How to Stain Cement Statues

Cement statuary is used to ornament and add visual elements to a lawn, garden or public space. Unfinished, gray cement can seem plain and dull. Enliven your new statues or update your old statues by adding color. Add color easily and affordably using concrete stain. Concrete stains come in a wide variety of colors and can also be blended to make your own unique shades.

Liquid dish soap
Industrial cleaner with mild acids
Plastic scrub brush
Concrete stain
Sprayer, sponges and/or paintbrushes
Concrete sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Spray-wash or scrub any dirt, mildew or grime from old statues that are being updated. If necessary, mild dish soap can be used.
- 2
  Pre-wash the statue with an industrial cleaner with mild acids for etching. Etching will open up the cement pores and allow for adequate stain penetration. Scrub the cleaner onto all surfaces with a plastic scrub brush.
- 3
  Rinse the cleaner thoroughly with fresh water and allow the statue to dry.
- 4
  Apply an even, first coat of stain to the statue using a paintbrush, sponge or a sprayer. A small, round paintbrush can be used for getting into narrow cracks and crevices. Quickly brush away any drips or pooling of stain.
- 5
  Allow the stain to dry for at least 30 minutes or until it is dry to the touch. Add two or three subsequent coats as needed to darken or even out the color. Allow adequate dry time between each coat. Leave the final coat to dry for at least 24 hours.
- 6
  Seal the stained statue with concrete sealer. Use a sealer that is recommended by the manufacturer of the stain you are using. Use two to four coats of sealer to create a sufficient protective barrier. Sealer can be applied with a paintbrush or a sprayer. Allow the sealer to fully dry before handling.

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