How to Stain Pre-Existing Concrete

Release concrete from its dreary existence with a touch of color. If you are tired of looking at cold, gray concrete, consider staining it. Concrete stains are available in a plethora of colors. Use concrete stain on driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, cinderblock fences, garden statues or basement walls. To accept stain, existing concrete must not have a concrete sealant applied to it. Sealant fills the pores of concrete, preventing it from being able to absorb the stain.

Concrete cleaner and etcher
Scrub brush
Concrete stain
Paintbrush or roller
Concrete sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the concrete with a solution of water and ecology-friendly two-part concrete cleaner and etcher, using a scrub brush. The concrete must be clear of contaminants before staining. The etcher "opens" the concrete surface, making it more receptive to penetrating stain. Use the manufacturer-recommended ratio of product to water.
- 2
  Rinse the concrete with fresh water. The suds from eco-friendly products will not contaminate the ground. Allow the concrete to dry.
- 3
  Apply a base coat of stain. Apply stain using a paintbrush on edges and a roller elsewhere. Try to complete the application before the edges dry, to prevent lap marks. Smooth out any drips before they dry. Leave the concrete until the first coat of stain is dry to the touch.
- 4
  Add a second coat of stain. The second coat will help enrich the tone as well as eliminate any blotchiness. Add additional coats after the second, only if further darkening is desired. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.
- 5
  Allow the final coat of stain to dry for at least 24 hours.
- 6
  Preserve the color by coating the concrete with concrete sealer. Consult the stain manufacturer regarding recommended sealers. Paint the concrete with at least two coats of sealer, leaving the final coat to dry for 24 hours.

How to Seal Patterned Concrete

How to Paint on Pavement

Paving