How to Stain Concrete Floors and Patios

Staining concrete is a great way to enhance the appearance of existing concrete floors and patios. With the right preparation and application techniques, concrete staining can dramatically transform dull gray concrete into an attractive, durable and low-maintenance surface.

What is Concrete Staining?

Concrete staining is the process of applying reactive chemical stains, acrylic stains or dyes onto cured concrete surfaces. The stains penetrate and react with the concrete, producing permanent, variegated colors and translucent effects that mimic the look of natural stone, slate or brick.

Unlike paints and coatings that sit on top of the concrete, stains actually soak into the surface and become part of the concrete. This makes stained concrete more durable and long-lasting than painted concrete. Stained concrete won’t chip, peel or flake off like paints can.

Properly stained concrete is also more fade resistant than painted concrete when exposed to sunlight and weathering. The colors are translucent rather than solid, allowing the texture and natural variations in the concrete to show through for a natural, mottled appearance.

Benefits of Stained Concrete

Enhances appearance – Stain transforms dull gray concrete into an attractive surface that resembles natural materials like stone, wood, marble or granite. A multitude of color options are available.
Durable and long-lasting – Once cured, the stain is permeated into the concrete and won’t peel or flake off like paints. It is more fade and abrasion resistant as well.
Low maintenance – Stained concrete doesn’t require regular repainting like painted concrete. It can be kept clean with occasional mopping. Resealing may be needed every 2-3 years.
Cost effective – Staining existing concrete is much cheaper than removing and installing new decorative concrete, tile, stone or flooring.
Versatile – Stain can be applied to interior and exterior concrete floors and slabs. Many different design effects can be achieved.
Enhances safety – Stained concrete has a textured matte finish that is more slip resistant than bare or painted concrete.

Types of Concrete Stains

There are three main categories of concrete stains:

Acid Stains

Acid-based stains contain diluted acids along with metallic salt reactants. They produce a mottled, variegated finish that replicates the look of aged limestone or natural stone.

Acid stains react with the free lime and calcium hydroxide in cured concrete to deposit varying amounts of metallic salts. The salts are translucent, allowing the texture and inconsistencies of the concrete to show through.

Widely available in liquid and powdered forms, acid stains come in many different earthy colors like amber, green, blue and brown. Multiple colors can be combined for unique effects.

Dyes

Concrete dyes consist of soluble, pigmented synthetic compounds that infuse color into concrete surfaces. Unlike acid stains, they do not react chemically with the concrete.

Dyes produce more uniform, predictable colors on concrete. They are excellent for creating bright colors like red, yellow and black that are harder to achieve with acid stains. Dyes can also be layered to create bold, multi-colored patterns and effects.

Acrylic Stains

Acrylic latex stains contain acrylic polymers mixed with translucent pigments. They penetrate the concrete surface and leave a marbled, translucent finish that resembles the look of acid staining but with more uniform coloring.

Acrylic stains are available in a wide variety of colors. They are easy and safe to apply, with low odor and VOC levels. Acrylic stains are not as fade or abrasion resistant as acid stains.

Supplies Needed for Staining Concrete

Staining concrete requires some specialty equipment and materials:

Concrete stain – Available as acid, dye or acrylic-based. Quantity needed depends on square footage.
Stiff bristle brush – For applying and working the stain into the concrete. Get acid-resistant brushes for acid stains.
Pump up sprayer – For spraying on stain evenly over large areas. Get one with acid-resistant parts if using acid stain.
Paint roller and pan – For rolling on stain on flat areas. Use high density short nap rollers.
Etching solution – Typically mild phosphoric acid. Used for cleaning and etching concrete before staining.
Neutralizing solution – For neutralizing concrete after etching. This helps stains react evenly.
Rags – For wiping up splatters, drips and residue. Cotton rags work best.
Painters tape – For masking off areas you don’t want stained. Use alkali-resistant tape for acid stains.
Safety gear – Eye protection, gloves, respirator mask, protective clothing. Especially important when using acid stains.
Concrete degreaser – For removing oil and grease spots prior to etching.
Concrete cleaner – General all purpose and acid neutralizing cleaners.
Plastic sheeting – For covering walls, flooring etc. to protect from splatters and drips when staining.
Miscellaneous – 5-gallon buckets, scrub brushes, brooms, foam rollers, rags, water hose.

