How to Refresh Color Concrete Patios
Concrete patios come in many types and can even be colored. Colored concrete patios can become faded or discolored as they age. Outside elements such as the sun and rain increase the amount of fading and discoloration that occurs. Concrete patios that are in poor condition can be restored using a variety of methods such as applying sealer or repainting. You can refresh color concrete patios by first deciding on the method that you want to use. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Staining
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1
Clean the surface of the concrete to remove all dirt and residue. You can use a broom with soap and water or a power washer to clean the patio.
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2
Choose the type of stain that you want to use on the concrete. You can use a water-based stain or an acid-based stain.
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3
Select the application method to use to apply the stain to the concrete. You can use a sprayer or a paintbrush to apply stain. Sprayers are the most common method for applying stain to concrete.
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4
Pour the concrete stain into the sprayer, if using.
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5
Prime the sprayer, if necessary. If you are using a hand-held sprayer, you may need to prime it before you can begin spraying. You can prime a sprayer by moving the handle up and down to pump air into the reservoir.
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6
Move the sprayer nozzle in a circular motion when spraying the concrete.
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7
Let the stain dry for at least two hours.
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8
Apply an additional coat of stain, if necessary, to complete the project.
Sealing
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9
Clean the surface of the concrete to remove all dirt and residue. You can use a broom with soap and water or a power washer to clean the patio.
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10
Stir the sealer to make sure it is mixed properly and then pour the sealer solution into the sprayer.
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11
Prime the sprayer, if necessary. If you are using a hand-held sprayer you may need to prime it before you can begin spraying. You can prime a sprayer by moving the handle up and down to pump air into the reservoir.
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12
Go over the patio with the sprayer, starting at a far corner, and apply the sealer to the entire patio. Let the sealer dry for at least two hours.
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13
Apply and additional coat of sealer to the patio to complete the project.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Acid-based stains will lightly etch the surface of the concrete to allow the color to penetrate further for a natural stone look.
Add water to the stain to dilute the color.
Metal sprayers react to acid and can cause discoloration of the stain.
Pooling of stain or sealer will need to be smoothed out or discoloration will occur.
