Staining Flagstone

Sweep the flagstone and clean any spots or stains as necessary with a scrub brush and soapy water. Do not use harsh cleaners as they may interfere with the stain; dish soap or laundry detergent mixed with water is sufficient.

Rinse away the soapy water with a garden hose and allow the flagstones to dry completely before you begin applying the stain.

Paint a primer onto the flagstone surface. The primer will seal the surface and prevent the flagstone from absorbing the stain which could create a faded or uneven appearance. Let the primer dry completely before you begin painting.

Apply the stain with a paint roller to cover the surface of the flagstone. You may need to use a paintbrush to coat the edges of the stone or any crevices. Avoid leaving puddles of stain on the flagstone as these puddles will not dry and will create a sticky mess. Smooth any puddles out with the paint roller.

Apply a second coat of stain when the first coat has dried completely. This step is optional, but if the stain seems lighter in some areas or if you find that you have missed a spot, a second coat will fix these problems.

Avoid walking on the flagstone until the stain has dried completely. The stain should be completely dry within 24 hours.