How to Stain Patios
Update the look of an exterior patio with concrete stain. Staining concrete changes the appearance of the patio from plain, ugly gray to an attractive piece of art that can match the landscape of the home. One type of stain for concrete is an acid stain. Acid stains penetrate into the concrete's pores to give the patio a long-lasting and deep color. With proper preparation and tools, and an assistant to help with brushing, homeowners can give their patio life with an acid stain. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Long sleeves
- Long pants
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Face filter mask
- Bowl
- Pressure washer
- Plastic sheeting
- 5-gallon bucket
- Acid stain
- Plastic pump sprayer
- Push broom
- Concrete sealer
- Long-handled paint roller
Instructions
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1
Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, eye protection and a filter mask to protect you from harsh chemicals. Set a bowl of clean water close by in case of accidents.
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2
Remove everything from the patio surface and power-wash it with a pressure washer to remove dirt, grease and oil stains. Allow the concrete patio to dry overnight.
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3
Spread plastic sheeting over areas that need protection from the acid spray, including plants, trees, furniture and other nearby equipment or decor.
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4
Pour 1 gallon of water into a 5-gallon plastic bucket. Add 1 gallon of acid stain to the water. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions, since different brands of acid stain may call for different dilution ratios.
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Add the diluted acid stain to a plastic pump sprayer. Begin spraying the patio in the farthest corner using even, circular motions. Have an assistant follow a behind you with a push broom and rub the acid stain into the concrete. Keep the nozzle of the spray tip at least 6 inches from the surface of the patio.
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Continue spraying the patio in circular motions, moving from the left side to the right side of the patio in even rows.
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Spray a second coat of acid stain onto the patio to cover any brush marks that may have developed from the first coat. Allow the acid stain to dry on the patio for the recommended drying time, or up to 24 hours.
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Apply a coat of concrete sealer on the patio, using a long-handled paint roller. Let the sealer dry on the patio overnight.
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Move furniture, decorative items or lawn equipment back onto the patio after the sealer coat has completely dried.
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Tips & Warnings
For the best results, apply the acid stain onto the patio when temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
