How to Pick a Concrete Stain

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Changing the color of concrete can be done without the hassle of chipping and peeling layers of paint. Concrete stains are long-lasting and color concrete below the surface for a rich surface. Learn how to pick a concrete stain by following these steps.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Know what area you need the concrete stain for and what types of uses the floor has. Concrete stains can be used on any concrete surface such as driveways, floors, patios, pools, walkways and walls.

Step2

Pour the concrete after you choose the stain, if possible. Some concrete holds stains better than others. Concrete smoothed by a trowel won't hold stain as well as brush-swept concrete. Keep this in mind if you are pouring new concrete.

Step3

Know that acid concrete stain is difficult and complicated to work with but can produce the most rich looking surface. The acid penetrates the surface via a chemical reaction with the concrete, leaving color variations on the floor for a deep look.

Step4

Learn that acrylic and water-based stains can look like a layer of paint. They are one-dimensional because they lay on top of the concrete, having no chemical reaction. They are safer and easier to work with than acid stains.

Step5

Understand that some stains are like paint in the way that they form a film on top of the concrete. They do not have a reaction nor do they get into the pores of the concrete. These types of stains do not wear well and can chip and peel.

Step6

Purchase enough stain to cover the entire area with some extra. If some areas don't color dark enough, you may go over it again.