DIY Stamping and Staining Driveways

Sweep the driveway with a stiff-bristled broom to remove loose particles and dirt. Spread a concrete degreaser over the driveway and allow it to sit on the surface for the time recommended on the bottle, generally 20 to 30 minutes.

Scrub the degreaser into the concrete with a stiff scrub brush. Wash the concrete degreaser off the driveway using a power washer.

Create form boards on both sides of the driveway using enough 6-foot by 12-foot lumber boards as necessary for both sides. Hammer tall wooden stakes into the soil behind the form boards to brace them up against the concrete driveway. Space these stakes 2 feet apart.

Pour a concrete primer on the driveway and spread it over the surface using a long squeegee. Work quickly so the primer does not dry before applying the concrete overlay.

Empty concrete overlay mix into a large wheelbarrow and add water. Use the instructions on the bag as your guide for the overlay mix/water ratio. Use a mixing hook and an electric drill to mix the overlay until it is thick like cake batter.

Tilt the wheelbarrow over onto the driveway to allow the overlay to empty. Spread the overlay even with a rake. Level the top of the overlay by pulling a long board back and forth, with the aid of a helper, across the surface of the overlay. Smooth the overlay with a concrete float.

Put on clear goggles and a face mask. Spray curing compound over the overlay according to directions. Sprinkle a coating of release powder over the driveway using your hand.

Position the first stamp at the starting point of the driveway. Begin toward the residence, while working your way to the street. Tap the stamp with a rubber mallet on each side so it sinks into the overlay, creating the design. Lift the stamp and move to the next section to continue the pattern. Align the stamp next to the first impression. Repeat this procedure until you have stamped the entire driveway.

Allow the driveway to dry up to 48 hours. When dry, use the broom to remove any new dirt that blew onto the surface.

Add acid stain to a pump sprayer rated for acid. Mix the acid stain with water until the desired color shade is obtained. Spray the acid stain onto the driveway, guiding the spray tip from left to right, and then right to left.

Have a helper walk directly behind you with a medium-bristled brush to scrub the stain using circular motions. Continue to spray the stain and brush it into the driveway until you have finished.

Walk back to the place where you began the stain application and spray a light coating of acid stain over the driveway. Allow the acid stain 24 to 48 hours to thoroughly dry on the driveway.