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lil_rhody

Staining concrete?

lil_rhody
19 years ago

I was watching a TV segment on landscape design where the designer stained the concrete patio a terracotta color. The steps where not shown but the finished product looked very appealing as opposed to the drab plain color of grey concrete.

1) Can anyone recommend the name of a preferred product and/or pros and cons of staining concrete?

2) Are there any secrets/tips to the application of stain?

3) How long will the stain last?

Comments (17)

  • Liviu
    19 years ago

    I was probably done through what they call "acid staining" method. You can do an Internet research on this topic.
    The results are always earthly colours (green, brown, red) depending on the chemicals involved.
    Liviu

  • lil_rhody
    Original Author
    19 years ago

    I found mixed imformation concerning "acid staining", "acid etching" before staining, etc. I'm really only interested in a one step process if that is at all possible. I don't want a 3 step process. The TV segment I viewed showed them applying a stain, that's all.

  • pondwelr
    19 years ago

    Paul, I watched a Hometime episode where the basement floor was washed, stained, waxed and buffed to be the finished floor. Perhaps the first washing step was called acid etching, dont remember.

    Then too, I've seen Curb Appeal episodes where the old front porch was stained; even one where the front sidewalk was stained. Most stains that have a lot of colorant added look like paint because they do, in fact, have paint in the oily stain. I am thinking of Terra Cotta, Cedar Gray, etc.
    A clear stain obviously wont do much to change the original concrete color.

    When my patio was poured, I had colored 'crete. i.e. the color is thru and thru. One easy and inexpensive way to color your porch, say, is to add a thin layer of colored 'crete atop the old. Chips will show of course, but I imagine it will last longer than concrete paint.

    I may experiment in the storage area of my basement just to see if I could get a nice color in old grey concrete. My front porch could use a fix up.
    Pondy

  • deerfieldponder
    19 years ago

    I have this book "Landscape Makeovers" an HGTV product. They refer to a concrete "stain" project and then say use exterior concrete "paint"(two coats), also clean first with TSP, so....this probably does not help. Try HGTV.com.

  • CaliforniaDreamin
    19 years ago

    Hmmm... I'm curious about the same thing (staining) for my driveway. Lil Rhody let me know if you find a good solution.

    Also, we have a concrete patio that I was thinking of painting a terra cotta color, as a quick, inexpensive way to make it look better. But that comment by pondwelr is making me wonder if it would be best to re-cover with a colored concrete. Is that a easy enough do-it-yourself project?

  • mamalinda
    19 years ago

    Hi Paul, try this link, and/or do a search on google or some other search engine for staining concrete with Iron Sulphate.

    good luck, linda

    Here is a link that might be useful: staining with iron sulphate

  • tabbycat
    19 years ago

    I've saved a magazine clip - Southern Living Garden Guide, Spring 2002 - which names Scofield Lithochrome Chemstain. This project used a color called Padre Brown and a darker color (or extra coats of same??) along the score lines. It says the stains that are specifically for concrete actually etch the surface and claims it will hold up well. Two coats are recommended, one gallon covers 150-200 sf with a single coat. Looks very nice in these pics.

    tc~

  • funktree
    19 years ago

    superdeck makes 10 colors, and has some good info and a FAQ

    Make sure you check out the photo gallery there's a slab with a geometric design that I want to copy someday.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Super Deck Concrete Stains

  • ionltd
    18 years ago

    Superdeck isn't an actual acid stain. It's a paint type product. Check out Kemiko, the Stamp Store, Concrete Depot, Fabcrete to see real acid stains

  • paws4pets
    18 years ago

    You can get Concrete Stain at Lowes in about any color you want. I found a Oops for $5 a gallon.
    Paws

  • ionltd
    18 years ago

    Lowes doesn't sell real concrete stain. If it's in a metal can, it's not acid stain

    here's a clip from www.acidstainconcrete.com

    Add to that the fact that unlike others floor finishes, acid stain is translucent. Rather than covering the slab with color, it creates a chemical reaction that transforms the color of the concrete itself. It doesnÂt cover up the imperfections in the slab, it accentuates them.

    here are some links
    http://www.decorative-concrete.net/stained.php
    http://www.kemiko.com/
    www.scofield.com
    www.elitecrete.com
    http://www.concrete-stains.com/
    www.askthebuilder.com/219_Concrete_Stains.shtml
    www.advancedsurfaces.com/

  • panda_2006
    17 years ago

    Just found this thread...Last summer I used Behr Concrete Stain from Home Depot on my concrete front porch. Looks great! Comes in several colors too.

  • jrw0106
    15 years ago

    Hey all you guys are really needing to look at my site, www.ngace.com. I can answer all your questions regarding staining concrete. I utilize several processes: Acid; Pigmented; or Dye. I also provide topical treatments in the areans of repair services or, what is called 'Kool-Decking.' I work residential or commercial, interior or exterior. My contact information is on the site. I also have a FAQ page. But if you are in a hurry call me @ 404-290-3198.

  • susieq07
    15 years ago

    This is our garage floor which we stained ourselves about 10 yrs. ago,using H&C stain and a stencil purchased at SW, it's best to clean the concrete first with TSP, rinse good, let dry, then stain, then coat with the H&C clear coat.
    {{gwi:287792}}

  • rethree
    13 years ago

    Anyone interested in Kemiko, be VERY careful. I just had a botched job that left my floor looking horrible. It's the FIRST thing people say when they see it "Is it SUPPOSED to look this way". Builder sent in a regional sales rep from Scranton PA for a rehearsed act with the applicator claiming it looked perfect. Once they screw it up you can't really fix it. I'd NEVER use this product again.

  • jordanz
    11 years ago

    What about staining a bunch of 1'x1' concrete pavers? We layed a concrete paver back porch with a couple hundred of them. And they are surrounded by grass that gets watered several times a week. Can I stain them or will they not hold up to getting wet all the time?

    If so, how long do they have to dry before I can resume watering again?

  • flipjupitor
    8 years ago

    Any doubt about staining concrete visit http://www.eafs.ca/.

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