How to Stain Concrete

The four steps for staining concrete are: surface preparation, stain application (pictured), residue removal and sealer application.

Staining concrete is a great way to add color to an otherwise dull surface. The concrete staining process takes about 2 days, is moderately difficult and fairly affordable. New concrete should be fully cured before staining, which takes between 21 and 28 days.

Whether you're a professional wanting to add staining to your repertoire or a homeowner who loves a DIY challenge, here are the steps for staining concrete:

1. Clean and prepare the concrete
2. Apply the concrete stain
3. Clean up and neutralize the stain
4. Seal your concrete for long-term protection

Need help with your project? Find contractors that specialize in concrete staining near me.

STAIN TYPE & COLOR

Before getting started, you’ll need to decide on the type of stain you’ll be using and what color. Acid stains are great for creating rich, variegated earth tones. Water-based stains offer more color choices, are user-friendly and safe.

There are a few differences between how acid and water-based stains are applied. Acid stains need more time to react with the concrete and require neutralization, while water based stains need additional surface preparation to open up the concrete.

STAINING MATERIALS

• Concrete stripper (sealed concrete only)
• Concrete cleaner or degreaser
• Etching solution (water-based stains only)
• Concrete stain
• Neutralizer (acid stains only)
• Sealer
• Roller or sprayer
• Mask or respirator
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Rubber boots
• Scrub brush
• Plastic bucket
• Booties
• Pressure washer
• Scraper
• Hose with spray nozzle
• Shop vacuum
• Plastic sheeting
• Tape

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN APPLYING CONCRETE STAIN

1. Prepare the Surface for Staining

   Whether you are staining new or old concrete, thorough surface preparation is essential. Unlike paints and coatings, which are opaque and can mask many evils, acid stains are translucent. Any residue remaining on the surface of the concrete is likely to be visible through the newly applied stain. When done properly, this initial step dramatically impacts the finished appearance of the project. Surface preparation can be done in two ways, either by mechanical grinding or with the use of a specially formulated cleaner (often available from your stain manufacturer). Learn more about surface preparation before staining concrete.



Concrete Stain Application Tips
Time: 05:32
Learn how to stain concrete using acid stains. Get tips for applying stains to concrete floors as well as stamped concrete driveways, patios, walkways & pool decks.

2. Apply the Concrete Stain

   After the concrete has been cleaned or ground, it is time to apply the actual stain. Here's how:

   • Mask off area to protect door frames, walls, etc.
   • Dilute stain with water to desired ratio (see your manufacturer’s recommendations for specifics).
   • Spray or brush on first coat. Popular sprayers include airless sprayers, HVLP sprayers, production guns, pump sprayers or even a trigger spray bottle. A brush or sponge may be used for cases that require precise control of the stain application.
   • Let the newly applied stain dry. Dry times will vary based on temperature, humidity and air flow. In optimum conditions, the concrete will be dry to the touch in 15-20 minutes; however, the total cure time is 24 hours.
   • Repeat if more color intensity is desired. Most stain manufacturers recommend waiting a few hours between applications.

3. Clean Up & Neutralize the Stain

   Once the stain has been applied, cleanup is required. Here is a standard cleanup process:

   • Rinse the concrete with clean water until the water runs clear.
   • Neutralize the stain with T.S.P., baking soda or ammonia. This is only necessary if you are using an acid stain, water-based stains do not require neutralization.
   • Use a soft bristled brush or broom to loosen any stubborn residue before the final rinsing.

4. Add a Protective Coat of Sealer

   After allowing the stained concrete to dry overnight or longer, apply your sealer of choice. Most stain manufacturers recommend applying two coats of sealer for optimum durability. The type of sealer you use will depend on whether the concrete is indoors or outdoors and what level of gloss is desired (see Concrete Floor Sealers). In addition to the sealer, a floor finish or wax can be applied for extra protection against scuffs and scratches.

Vintage America Acid Stain Organic, antique patina, deep penetrating reactive stain.

Acid Stain by Surfkoat Makes up to 2 gallons. Great for marble look.

Stain-Crete by Increte 9 standard colors. Useful for old or new concrete.

Elements® Transparent Concrete Stain Water-based, environmentally and user-friendly

Concrete Stain + Sealer in One Waterproof, strengthen, preserve and beautify in one step

Stone Tone Stain 10 color options. Resistant to chipping and fading.

Concrete Acid Stain BRICKFORM Blush-Tone Acid Stain available in 10 standard colors

In-Fluence Water-Based Stain 24 non-reactive colors that transform concrete.

IS STAINING A DIY PROJECT?

Wondering if you can stain your concrete floor or patio yourself? Learn about whether applying stains is a DIY project or if you'd be better off to hire a pro.

STAIN APPLICATION TIPS

Staining concrete successfully requires a deft hand and a discerning eye. Here are a few tips for getting the best results:

• Be scrupulous with surface preparation to ensure removal of contaminants or defects that could ruin an otherwise beautiful staining job. (See Cleaning Floors Before Concrete Staining.)
• Carefully mask off surrounding areas to avoid unintentional staining - acid stains can be tough, and sometimes impossible, to remove.
• Always apply a test sample of stain to a small, inconspicuous area of the concrete to be treated. Because so many variables can affect the final color, that's the only way to get an accurate preview of the finished look.
• Stain colors will be more intense if you apply the stain soon after the concrete has been placed.
• Follow the stain manufacturer's directions. Acid-based chemical stains often have different requirements than acrylic stains for surface preparation, application and cleanup. Manufacturers can also recommend the best application tools and coverage rates for their products.
• To produce various concentrations of color, you can dilute the stain by adding water, either by wetting the concrete before the stain is applied or by spritzing the concrete after stain application with water from a spray bottle.
• Don't expect color consistency or perfection. Variations are inherent in the staining process.
• To treat areas that did not stain well, try applying a concrete dye or tint.
• When using an acid-based stain, be sure to remove any residue remaining on the surface so the sealer will bond properly. Use a mixture of water and detergent, adding a tablespoon of baking soda per gallon of water to neutralize any remaining acid. Scrub with a buffing machine, and then pick up the residue with a wet vacuum. Rinse until the water is clear.
• Protect your newly stained surface with a sealer. Be sure to select a product that’s compatible with the stain you’re using.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUE: GELS AND THICKENERS GIVE YOU MORE CONTROL

Stenciling Using Acid-Etching Gel
Time: 05:46
Watch a concrete stencil being applied and used with acid-etching gel. The surface was previously acid stained to get the brown/tan color. The acid-etching gel will remove some of this color leaving a stenciled pattern.

Stains are often used in conjunction with stencils to produce intricate patterns, custom graphics, and logos. But because stains tend to be thin solutions to ensure good penetration, it can be a challenge to prevent them from bleeding under the stencil or to keep the application within defined pattern lines. An easy way to conquer this problem is to use a special thickening agent or gel that improves application control and permits freehand artistry.

An example of a thickening agent is Surface Gel Tek's Stain Mule. This product is designed to be mixed on the jobsite with acid or water-based stains to eliminate color bleeding or wicking. It also helps to prevent dripping of stain on vertical surfaces.

Another option is a gel stain developed for extra control when creating intricate patterns and crisp edges or lines. It dries to a natural, variegated finish and can be applied with a sponge or bristle brush.