How Often Should I Stain Driveways?

Maximize Color Intensity

• One of the simplest ways to increase longevity on the first coat of concrete stain is to maximize the intensity of the color so it lasts longer. Colors are most intense when applied soon after a new driveway is poured. Most stains react to water, which means a stain diluted with water and applied immediately will go further and be just as intense a pure stain applied later.

Sealer

• Concrete sealer fills the porous surface to protect it from water damage. It also blocks UV rays to slow the fading process. Give new stain a few days to dry, then coat the driveway with a clear penetrating sealer. Depending on traffic and exposure, sealer wears away every few years. Plan to re-apply the sealer after the newest coat of stain dries.

Application Techniques

• Most concrete stains can be applied in multiple ways. Sprayers are simple to use and make it easy for novice do-it-yourselfers to get even coverage. Use a sprayer that is approved for acid and that has no metal parts. The acid in stains will ruin metal and alter the color of the stain. Use a spray tip and apply stain methodically from left to right. Scrub the stain into the concrete with a medium-bristle scrub brush using round strokes to penetrate the surface. Using a paint brush is another way to achieve even penetration, but be careful not to leave brush strokes. Spraying stain on concrete makes it easier to achieve an even coating. Evenly applied applications last longer than thin, uneven coatings that begin to fade within a year.

Tips

• Always cover edging, outlets and surrounding areas with plastic before staining the driveway. If you're not certain on the amount of color intensity, dilute the first coat using 3 percent stain and 97 percent water. Build up the color in the second and third coats by using a stronger concentration. Another option is to overlay one color of stain with another to create a colorful overlay. Applying three layers of stain results in a thicker coating, which will last longer than one coat.