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What Do You Use to Stain a New Concrete Patio?

Staining concrete isn't new, but it has grown in popularity for homeowners looking for a new way to add color and flair to their concrete areas. There are a variety of stains available -- some are acids and others are water-based. The job may or may not be a do-it-yourself endeavor; take precautions if you are unfamiliar with the needed tools or process, and hire out if you need to.

  1. When to Stain

    • According to "All Things Concrete" (all-things-concrete.com), you should wait 20 days in warm weather for your new concrete patio to cure properly before staining; wait 45 days if the temperature is cooler than 65 degrees. If you haven't poured yet, there are also stains available to mix into the wet concrete. For best results, always follow the instructions for the stain you have chosen.

    Acid-Based Stains

    • Acid-based stains penetrate the concrete's surface and cause a chemical reaction with the concrete. The finished look is natural, consisting of mottled blotches resembling marble and other natural stone. Acid is transparent, allowing you to keep the surface textures of your concrete visible. Another benefit of acid-based stains is that due to their nature, no two staining jobs will look alike.

    Acrylic Stains

    • Acrylic stains don't chemically alter the concrete -- they simply penetrate and create a semi-transparent finish. Acrylic works better for defected patios -- although this shouldn't be a problem with a new patio. With acrylic stains, you can choose one or more colors and create a variety of effects. Acrylic stains resist ultraviolet rays and foot traffic.They are also resistant to mildews and other problems.

    Tips

    • You can make your stained patio as simple or intricate as you like. One method of adding design is to score your concrete prior to staining. The stain will settle into the scores, creating a variety of effects if you desire. An angle grinder equipped with a 4-inch masonry bit can score your concrete and is fairly simple to use. Make sure you purchase a staining product and not one that simply covers the top of your concrete like paint. Stain is named because it actually stains; it doesn't just cover. If your new patio is small, consider taking the job on yourself. If it's a large area, a professional may be the right answer. When considering professionals, make sure to physically visit places in their portfolios.

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Exterior Remodeling
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  2. My New Concrete Has White Stains on It
  3. What to Use to Stain Cypress Wood
  4. What Do You Use to Get Chemicals Off a Concrete Floor?
  5. What Kind of Stain Do You Use for Wood on the Front of a House?
  6. What Can I Use to Get Stains Out of a Silk Chair?
  7. What Happens When You Use Paint Thinner on Concrete?
  8. What Concrete Blocks Do You Use to Build an Outside Fireplace?
  9. What Do You Need to Do Before You Stain Porch?
  10. Can You Stain a Fiberglass Deck?
  11. What Happens When You Use a Regular Drill Bit on Concrete?
  12. Solvent-Based vs. Water-Based Concrete Stain

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