How to Stain Concrete

Increasingly, handy homeowners are learning how to stain concrete. Additionally, commercial builders have come to prefer concrete acid stain because every application of it is unique.

Other names for the technique are acid etch, patina stain, or acid wash.

It is a way to give a concrete surface a permanent color that will not peel, crack, fade, or grow dull.

A beautiful variegated acid stained concrete floor looks beautiful to begin with and remains beautiful long after other surfaces would have dulled or deteriorated. Acid Staining has become the standard for finishing and coloring concrete slabs. The process creates translucent, unique color effects.

It is important for homeowners and designers that have learned how to stain concrete that staining concrete will not hide surface discoloration, cracks, markings, or other construction characteristics. Stained concrete has been given a "high traction surface" rating from the National Floor Safety Institute.

Even though stained, polished concrete shines, it is not slippery. It is also highly suitable for access with wheelchairs and other ambulatory aids.

Concrete that is new, old, plain, or integrally colored can be stained.

The most important thing to consider when staining concrete are your surface conditions.

If the surface is covered by grime, coatings, curing membranes, glues, or sealers, the stain can't soak into the concrete fully.

A quick and simple test for how porous the concrete is would be sprinkling the surface with water. If the water beads up and cannot penetrate, then stain can't penetrate either.

With new concrete, stain manufacturers recommend at least 30 days of curing before stain is applied to avoid the stain mixing with curing compounds.

Staining concrete is a straightforward process that with diligence can produce a stunningly beautiful result.

How to Stain Concrete

Step 1 - Prepare The Surface

The concrete surface you are staining must be clean and free from unwanted defects and markings.

Because concrete stain is translucent, the patterns and variations of the concrete will show through - as when the grain of a piece of wood shows through when wood is stained.

Concrete stain will most likely highlight and intensify variations found in the concrete, whether they are inherently present or specifically added for effect.

Step 2 - Respect The Fact That Concrete Staining Is An Art

If you apply too little, you'll have incomplete coverage, and it won't etch the surface sufficiently to deposit the color.

Too much stain can cause puddles that will eventually cause those areas to take on too much stain.

If you use a scrubbing technique, use a natural flow of application so that obvious swirls or mop lines won't appear.

Step 3 - Remove Residue Carefully

Residue from the acid etching has to be removed, and the surface needs to be neutralized to make sure that proper adhesion of the sealant or coating takes place.

Before the surface is sealed, it is subject to staining and damage. It is important that you thoroughly wet, and then neutralize and vacuum the entire area. Otherwise residue or shoe-prints could flaw the staining effect.

Step 4 - Apply a Sealant

When the concrete is dry and any residue is gone, apply sealant.

Any residue left from the stain could cause the sealer to fail.

This is the last stage of installation, and it must be done correctly.

Improperly applied sealer can deposit lint and debris in the finish, or make roller marks.

Sealant is usually applied by spraying, cross hatch rolling or back rolling and buffing. Staining concrete is a fairly labor intensive process that requires strict attention to detail. Surface prep will also be key.

Please note that coloring a badly stained or damaged piece of concrete is not likely to produce the eye-catching results you are after.

The best concrete "blank canvas" must be kept clean and free from spills before staining to ensure the most beautiful finish you can achieve.

How to Stain Concrete Related Reading

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