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How To Stain Concrete Driveway

Can you stain existing concrete driveway?

Staining is an economical and highly versatile way to upgrade the look of both new and existing concrete driveways. Stains penetrate deeply into the concrete surface, producing fade-resistant, permanent color that will not flake off or peel away.

How much does it cost to stain a concrete driveway?

Typically, staining concrete costs between $7 and $15 per square foot. Contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot for a simple stain job and between $12 and $25 per square foot for a high-end design.

Is staining concrete a good idea?

Because stains penetrate into the concrete surface, their color is durable and long-lasting. When applied to properly prepared concrete, the color will not fade, chip, or peel away.

Is it better to paint or stain concrete driveway?

Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently, while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. Concrete stains go on quicker, dry faster and take less work than concrete paint, but they offer no significant protection.

How long does concrete stain last?

Few materials have the longevity of concrete. And because stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with permanent color, a stained concrete floor or pavement should last a lifetime when properly maintained (see How to Protect and Maintain Stained Concrete .

Can you buy stain for concrete?

There are two types of concrete stain to choose from: acid-based and water-based. Acid-based formulas for are long-lasting and resistant to fading. They react chemically with the concrete to create a permanent chemical bond.

When should concrete be stained?

New concrete should be fully cured before staining, which takes between 21 and 28 days.

Do you have to sand concrete before staining?

You certainly can sand concrete before applying a stain, but this may not be absolutely necessary. Sanding before staining ensures that the stain penetrates the surface, but this is only necessary if your concrete floor’s surface is otherwise incapable of absorbing liquids.

Do you have to seal concrete after staining?

Answer: You can wait as long as you want after you stain your floor to seal it. Most customers prefer to keep people and things off their floor after staining. Let the stain or water properly dry from the floor. Be sure and remove any residue left behind if using our acid stain, then apply sealer.

How long does stain last on a driveway?

Oil-based stain can be kept for 1 year if the cans have been opened, but unopened cans will last 2 – 3 yrs. Water-based stain will last 1 year, if opened, and 2 years, if unopened. Oil-based varnishes will be good for 1 year, opened or unopened.

What is the difference between concrete stain and acid stain?

The main difference between an acid stain and a water based concrete stain is how they interact with the concrete. Acid stains have a muted more natural coloring. They penetrate into the concrete’s pores and interact with it’s natural coloring.

Can concrete be stained after it is poured?

The answer is: yes, you can acid stain old concrete. The process for acid staining old concrete is not all that different from staining new concrete with a few exceptions. Below, we will walk you through how to stain old concrete and the differences from how to stain new concrete.

Is Valspar concrete stain water based?

Valspar | Water-based | Concrete Stains & Sealers.

Which concrete stain is best?

The 10 Best Concrete Stains – Reviews 2022 Kemiko Stone Tone Concrete Stain – Best Overall. Concrete Coatings VIVID Acid Stain – Best Value. Concrete Resurrection Cement Stain – Premium Choice. Rust-Oleum 247162 Concrete Stain Spray. EnduraCoat Acid Stain DIY Kit. BrandBold Brilliance Concrete Acid Stain.

Is concrete stain waterproof?

LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer is a technological breakthrough – it waterproofs, strengthens, preserves concrete and beautifies the surface in one step! Choose from 38 unique colors to add color and excitement to your dull concrete, mortar, pavers, and concrete blocks.

Does stained concrete scratch easily?

Staining Concrete is both Residential and Commercial. ust like any other flooring type, stained concrete floors can pick up scratches over time. Shifting furniture, sharp shoe heels, and dragging heavy boxes across the floor can leave scratch marks in the surface layer that stand out in the sunlight.

What color can you stain concrete?

MOST POPULAR CONCRETE STAIN COLORS White concrete stain. Blue concrete stain. Brown concrete stain. Red concrete stain.

How much does a gallon of concrete stain cover?

On average, acid stains will cover 200 to 400 square feet per gallon, while water based stains will cover slightly more at about 250 to 450 square feet per gallon.

What is the difference between concrete stain and concrete dye?

When it comes to concrete stain vs. dye, the main difference is that a stain will chemically react with the concrete, while a dye will simply permeate the material. Here’s some more information on both concrete stains and concrete dyes.

Is stained concrete slippery?

Like any hard, smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet, especially if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer. For concrete floors or walkways exposed to moisture or in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there are ways you can increase the slip resistance without affecting the color.

How do you prepare concrete for staining?

Apply Concrete Cleaner and Degreaser: The vast majority of concrete slabs only require minimum cleaning using an organic degreaser diluted at a medium concentration with water. Scrub Surface: Clean the surface with a soft nylon bristle brush or power wash on a low setting to prepare most floors for staining.

What happens if you stain new concrete before it cures?

Any paint or stain applied to young concrete while it’s still hardening can be negatively affected by residual moisture or the changing chemical content in the concrete. It takes about a month for all of the water to get used up in the hydration process.