completely soaking them with water.

The whole process may sound a bit tedious, but don’t feel disheartened. Think of the grand new look you are going to have. Do a bit of planning and plunge into it. It’s not so difficult.

How to Acid Stain Concrete

The practice of having concretes with acid stains is quite old but is being revived these days and gaining popularity. As we all realize, a concrete floor presents a very durable and a low maintenance option but gives a rather unpleasant and boring look. The same concrete floor can be given an altogether different look and make it appear more inviting and alive by using this technique of acid staining, while it continues to retain its ruggedness and other characteristics.

Most of the acid stains are in earth tones. It covers shades of reds, greens and browns. Such earthly tones impart a look of expensive stone or marble floor to your concrete floor at a significantly low cost.

If you do not feel enthusiastic to make this as another do-it-yourself project, you may hire the services of a contractor to carry out the acid stain concreter job. The going rate for the most basic job is around $4.0 per square foot. However, should you have plans to have a more detailed and intricate patterns it will vary from $4 - $10 a square foot.

You may have it in multi colors and designs. For a basic job you could avoid having a contractor and do the project yourself. It’s not too difficult. Even if you are a novice, you are not likely to face any serious handicap or difficulty provided you plan it before hand. It should normally be over within two days, if you work for a couple of hours a day. That way it will cost you less than a dollar per square foot.



Get Your Materials

For an efficient completion of the project, you should ensure to have all the needed materials before hand. As you are going to handle a diluted acid, you should necessarily take all the precautionary measure to protect yourself. It is desirable to keep your arms and legs thoroughly covered. Make use of that old pair of long trousers and a shirt with long sleeves. Apart from that you should use a face mask, a protective eye gear and a pair of gloves. The materials and tools you are going to need shall comprise of: Acid concrete stain, concrete cleaner, broom, sprayer, paint tray, roller and a wet vacuum.

Prepare the Surface

The most important feature of the whole of this exercise is to have as clean a floor as is possible. The cleaner the floor, the better will be the finish and thus the overall effect. Remember that acid stain is translucent, or semi transparent as a result of which even a small crack or an odd spot on the concrete will be seen after you have finished the project. A hairline crack, though might impart a character to your floor, but everything else should be cleared or repaired.

Apply the Stain

You may do it in a few ways but I suggest using an all plastic sprayer. You will need help of another person though. One of you should spray the acid stain on the concrete while the other one, following closely behind, should continue brushing it with a broom. As it will leave brush strokes, the sprayer needs to go over the area a second time. Continue the same way till the whole floor is covered.

Wash the Floor

Allow enough time for the floor to chemically react with the stain. Next, wash the floor with a solution of baking powder with water. This process of washing neutralizes the acid concrete stain and removes excess of residue, if any.



Apply the Sealer

After the floor gets completely dried-up, you should apply two or three coats of sealer with the help of a paint roller. After the final coat of sealer has thoroughly dried, you may start using a beautifully prepared new floor.
In a nut shell that’s a complete guide for acquiring acid stained concrete floor. You may get a detailed step-by step method of making stained concrete floor by clicking on this link.