Staining concrete patio?

[FastEddy]

As a low cost alternative to using brick or pavers I’m thinking about staining my concrete patio.
Has anyone done this?

I was at the Local home improvement store and saw that they have a wide selection of different colors that you spray on then roll. It looks good on the samples they have but was wondering about real world use.

My concrete is in great shape but is about 10 years old. There is no oil spots but it is somewhat discolored from weather. Ill assume it needs to be cleaned first. What is the best way to do this? I haven’t done a lot of research but I see that I can power wash it or use a chemical. Again does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,

 

[Monkey Wrench]

I don't have any experience with concrete staining, but I have experienced cleaning concrete so I could paint it. I used a power washer, but before I went to power washing it, I treated any spots and stains from weather, oil, nitro fuel, paint and whatever else with this: http://www.driveupusa.com/store/dynamicIndex.asp. Found it at the local Wal-Mart and wow, it really did the trick! I let it sit for well over 4 hours (the directions even suggest letting it dry up) and it took it all out! Prestone also makes a good concrete cleaner that comes in gallon size. I found these in motor oil aisle.

I sprayed the Revive A Drive, let it sit, then used the concentrated concrete cleaner you can get for a power washer. Every stain I had came out just fine!

I'll have to look into the staining you mention, never knew you could stain concrete!

 

[hb1111]

i ve never stained concrete but i use muratic acid to clean it and etch it before a epoxy job, staining is a kool look and fairly cheap to do the acid wont do much for oil stains but will do good for dirt and others they will tell you to etch it brfore you stain anyways you can create a neat pattern with the stain id try to google it first the acid is easier then power washing spray it on scrub a little with a broom maybe 2-5 min then rinse with water will turn nice and white...good luck oh yeah the acid is pretty cheap 5-8 bucks a gallon

 

[WoodiE]

Eddy I'll stain your concrete for you!




-Michael

 

[SMaxxin]

I didn't do it but they just pulled up all of the carpet in the offices at work and stained the concrete. From what I understand just get it as clean as possable and apply the stain. It actually looks better than the carpet did IMO.

 

[ImBroken]

Home Depot carries a line of concrete stains, both opaque & transparent. I forget what company makes it, but I'll be staining my walkway real soon..

 

[FastEddy]

I'm going to give it a try. For the cost ill be happy. I'm now looking for cleaner that wont harm my plants. Damn... nothing is ever easy.

Ill be giving it a try in 30 days or so as soon as we get most of out inside projects under control. I'm hoping it works well.

IB,
Here is what I'm looking at. There isnt much info on their site but the Home Depot has samples of the different colors that you can tint it with.
http://www.behr.com/behrx/act/view/...Id=97&catName=Concrete+Floor+Coatings&catId=5

 

[Hunter]

DIY just did a show in this you might want to check there site for a how to on it.