How to Stain Concrete Floors and Patios

Staining concrete takes careful preparation and application to achieve quality results. Here is an overview of the staining process:

1. Planning and Surface Prep

Determine the type and color(s) of stain you want to use. Consider how the stained surface will look with surrounding finishes and décor.
Clean the concrete thoroughly with degreaser to remove any oil, grease or residue. Rinse well.
Etch the concrete using a diluted acidic etching solution. This opens pores for better stain penetration.
Neutralize the concrete to stop the etching reaction. Rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry fully.
Mask off any areas you don’t want stained using painters tape and plastic sheeting. Remove floor drains if possible.

2. Apply Base Coat Stain

Shake or stir the stain well before using. Pour into roller pan or sprayer.
Use a brush, roller or sprayer to apply a thin, even base coat of stain over the entire surface. Work it into the concrete.
Let the base coat absorb and dry per manufacturer’s instructions before applying a second coat or other colors.

3. Add Accent Colors and Effects

Apply additional colors in layers using brushes, rags or sprayers. Blend and fade colors for variegated effects.
Create patterns like circles, swirls or borders using painters tape and multiple colors.
Use darker accent colors sparingly over the base color to add more depth and dimension.
Run a brush lightly over fresh stains to feather out abrupt color changes for a natural look.
Let layers dry fully before applying any additional colors to prevent muddy results.

4. Seal and Protect the Finish

Once the stain is fully dry, apply two coats of concrete sealer using a roller or sprayer. Use a clear non-gloss sealer.
Avoid foot traffic until the sealer has fully cured. Follow drying times per the sealer label.
Mask off the perimeter edges to avoid splashing sealer onto adjacent surfaces. Backroll for an even finish.
Sealers add protection against wear, chemicals and UV light. Reapply sealer every 2-3 years.

Tips for Staining Concrete Successfully

Follow these best practices to help ensure you get beautiful, long-lasting stained concrete floors and patios:

Test stain colors on sample pieces first to verify desired colors and effects before doing the entire project.
Thoroughly clean and etch the concrete first to open pores so stains penetrate evenly and fully.
Apply stains in thin coats, working it fully into the concrete to prevent pooling and uneven coloring.
Keep stained surfaces dry for 12-24 hours. Humidity and moisture can ruin stained concrete.
Wear protective gear when using acid stains to avoid hazardous chemical exposure. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Neutralize and rinse off acid stains thoroughly. Acid residue on concrete will prevent sealer adhesion.
Use alkali-resistant tape when masking off areas. Acids under the tape edges can cause bleeding and discoloration.
Avoid staining extremely hot concrete. Cool the surface with water first. Stains dry too fast on hot surfaces.
Don’t allow stains to puddle or dry to a thick consistency on the surface. This leads to uneven blotchy results.
Applying a quality concrete sealer after staining is essential to protect and extend the life of the finish.

Common Problems When Staining Concrete

Staining concrete does take some skill. Beginners often encounter these problems:

Uneven Blotchy Areas

This happens when the concrete surface absorbs the stain unevenly. Thoroughly cleaning and etching the concrete before staining helps prevent blotches. Avoid letting stains puddle on the surface. Backroll over fresh stains to even out coloring.

Stains Turning White or Light

Concrete that is not fully neutralized after etching can turn stains white or very light. Also caused by moisture getting under stains before they fully cure. Keep stained areas dry for 24 hours minimum.

Stains Not Penetrating or Bonding

Sealers or existing coatings on concrete will prevent stains from penetrating. Concrete also needs properly etched to open pores. Test absorption on a small area before staining the entire surface.

