How to Stain & Etch Concrete Patios
Concrete staining is a relatively recent innovation in home décor and design. Many colors and many products are available to choose from. Colors can also be customized and matched to fit your taste and décor style. Concrete needs to be prepared and ready to accept concrete stain, which is accomplished by etching the concrete surface that will receive the stain. Etching opens the finished surface of the concrete so the stain can absorb into the concrete. The stain will also protect the concrete from the elements. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cloth rags
- Concrete etching material
- Stiff-bristle scrub brush
- Water
- Garden hose or pressure washer
- Pump sprayer
- Concrete stain
- Roller
- Roller cover
Instructions
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1
Wipe oil, grease and other spills up with cloth rags, and remove other contaminants from the surface of the concrete as much as possible.
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2
Pour a concrete etching product into a plastic pump sprayer, and spray the product directly onto the concrete surface. Allow it to sit on the concrete for up to 30 minutes.
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3
Use a stiff, artificially bristled scrub brush to scrub the etching product into the concrete surface. Remember to prevent the etching product from drying while it is on the concrete.
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4
Rinse the etching product from the concrete surface with a garden hose and a high pressure attachment. For best results, use a pressure washer to remove the etching product to be sure you have removed all of the excess product. Allow the concrete surface to dry for 48 to 72 hours before coating.
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5
Look at the etched concrete surface to study the light-, dark- and medium-tones areas in the concrete. These natural features will stand out after you apply the stain.
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Fill a high quality pump sprayer (easily found in paint departments at big box retailers) with the desired color of concrete stain, and apply the stain to a 4x4-foot area at a time. Work fast and feather the edges of the finished areas so they are not obvious.
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Let the stain sit on the surface of the concrete so it will absorb and penetrate. Back roll the concrete surface so the stain will not pool. Pooling will allow a surface film to form, which will likely crack and peel in the future.
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