Use a small test area before staining all of the concrete. You want to pick an out of the way area, such as a closet if you are staining an old concrete basement floor. You want to acid stain just a few square inches of concrete and see what the result is. The reason that you want to test older concrete is three fold: to ensure that the concrete is properly stripped and cleaned, that the concrete stain will react properly, and that you like the color. We offer all of our stains in sample sizes for this part of the process.
Acid staining old concrete is the same as staining new concrete with a few caveats. The process is still the same: clean and prep your old concrete as outlined above, apply the stain, let sit the appropriate amount of time, then neutralize. If you're staining stamped concrete , the process is the same. Older concrete does, of course, have a harder time accepting and reacting to concrete stains and sometimes older concrete has become more worn and weathered.
This is especially the case if you are staining old concrete outside. All of this causes the concrete to soak up more stain. So, you'll want to order a little extra to ensure that you get a good saturating coat. While you do not strictly need to seal your acid stained concrete, we strongly suggest doing so. Applying sealer will help maintain the appearance of your stained concrete. You can apply sealer once the stain has been neutralized, rinsed well and the surface is completely dry.
We suggest using water based sealer rather than solvent based. You want to apply water base sealer in as thin and even of coats as you can. Apply one coat working north to south, allow it to dry completely clear, and then apply a second coat east to west.
If your concrete still has a patchy or dry appearance, you can apply additional coats to smooth it out. You do not want to over-apply the concrete sealer or you will get a cloudy or milky look to the finish. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when staining concrete:.
If necessary, spray again to eliminate marks left by the broom. Different stains and different stains across the color chart will take different periods to set correctly; consult the label on the chosen product. While the stain is setting, the chemical reaction continues.
It ceases only when you neutralize it by washing the floor in a solution of water and detergent and sometimes baking soda. Finish up by protecting the stained concrete with a sealer. Indoor concrete flooring is usually sealed with wax, although I would opt for epoxy beneath urethane in a high-traffic area. Note that you can use a buffing machine to facilitate the sealing process, so long as you are working on a floor surface indoors. Staining concrete can bring new life to the indoor and outdoor areas of your home.
New concrete should be fully cured before staining, which takes between 21 and 28 days. Whether you're a professional wanting to add staining to your repertoire or a homeowner who loves a DIY challenge, here are the steps for staining concrete:.
Need help with your project? Find contractors that specialize in concrete staining near me. Acid stains are great for creating rich, variegated earth tones. Water-based stains offer more color choices, are user-friendly and safe. There are a few differences between how acid and water-based stains are applied. Acid stains need more time to react with the concrete and require neutralization, while water based stains need additional surface preparation to open up the concrete.
Prepare the Surface for Staining Whether you are staining new or old concrete, thorough surface preparation is essential. Unlike paints and coatings, which are opaque and can mask many evils, acid stains are translucent. Any residue remaining on the surface of the concrete is likely to be visible through the newly applied stain. When done properly, this initial step dramatically impacts the finished appearance of the project.
Most acid stains come in a palette limited to earthy tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas and soft blue-greens. They can be a bit tricky for DIYers because they require special safety gear and neutralization to stop the reaction.
If you want to go beyond the subtle drama and subdued earth-toned palette of acid staining, consider using water-based stains , which come in a much broader spectrum of hues. Find concrete stains from leasing manufacturers. Tip: Because stains must be able to soak into the concrete to achieve full color saturation, they shouldn't be applied to surfaces covered by anything that can inhibit stain penetration, such as dirt, grease, glues, coatings, curing membranes and sealers.
An acid stained patio with a scored diamond pattern. There are a few questions that you should consider asking when having your indoor floors or outdoor spaces stained.
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