Tape Stain Bleeding

Acid stains can leak under tape edges and cause discoloration. Use high quality alkali-resistant painters tape and seal the edges with caulk or glue for better protection.

Mold or Mildew Growth

In damp, humid environments, stained concrete can develop black mildew stains over time. Using a sealer after staining helps protect the finish. Regular cleaning also helps prevent mold and mildew.

How to Maintain and Refresh Stained Concrete

While durable, stained concrete does require some periodic maintenance to keep it looking its best:

Sweep or dry mop regularly to remove abrasive dirt and debris. This prevents wear of the finish over time.
Spills should be cleaned up quickly before they have a chance to stain or etch into the concrete.
Reseal stained concrete every 2-3 years with a clear non-gloss concrete sealer to protect the finish.
Use pH neutral cleaners when mopping. Acidic or alkaline cleaners can etch and damage stained concrete over time.
Areas that show excessive wear can be spot repaired by re-etching and reapplying stain to blend with the surrounding finish.
For faded or damaged areas beyond simple spot repairs, the entire floor or patio may need to be re-stained. Etch and apply new stain over the existing stained surface.

Achieve Beautiful Durable Stained Concrete

When properly planned and executed, stained concrete floors and patios provide a sophisticated, durable and low maintenance alternative to other flooring options.

The translucent variegated colors and ability to mimic natural materials like stone and wood make stained concrete an extremely attractive and versatile decorative finish.

By following proper preparation, application and maintenance steps, you can achieve stained concrete that will provide lasting beauty and enjoyment for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Staining Concrete

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about staining concrete:

What kind of concrete is best for staining?

New concrete that will be stained should use a mix with minimal aggregates and no added curing agents or sealers. For existing slabs, broom finished concrete absorbs stains best. Polished or heavily troweled concrete is more challenging to stain evenly.

How long does the stained concrete take to cure?

Cure times depend on the stain type. Acid stains react within several hours but take 24-72 hours to fully cure and develop patina. Dyes stop absorbing color within 4 hours. Acrylic stains dry within 12 hours typically.

Can you apply a stain over painted or sealed concrete?

For best results, existing coatings need to be completely removed by grinding or other methods before applying stain. Stain will not properly penetrate and bond to painted or sealed concrete.

What colors can you get with concrete staining?

Acid stains provide earthy muted tones like amber, green, blue and brown. Dyes allow for brighter colors like red, yellow and black. Multiple colors and layers can be combined for unlimited possibilities.

How long will stained concrete last?

Properly applied and maintained, stained concrete can last indefinitely. Resealing every 2-5 years extends the finish. Areas of excessive wear may need spot repairs and re-staining after many years.

Can you stain existing old concrete?

Stain can be applied to existing cured concrete of any age. Older concrete must be thoroughly cleaned and etched to allow the stain to properly penetrate and bond. Newer is better for staining.

What is the cost to stain a concrete patio or floor?

Concrete staining costs $2-$7 per square foot depending on number of colors and complexity of the design. Simple single color staining starts at $2 per square foot. Elaborate multi-color designs cost up to $7 per square foot.

Are acid stains safe to work with?

Acid stains contain diluted acid which can cause burns and irritation. Always use protective gear when handling to avoid contact with skin and eyes. Ensure proper ventilation when applying acid stains indoors. Work carefully and follow safety precautions.

Conclusion

Stained concrete is a smart way to transform dull gray concrete into an elegant decorative finish. When properly prepared and stained, concrete floors and patios take on the beautiful translucent colors and character of natural stone, wood or other unique materials and patterns.

While staining concrete takes some skill and labor, it is much more affordable than removing and installing new decorative concrete, stone or tile. Stained concrete also provides great durability and low maintenance – lasting for decades with minimal care.

With the range of acid stains, dyes and acrylic based options now available, you can achieve virtually any color scheme imaginable to complement your landscape or interior design style.

Start with proper planning, surface preparation, application and finish protection. When done right, you’ll get beautiful stained concrete that will enhance your living space for many years to come.