How To Stain a Concrete Patio
Concrete patios don’t have to be dull and boring. Learn how to refresh your concrete patio with color or mimic other natural materials by staining it yourself.
Written by
Concrete patios are durable and low-maintenance, making them a great upgrade for your outdoor space. A concrete patio can enhance your property and last for around 25 years without too much effort. When you’re ready to update your space, staining your concrete patio is an exciting way to give it a new look.
Staining concrete offers various ways to achieve different styles. You can choose from different hues, stain your concrete to look like natural materials (such as wood, slate, or cobblestone), or even stamp designs into the concrete.
Staining your concrete patio is an outdoor project you can complete yourself with the right tools and instructions. Before you get started, learn about the types of stains you can use and the staining process. Our guide will help you understand the differences between acid-based and water-based stains, how to stain concrete, and best practices for maintaining your stained concrete patio.
Types of Stains
Choosing the right stain for your concrete patio is the first step toward achieving your desired transformation. Acid-based or water-based stains produce different results.
Acid-based stains for concrete floors are composed of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. These stains permeate the concrete’s surface and cause a chemical reaction with the concrete’s components. The result is a semitransparent color that you can use to mimic natural materials such as stone, wood, or marble. Acid-based stains etch into the concrete’s surface and won’t fade, chip off, or peel away. However, acid-based stain colors are limited to earthy tones such as tan, brown, terra-cotta, and soft blue-green.
Note that the chemical reaction caused by acid-based stains will continue until you apply a neutralizing agent, making the application more complex for novice DIYers.
Water-based stains for concrete floors are composed of water, acetone, polymers, and pigments. Instead of causing a chemical reaction, these stains fill the concrete surface’s pores to create a pigmented layer. Since there is no chemical reaction, water-based stains produce richer colors. Water-based stains come in a broad spectrum of hues, including metallic tints.
Staining Process
While staining your concrete patio is a fairly straightforward process, you’ll need to take precise steps to achieve the desired appearance. Follow this step-by-step guide to stain your concrete patio.
Gather Supplies
Before you begin the staining process, make sure you have all the tools and materials you’ll need to properly prep and stain your patio. You can purchase these supplies at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
- Airless paint sprayer (Note: If you’re using an acid-based stain, you’ll need an acid-resistant paint sprayer.)
- Broom
- Concrete cleaner
- Concrete sealer
- Concrete stain
- Concrete stripper (Note: This is optional; you’ll only need to strip away sealant if your concrete is already sealed.)
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
- Pressure washer
- Tape (duct tape and painter’s tape)
Assess Your Patio’s Condition
Before staining, assess your concrete. New concrete must be at least four weeks old and not sealed with a sealant. Sealant prevents the stain from permeating the concrete’s surface. If your concrete patio is sealed, remove the existing coating with a concrete stripper.
Clean the Concrete
Before staining, remove dirt and debris, get rid of stains, and thoroughly wash the concrete using the following tips:
- Use a stiff-bristled broom to clean away as much debris and dirt as possible.
- Treat stains with a cleaner designed for concrete. Cleaners work best on porous concrete and recent stains. If you’re planning to use acid-based cleaners, use a concrete etch.
- Deep clean your concrete with a pressure washer. You can rent one of these at your local home improvement store if you don’t already have one.
Avoid using cleaners with muriatic acid as it can remove minerals needed to create the stain’s desired effect.
Repair Imperfections
You want your newly refreshed patio to look brand new after the staining process. To achieve this look, repair cracks and chips with a concrete crack filler. Smooth the patched areas and allow the crack filler to dry for at least 24 hours or per the manufacturer’s instructions. Clear away any new debris resulting from repairs.
Prep the Surface
Proper preparation ensures quality results. This includes protecting surfaces from overspray, testing the product, and dampening the concrete surface.
- Use masking tape and waterproof construction paper to mask off areas you want to protect from overspray. Cover the masking tape with duct tape to avoid stain bleeding.
- Find an inconspicuous area and test the stain to make sure it’s the color and coverage you expect.
- Use clean water to dampen the concrete surface, being careful not to oversaturate it or create puddles.
