DIY: Decorative Concrete

Sweep the concrete surface thoroughly, removing all dirt and debris. Scrub the surface with trisodium phosphate to remove impacted grime and oil from the concrete, as they will affect absorption of the stain.

Rinse the concrete with clean water and allow the surface to dry completely. Concrete typically will dry in four to six hours on a sunny day . Staining is not recommended when the weather is damp or dreary.

Map out the design that you have chosen on the concrete surface using 1/4-inch-wide tape to mark the boundaries. Each color of stain needs to dry before the next color is applied.

Wet the concrete surface, removing all puddles and standing water. Apply a layer of etching stain in the color of your choice to the concrete surface with a mop or paintbrush, saturating the surface thoroughly, but not leaving puddles. Should puddles form, wring the mop out and use it to gently absorb the excess stain. Allow the etching stain to dry for at least four hours before continuing, but waiting 24 hours will give the best results.

Combine 4 oz. of baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket. A slight film forms on the stain as it cures, and this needs to be cleaned off. Use a stiff broom to scrub the film away, pouring some of the baking soda solution on the concrete then scubbing vigorously until the film is gone. Prepare more baking soda solution as needed.

Rinse the baking soda solution from the concrete by applying copious amounts of water. Use a mop to swirl the water around on the concrete, making sure all the baking soda is removed. Allow the concrete to dry for at least four to six hours before continuing. Additional layers of stain can be applied at this point, if desired.

Apply a layer of etching stain high gloss sealer to the concrete surface with a paint roller in a back and forth motion to ensure good coverage, working across the entire concrete surface in the same direction. Apply the second coat after the first layer has dried for at least two hours. For additional shine, a third coat may be applied. Do not apply the sealer until you have completed all of the stain colors in your design.