Tired of Boring , Plain Gray Concrete?
Learn ways to enhance your home's concrete surfaces. Discover how acid stains, acrylic stains, or a combination of both can be used to decorate patios, driveways, garage floors, and even the concrete floors in your house. Many of the projects can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer and are relatively inexpensive.
Acid Staining
Learn about acid based concrete stains
Acid staining is a natural coloring process produced by a chemical reaction. Due to inconsistencies in the surface of concrete, the result of acid staining is a mottled or variegated appearance that is unique to each slab. It can't peel or flake away which makes it a very durable finish. Not only can it be done on interior floors, but on patios, sidewalks, garage floors, and porches. A serious do-it-yourselfer should have no problem taking on an acid staining project. For more information check out acid staining here. Acrylic Concrete Stains
Learn about acrylic concrete staining
If acid staining won't work, you want more vibrant colors, or need something easier to work with, then check out acrylic concrete stains. These are more user friendly stains that produce a more uniform color than acid staining and there are many more colors available. It's also a stain so it won't peel or flake away. Faux Finish Concrete Staining
Have an acid stain job that went wrong or worried that you might screw one up? Don't sweat it too much. There's a solution other than grinding it down and doing it again. Acrylic stains can come to the rescue. Faux finish concrete staining with acrylic stains can fix the job. There are some simple techniques to not only fix a bad staining job but to create your own unique masterpiece. Great for Interior or Exterior
Concete staining can be done on interior and exterior surfaces. The only difference between the two is the type of sealer used. Exterior concrete needs to breathe. Therefore, you should only use acrylic sealers. Interior surfaces are ideal for epoxy and urethane sealers. They provide a much more durable finish.
Staining Concrete Countertops
Stains are commonly used to color countertops
Kitchens and bathrooms are taking advantage of the versatility of concrete in the way of concrete countertops and vanities. Acid staining is the most frequently used method for coloring the countertops. Scoring Concrete
Jazz up your staining project even more!
Want to venture beyond basic staining and add a more character to your concrete? Then try some simple scoring techniques to create patterns. Make it look like large or small tiles or try a contemporary pattern. The design opportunities with staining and scoring are endless. Find more information and instructions here. Seal it!
Finish the job with concrete sealer.
No staining job is complete until you apply a coat of concrete sealer.
Sealer not only protects your new finish but it's what brings the colors to life. And it's a cinch to apply. You just need to make sure you get the right kind of sealer.
Sealer not only protects your new finish but it's what brings the colors to life. And it's a cinch to apply. You just need to make sure you get the right kind of sealer.
Acid stain before sealer
This is what a typical acid stained floor looks like before sealer is applied.
After Sealer
What a difference a coat of sealer makes. The colors really pop.
Repairing Cracks
Do I Need to Repair Cracks Before Staining
The answer is no, especially on hairline cracks. Most of the time a repair done to a concrete crack is more unsightly than the crack itself. To many people, cracks add a little character to a slab. Acid stain actually highlights cracks making them darker than the rest of the slab. This helps give it that rustic, antique look.
Should I Use Acid or Acrylic Stain For My Project
When deciding which type of stain to use, consider the condition of the concrete and the desired appearance. Although you may like acid stains, acrylic stains are more suitable for some surfaces. Older concrete and concrete that has or needs some repair will have much better results with acrylic stains. Choosing your stain is the first step of in your project.
Check Out These Related Sites
- All Things Concrete
- Ideas and instructions for enhancing and decorating concrete surfaces
- Concrete Network
- Photos and contractor directory
Other Helpful Resources
Get more instruction or ideas for your staining project! I used these materials to get me started in staining concrete.
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- Oosquid Oosquid Feb 22, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
- Interesting lens. I've never thought about staining concrete but you have given me plenty of ideas.
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- Lisa Lisa Feb 16, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
- Thanks. I'll let you know how my first project goes.
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- Kylie Kylie Feb 16, 2008 @ 8:31 am
- You make it sound easy. It's encouraging. And I love your website too.
by concreteman
I do concrete work for a living. I can find joy in working with this versatile material while sharing ideas and basic techniques with others. That's w... (more)
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