Apply Stain
When using chemicals, you need to take safety precautions. Before filling your sprayer, put on protective gear, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, a mask, safety glasses, and gloves.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fill the paint sprayer. Apply the stain using broad, even passes that overlap to constantly maintain a wet edge. Avoid concentrating the spray in one area long enough to create puddles. After applying an even coat of stain, use your paint roller and paintbrush to stain the edges and corners.
Wait
If you’re using an acid-based stain, the product needs time to react with the concrete. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the right amount of waiting time. You can expect to wait up to six hours or more. Once you’re satisfied with the color, use a neutralizing agent to stop the chemical reaction. Rinse the area with clean water and mop up excess water. Be sure to rinse until the water is free of color and you can wipe the floor without picking up color. After drying, test the floor by wiping it with a white cloth. If it’s clean, you’re ready to seal the surface.
Water-based stains don’t create a chemical reaction, so you need to wait for the stain to dry thoroughly as directed by the manufacturer. The concrete will likely require 24 hours to dry if you’re using a water-based stain.
Protect Your Stain With Sealant
A sealant will protect your stained concrete floors from fading and damage. When the stain is completely dry, test your sealant in an obscure area of your patio. If you’re satisfied, apply the sealer to your stained patio per the manufacturer’s instructions. Plan to allow the sealant 48 hours to dry completely before using your patio.
Cost
The cost of staining your patio yourself will be limited to the price of materials and any tools you don’t already have on hand. On average, you can expect the stain to cost around $20–$50 per gallon and the sealant to cost about $10–$150 per gallon. A gallon of stain covers 150–300 square feet, while a gallon of sealant covers up to 400 square feet.
If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one for about $90 a day. If you’re not comfortable staining your patio yourself, you can hire a concrete professional to complete the job for around $2–$25 per square foot, and an additional $1–$4 per square foot to apply sealer.
On average, you can expect the cost of staining a 500-square-foot concrete patio to be as follows:
- DIY staining and sealing: $60–$400 (plus an additional $90 if you need to rent a pressure washer)
- Professional staining and sealing: $1,500–$14,500
Cost data in this section was sourced from Fixr and The Home Depot.
Compare the cost of installing a concrete patio with other patio types:
| Concrete patio installation | $6–$17 per square foot |
| Gravel patio installation | $6–$14 per square foot |
| Paver patio installation | $10–$25 per square foot |
| Brick patio installation | $12–$20 per square foot |
| Tile patio installation | $15–$20 per square foot |
Cost data in this table was sourced from Fixr.
Maintenance
Keeping your stained concrete patio clean and sealed will help it maintain its beauty for years to come. Use these tips to keep your freshly stained patio looking its best:
Our Conclusion
Staining your concrete patio can refresh your entire outdoor space at a fraction of the cost of building a new patio. With the right tools and knowledge, you can complete the job yourself. When planning a DIY patio staining project, choose the stain that best suits your needs. After you stain and seal your concrete patio, careful maintenance can keep it looking great for years.
FAQ About Stained Concrete Patio
Can I stain an existing concrete patio?
You can stain an existing concrete patio if it’s at least four to six weeks old and doesn’t have any cracks or chips. If your concrete patio has damage, you’ll need to complete repairs before starting the staining process.
What is the best way to apply stain to a concrete patio?
The best way to apply stain to a concrete patio is to use a sprayer to cover the surface evenly. Spray the stain in even strokes that overlap, so you can constantly keep a wet edge and avoid stripe lines.
Can you stain concrete yourself?
Yes, staining a concrete patio is a good DIY project for homeowners who have the tools and know-how to complete the job. Alternatively, you can hire a concrete professional to stain and seal your concrete patio for you.
How much does staining concrete cost?
The cost of staining your concrete patio will depend on the materials you use, the size of your patio, and whether you complete the project yourself or hire a professional. The average cost of DIY concrete staining a 500-square-foot patio is $60–$400, while the cost of professional concrete staining for a patio of the same size can range from $1,500–$14,500.
How long does stained concrete last?
Concrete stained with acid stains can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Water-based stains may fade more quickly. However, with proper sealing, they can also last several years.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
