What is less attractive than a gray slab of concrete, better yet, a marred or scuffed gray slab of concrete? Especially on an outdoor patio or porch used for entertaining. You can give your concrete new life with stained concrete.
Nowadays, there are various techniques that can be done to upgrade bland, gray and boring concrete. One of the most popular methods is stamped concrete. This method only affects the texture and the pattern of the concrete and does not change color. Stamped concrete is a way to personalize the concrete in your own unique way. Many homeowners also use this to achieve the look of brick or stone walkways without multiple elements.
Stained concrete, however, does change the color. Actually “stained concrete” is a misstatement, it is technically a chemical reaction between the acid stain and the cement. The effect on the concrete that occurs is similar to spilling grape juice on a white sofa. Because of this process, the stain works through a chemical reaction between the stain and the cement, the aggregate will not stain. The process is performed on cured and hardened concrete and not by adding pigment to wet cement.
To achieve the stained concrete look, the first thing that needs to be done is to thoroughly clean the concrete surface using an organic degreaser. Lightly sanding the concrete to help with the imperfections and help to open the surface.
The stain can be applied in multiple ways. Mops, rollers or brushes can be used however, most professionals use sprayers. This application process provides a wider, broader and smoother application. It takes approximately eight hours to completely dry and the chemical reaction to fully take place. The way the stained concrete looks immediately after application is not the way it will look at completion.