How to Stain Concrete

Staining concrete is a great way to give your driveway, patio, or garage floor a new look. There are many different types of stains available so that you can find the perfect one for your project.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of staining concrete. We will also provide tips and advice to help make the process go as smoothly as possible. Let’s get started.

What Should You Know About Staining a Concrete Surface?

Staining a concrete surface is easy and inexpensive, but it does require some skill. If this is your first time staining concrete, then here are some things that you should know:

Stains come in a variety of colors, so you will be able to find the right one for your project.
Not all stains are created equal. Some will give your concrete a matte finish, while others will provide a high gloss shine.
There are two types of stains: water-based and oil-based. Water-based stains are easier to work with, but they are not as durable as oil-based stains.
You will need to clean the concrete surface before you stain it. This can be done with a pressure washer or a cleaning solution.

How to Stain Concrete - Step by Step Guide

Now that you know a little bit about staining concrete floors, let’s walk you through the steps of how to do it.

Step 1: Clean the Concrete Surface

The first step is to clean the concrete surface. This can be done with a pressure washer or scrubbing with a cleaning solution. Be sure to remove all dirt and debris from the surface before you start staining.

Step 2: Choose a Concrete Stain

Now it’s time to choose a concrete stain. There are many different types of stains on the market, so it’s important to choose one that will fit your needs. Some things you may want to consider when choosing a stain include:

The color of the stain
How light or dark do you want the finish to be
The type of surface you're staining (outdoor, indoor, etc.)
How durable will the stain be (what kind of foot traffic can it handle?)
What type of finish do you want for your concrete flooring project?

Also, there are two types of concrete stain to choose from:

Acid-based stains

These are the most common type of concrete stains and have been used for decades. They’re made from a mixture of hydrochloric acid and water that is applied to concrete surfaces like floors, countertops, or even exterior walls. You can choose between different colors such as browns, greens, or blacks, depending on what look you’re going for.

One downside to using acid-based stains is that they can be tricky to use and require some experience. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to end up with streaks or a finish that’s not uniform.

Water-based stains

Water-based stains are newer than acid-based stains and have been around for about ten years. They’re made from a mix of water, dye pigment, and acrylic polymers that are applied directly onto concrete surfaces like floors or countertops. These stains come in many different colors, such as reds and blues and neutral tones like white or gray.

It’s important to note that these stains aren’t as durable as acid-based ones. However, they offer more colors and finishes than their counterparts.

Water-based stains also require less preparation before use compared to an acid stain since no etching of concrete is required beforehand (this means you don’t have to clean up any leftover residue from the process). Once applied properly, these stains will last for many years without needing any maintenance at all (except maybe a coat of sealer every now and then).

The main downside to using a water-based concrete stain is that it may not be as durable as acid stains.

Step 3: Prepare the Concrete Surface

Once you’ve chosen a stain, it’s time to start preparing the concrete surface. This includes etching the surface and neutralizing any leftover chemicals.

Etching is a process that opens up the pores of the concrete so that the stain can penetrate better. It can be done with an acid-based or water-based etcher.

You will also need to neutralize any leftover chemicals in the concrete before staining. This is done by using a neutralizing solution, which can be found at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. These solutions are usually sold as part of a kit and contain instructions on how much product should be used per square foot of concrete surface area being stained.

Step 4: Tape Off Your Concrete Slab

Once the concrete surface is clean and dry, it’s time to start taping off any areas that you don’t want stained. This includes walls, cabinets, appliances, or any other surfaces nearby.

If you’re staining a countertop or floor, be sure to tape off the edges so that they don’t get stained as well. If you’re using an acid-based stain, be sure to use painter’s tape instead of masking tape since the latter will not hold up well when exposed to chemicals.

Step 5: Test Stains Before Application

Before applying your stain, it’s a good idea to test out different colors on an inconspicuous area of concrete. This will help you decide which shade is best for your project and avoid any surprises when staining the entire surface later on.

Step 6: Apply Stain to Concrete Surface

Now it’s time to start applying the stain. This can be done with a brush, roller, or sprayer. Be sure to work in small sections and apply the stain evenly.

If you’re using an acid-based stain, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with water. If you’re using a water-based stain, allow it to dry completely before applying another coat of the same color (if desired).

Step 7: Allow Enough Drying Time

Once you’ve applied all coats of stain, be sure to allow ample drying time. For example, if you’re staining a floor, it might take 24 hours or even longer before walking on the surface again without damaging the finish.

Step 8: Apply Sealer to Concrete Surface

Concrete sealers protect the finish from scratches, stains, and other damage. They also give your project a professional look that lasts for years.

Choose a concrete sealer that offers the right level of protection for your needs. Some sealers are better at resisting UV rays or chemicals than others, so make sure you consider what type of environment it will be used in before making a purchase.

Concrete Staining Tips and Tricks

Keep these tips in mind when staining your concrete:

Test out different colors

Concrete stain comes in a variety of colors, so feel free to experiment with different shades.

Test a small section

Before staining your entire concrete surface, test the stain on a small patch to see how it looks and how long it takes to dry.

Use tape to create patterns

Use painter’s tape or masking tape to make clean lines and shapes on your concrete surface. Try geometric designs like stripes, squares, and plaids. Or even use the shape of letters if you’re feeling creative.

Remove the tape before the concrete dries

If you don’t remove the tape while the concrete is still wet, it will be difficult to get it off later.

Use a sealant

A sealant will help protect your stained concrete from fading and staining over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I stain my concrete floors?

Concrete staining is a great way to customize your home with unique color and detail. Stains are more affordable than other flooring options, have very low maintenance requirements, and increase the home’s overall value compared to painting or covering the concrete altogether. The artful application of concrete stain colors makes it one of the most popular methods for decorating concrete floors.

Is it hard to stain concrete yourself?

No, it is not hard to stain concrete yourself. In fact, many people find it to be a fun and rewarding project. All you need is the correct supplies and some knowledge of how to apply the stain. However, if you are not up for the task, you can certainly hire professionals to take care of the job for you.

What types of stains are available?

There are a variety of different types of stains that can be used on concrete floors. Some of the most popular strains are acid-based, water-based, and penetrating oil-based. Each type of stain has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so selecting the right one for your specific project is important.

How do I choose the right color?

One of the great things about concrete staining is that there are a virtually unlimited number of colors to choose from. You can select a color that matches your décor or one that provides a unique and eye-catching contrast. The best way to select the right color is to browse through different catalogs or websites until you find one that you like.

Can any concrete be stained?

Not all concrete can be stained. In order to stain concrete, it must be free of contaminants such as dirt, grease, oil, and paint. If the concrete is not clean, the stain will not adhere properly and may end up looking streaky or inconsistent.

Concrete staining is a great way to customize your home with unique color and detail. It is not difficult to stain concrete yourself, but you must select the right type of stain for your project and ensure that the surface is completely clean before beginning work. Once all of these steps are completed, you will be able to enjoy your new stained concrete floors for many years to come.