How to Stain Cement Molds

Wash the cement molding. The entire surface must be free of dust, dirt or other debris before the stain can be applied. Use a water hose with a pressure nozzle to clean the entire surface area. If the cement is excessively dirty, use a brush with soapy water to scrub the surface, then rinse with a high-pressure spray.

Prepare the staining mixture. Cement stains come in the form of an acid stain kit. The kit will have a color chart indicating how concentrated the mixture should be in order to achieve a desired shade. Note that the actual color may vary once it is applied to the cement molding, since different cement mixtures absorb stain differently. If possible, test the stain on a scrap piece of cement, and then adjust the mixture as needed.

Apply the stain to the cement molding. Use a paint brush to apply a generous coat of the acid stain over the entire surface of the cement molding. Wear thick rubber kitchen gloves to prevent contact with your skin. Allow the stain to set into the cement after it is applied. The recommended time for setting will vary depending on the manufacturer, and how dark you want the color. A period of 20 to 30 minutes is typical. Refer to the application instructions that came with the stain for an exact time.

Wash the excess residue off the cement molding. After the stain sets, use a water hose and an old cloth to gently wash away any residue on the surface of the cement. After washing the cement, use an old towel to pat dry. Try not to use any scrubbing motions, as these may lift color out of the cement.

Apply a sealant to the cement as a top coat. Use a clean paint brush to apply a thick layer of sealant over the surface of the cement molding. The sealant locks in the color of the stain and protects the cement from being damaged by weather exposure. Allow the sealant to dry completely before touching the cement.