Our Concrete Patio Company Can Help You Bring Your Patio to Life With a New Stain

Staining concrete is a great way to transform a gray, dull patio into a vibrant and stylish surface that will bring your outdoor space to life.

However, concrete staining projects can be intimidating. Our trusted concrete patio company at Greenway of Nashville are here to guide you through the process of properly staining your concrete patio.

Where to Start With Concrete Staining

Applying a concrete stain isn’t overly difficult or time-consuming, but getting started can be tricky. There are unlimited design options, so choosing the best product and color for your space can be easier said than done. You may even need multiple colors of stain to create your desired effect.

If you choose the wrong materials or don’t apply your stain according to best practices, you likely won’t achieve the best result and, even worse, might end up having to waste even more time and money to correct the mistake with a brand new concrete installation.

If you want to refurbish your concrete patio with a stain, the best place to start is to understand what type of product you want to use.

Types of Stains & Dyes for Concrete Staining

Stains and dyes for concrete come in a wide variety of options, each with their own pros and cons. Before you add color to your concrete patio, understanding these options is incredibly important to ensure the end result meets your goals.

Below is a breakdown of stains and dyes and the most common types used for concrete projects:

Stains

Instead of covering the surface, like paint, stains penetrate the concrete to produce permanent color. For this reason, stains typically have great UV stability and wear resistance.

Concrete stains generally fall under two categories:

• Water-Based Stains – Most water-based stains act as a coat that bonds with the concrete. With water-based stains, you will have a broad range of colors to choose from. Many manufacturers offer a number of color options, including white, black, and metallic.
• Acid Stains – Acid stains penetrate the surface and work by reacting chemically with the concrete. Once the stain reacts, the color becomes permanent and won’t chip or peel. Keep in mind that while acid stains can create beautiful colors, you will generally be restricted to earth tones, such as brown, tan, or terra cotta.

Dyes

Dyes have a much smaller particle size than chemical or water-based stains, allowing the color to easily penetrate and saturate the concrete. Acid stains can take hours to react, while dyes can dry in a matter of seconds.

However, it’s important to note that because dyes penetrate so quickly, there is little room for application mistakes. Another downside is that dyes are not UV stable, so they are usually intended for interior use only.

Dyes come in a variety of colors and are available in water or solvent-based formulations:

• Water-Based Dyes – Typically, water-based dyes create a marbling effect that can be similar to the look of a concrete stain.
• Solvent-Based Dyes – Solvent-based formulas, on the other hand, are used to produce a more uniform, opaque color.

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Step-by-Step Process to Staining Your Patio

Once you’ve chosen the best product for your project and your desired color, the application process can begin! We’ve outlined the process our concrete patio company follows step by step, so you know exactly what to expect:

Step 1 – Clean Your Concrete

In order to work, stains must be allowed to soak into the concrete. With this in mind, it’s important that your surface is free of anything that may prevent the stain from saturating your concrete. The first step should be to remove loose particles and clean grease or dirt with a stiff broom and a hose. As with many outdoor projects, site preparation is crucial to achieve the best results, so don’t forget this important step prior to application.

Also, keep in mind that concrete stains are somewhat translucent and are not designed to mask any flaws in your concrete. The existing texture will show through, so it’s not recommended to stain concrete that has large cracks or spalling.

Step 2 – Apply Your Stain

First, cover the concrete with a base coat of stain. Then, you can either apply one color or several, depending on the aesthetic you want. If you’d like to add any custom effects, you can apply multiple colors and blend them using water. You’ll need a garden sprayer for each color you want to apply, as well as one for water to intermix the colors and push the stain to bare spots, creating a marbleized effect.

Always work in small sections, moving outwards so that you never trap yourself in a corner. If you’re creating any patterns or would like adjoining areas to differ in color, be sure to divide your patio into sections using something, such as cardboard, to prevent the colors from running.

Pro tip: Avoid applying your concrete stain in direct sunlight. The stain will dry quickly in the sun, so you won’t have as much time to properly blend your colors. Concrete staining projects are best done when your patio is protected by shade.

Step 3 – Touch Up the Stain

After the surface has dried for 24 hours, you may need to go back and touch up any areas where the stain didn’t blend naturally. If the color isn’t as bright as you’d like, you may also want to add a second coat, using the same steps above.

Step 4 – Apply a Concrete Sealer

Once you’re happy with the color of your stained concrete and it has completely dried, you can apply a sealer for further protection from fading and general daily wear. Your patio will need cleaning and resealing every few years.

Keep Your Hands Clean and Call Our Concrete Patio Company

Concrete staining projects can range from simple to complex designs. Whether you’re applying a single color or mixing several for a more custom look, you want to ensure that you’re using the right products and application techniques.

Keep your hands clean and call our concrete contractors at Greenway of Nashville. Our concrete patio company will take the hassles out of your concrete project, leaving you with a patio you’ll be proud to show off to friends and family.

At Greenway of Nashville, we’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor space. Give us a call at (615) 238-4574, or complete our form so we can schedule a free, no-obligation onsite visit.