How to Stain Acrylic Concrete
While concrete is an extremely durable, versatile and economic building material, if left untreated it can be unattractive. Fortunately there are a variety of acrylic concrete stains that can add color and life to your concrete. By following a few simple steps, you can transform plain gray concrete into a beautiful and colorful surface. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Concrete cleaner
- Concrete etching solution
- Push broom
- Transparent acrylic concrete stain
- Pump-up sprayer
Instructions
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Clean your concrete using a concrete cleaning product. This will remove any dirt and grime that can prevent acrylic concrete stain from properly penetrating the concrete's surface. Once the concrete is clean, check the profile. Concrete to be stained needs to be rough and absorbent. It should have a texture similar to 120 grit sandpaper, and it should readily soak in water. If the concrete is too smooth, it will need to be etched.
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Etch smooth concrete. Use a concrete etching solution to open up the pores of the concrete. On wet concrete, apply the etching solution. Leave the etching solution on the concrete for 30 to 45 minutes. During this time you'll want to keep the etching solution wet. If it starts to dry out, mist it with water.
Once you've etched the concrete and achieved the proper surface profile, rinse the etching solution off with water.
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Use concrete cleaner to neutralize the etching solution and remove any concrete powder that may have been generated during the etching process. Rinse the concrete thoroughly with water and let the concrete dry for at least 24 hours before staining.
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Apply the concrete stain to your clean, dry concrete with a pump-up sprayer. Adjust the nozzle so that it creates a wide spray pattern. Start in one corner and work your way out. When you spray, use a circular, sweeping motion. This will give the finished product a natural look. Work fairly quickly, apply just enough stain so that the concrete starts to wet up, then move along.
Transparent acrylic concrete stain goes down milky clear; you won't see the color emerge until the product starts to dry.
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Seal the concrete with a clear gloss or satin sealer, if desired. Let the stain dry for 24 hours before you apply a sealer. Sealer will offer extra protection and can also enhance the finished color.
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Tips & Warnings
Sealer can be applied with a paintbrush, sprayer or roller. Stain should only be applied with a sprayer, otherwise you are likely to see lap lines in the finish.
There are a variety of faux finishing techniques you can employ when staining concrete. Multiple colors can be used to increase depth and color saturation. In addition, you can use stencils, natural sponges or rags to create unique and interesting patterns.
Stained and sealed concrete can become slick. There are additives you can add to increase texture and grip. Make sure anything you add is compatible with the products you are using.
