How to Stain Decorative Sidewalks

Staining this sidewalk will enhance its decorative quality.

Staining a sidewalk can instantly enhance its decorative qualities, transforming an unforgettable outdoor area into a striking space. Staining cement is different from painting it; while paint puts a film of color on the sidewalk that can chip and crack, stain penetrates deep into the sidewalk, coloring it permanently. Staining a sidewalk, while similar to staining a wood surface, is slightly more involved. Luckily, it's not so complicated that you need to hire a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's tape
• Rubber gloves
• Rubber apron
• Plastic goggles
• Plastic dishpan
• 10 inch nylon brush
• Spray bottle
• Sealer for concrete
• Paint roller

Instructions

1. Tape off any areas of the sidewalk or surrounding area that you don't want to stain with painter's tape. Wear plastic goggles, rubber gloves and a rubber apron on top of old clothes and shoes.

2. Pour concrete stain into a plastic dishpan.

3. Dip a 10-inch nylon brush in the stain and apply it freely to the concrete on the sidewalk. Make a figure-eight or a circular motion with your brush. Some stains will foam upon application, this is a sign of the stain penetrating the cement.

4. Expand the stain out with your brush as it foams. Continue in this fashion until you've covered the entire sidewalk. Allow the stain eight hours to dry.

5. Spray the sidewalk with water from a spray bottle from time to time to keep it moist as it dries.

6. Apply a second coat of stain, applying the color in the same manner as before.

7. Apply a clear sealer especially designed for concrete with a paint roller. Don't apply too much; a thin coat will adequately suffice.

References

• Ask the Builder: Stain Concrete
• "Popular Science"; Concrete; Richard Day; Nov 1987