How to Dye a Concrete Driveway

Clean a test section of the driveway by scrubbing it with a brush and hose. If the surface is older and has grease or oil stains, use a stain remover and rinse off the solutions well.

Choose your application method based on the size of the driveway. The options include spraying, brushing or rolling the dye onto the concrete. Using a spray pump or roller enable you to cover larger areas quickly. Brushing the dye on makes it easier to control the amount of dye you apply and is a good choice for small driveways.

Mix the dye in a bucket with small amounts of water until you achieve the desired shade. Opt for a mix a few shades lighter than your desired result for the first coat because you can always build up the intensity with the second and third coat.

Fill the spray pump with dye, or pour the mix in a paint tray and dip the roller or paintbrush in the mix. Apply a single coat over the test area and wait the length of time suggested on the dye package. Testing the dye over a small section shows you how the driveway will accept the dye.

Adjust the amount of water or dye in the mix as necessary to achieve your desired color.

Scrub the entire surface of the driveway with the scrub brush and hose. The cleaner the surface is, the better it will accept the coloring agents in the dye.

Spray, roll or brush the first coat of dye over the driveway, working methodically over small sections at a time to achieve even coverage.

Apply the second and third coat of dye to enhance the color of the first coat.

Roll translucent concrete sealer over the driveway once the surface is dry. The sealer blocks water and UV rays and preserves the color longer.