Staining the concrete around your house is an excellent way to add a unique look to your patio, garage, driveway, and any other areas with exposed concrete around your house. It’s also a very durable way to update the look of your home without spending a fortune.
Here’s how to stain your concrete…
Which Stain To Use?
There is more than one way to stain your concrete and it’s important to know the distinction. The first way is with acid-staining acrylic. The second way is with water-based concrete stains. Acid staining colors the concrete through a chemical reaction which creates the color on your concrete. It lasts longer and is more durable but it can be a bit more challenging since you can never be one hundred percent sure how it’s going to react chemically. Consulting a professional, like Auckland concrete services, is a good idea. The results from acid staining will vary based on the age of your concrete, location, and composition of the material.
Water-based stain can be a little bit easier and more predictable. It can also be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on which makes it easier for most homeowners to handle. Both are a great way to stay in your concrete and it’s a good idea to read up on the pros and cons of each stain prior to starting your project.
Getting Your Surface Ready
Prior to staining your concrete, it’s important that you fully prepare the surface so that you get the best results from the stain. To prepare your surface, you want to fully clean it and remove any adhesive, paint, oil, or any other debris that may have accumulated on your service. Thoroughly clean the surface with TSP and water and if your stains aren’t coming up, use the best paint stripper or degreaser to get as much as possible off of the surface. You may also want to consider using a pressure washer to help you in this process.
If your concrete is brand-new, make sure that it has had at least four weeks to cure before you do any staining. Also, avoid using acids to clean your concrete because it may remove minerals and result in color fluctuations. It is important to get advice and help from a concrete company Brisbane.
Taping Off Areas
If you are staining specific areas or have stamped concrete patterns, make sure to tape off any areas that you do not want to be stained. Be sure to take your time during this process and get your lines perfect because you won’t be able to remove the stain once it’s on there. General tapes like masking tape and duct tape work great for this process.
Test Your Stain
Before you apply your stain all over, find an inconspicuous area to test the stain on first. You want to make sure the resulting color is what you were looking for prior to staining your entire patio.
Now The Fun Part: Staining Your Concrete
Now that you’re sure you have the right color picked for your surface and you have taped off and prepared the area, the fun begins. Apply your stain evenly to the areas that you want to stain. You may even want to consider using a sprayer because it produces an even coating on the concrete. If you’re staining smaller areas or patterns, you can use a brush or roller to apply the stain in those spots.
When applying the stain, make sure that you don’t use so much that it causes puddling in any area on your concrete. If you do notice puddling, use a wet/dry shop vac to remove the excess liquid.
Drying
When you purchase your stain, the label will tell you how much time it requires to dry. Each brand will require various drying times so be sure to check the label and follow the instructions.
Sealing
After staining your concrete and allowing it to dry, sealing it will preserve the look for a much longer time. Generally, the concrete stain that you use will also recommend a specific sealer that pairs well with that stain. It’s a good idea to follow their instructions and use their recommended sealer.
Sealing your concrete is very easy and can be done with a brush, roller, or sprayed on. The package will also tell you how long the sealer takes to dry. Once dry, you’ll have a beautiful-looking concrete surface that will stay sharp for many years to come.
Consider a Pro
If staining your own concrete seems like it’s out of your wheelhouse, it’s not a bad idea to call a Modesto concrete professional. Most concrete contractors deal with stamping and staining concrete on a daily basis and they can get you the results you’re looking for. Additionally, they can do it affordably and you don’t have to lift a finger or worry about buying the materials.
