How to Darken the Color of a Cement Patio

Darken your patio with concrete stain.

Cement isn't very dark to begin with, and it may fade over time, especially if it is an outdoor surface, such as a patio. If you want to change the color of your cement, you can do so with a concrete acid stain. This will actually change the color of the cement -- unlike paint, which would merely cover the surface of the cement and eventually chip off, acid stain penetrates and bonds with the cement to change its color.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate
• Bucket
• Scrub brush
• Wet vac
• Push broom
• Acid stain
• Nonmetallic paint sprayer
• Nonmetallic scrub brush
• Baking soda
• Mop
• Concrete sealer
• Paintbrush
• Paint roller

Instructions

1. Remove any furniture or other objects from the patio and set them aside. Mix 4 gallons of water with 1 cup of trisodium phosphate and use this to scrub the entire patio. This solution will clean off dirt and remove grease stains and other contaminants that may interfere with the staining process.

2. Rinse the patio thoroughly and soak up the excess liquid with a wet vac. Alternatively, sweep the liquid away with a clean push broom. Allow the patio to dry in the sun.

3. Mix the stain as directed by the manufacturer. Products vary, though the most typical instructions are to mix the stain with an equal amount of water. Pour the stain into a nonmetallic paint sprayer.

4. Work with a partner and apply the stain with the sprayer. Move the sprayer in tight, circular motions. Instruct your partner to scrub the stain into the patio with a nonmetallic scrub brush. Your partner should use the same circular motions you used.

5. Allow the acid stain to dry. It will bubble, fizz and leave a residue while you work and while it dries -- this is normal. Spray the patio with more stain if you want deeper color penetration and saturation.

6. Mix 1/2 pound of baking soda into 5 gallons of water. Mop the patio with this solution to neutralize the acid. Keep mopping until the patio stops fizzing. If necessary, make fresh solution. Rinse the patio thoroughly and allow it to dry.

7. Apply a concrete sealer over the stain. Sealers can generally be rolled, brushed or sprayed onto the surface of the concrete -- check the packaging for detailed instructions from the manufacturer. Allow the sealer to dry completely before replacing the patio furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective gloves, goggles and a respirator when working with acid stains and concrete sealers.

References

• Fabcrete: Acid Stain Application Guide
• Cole Brothers: Acid Staining Concrete Floors
• How to Stain Concrete Floors; Staining Concrete – How To Stain Concrete Floors, Part 2; Tom Wesley
• ConcreteNetwork.com: Staining Concrete Floors
• ConcreteNetwork.com; Stained Concrete Sealer Application; Joe Nasvik; 2000