CHOOSE A CONCRETE STAIN IF: You're working on an exterior surface. Stains are better able to withstand ultraviolet light and are also less likely to wash away when exposed to the elements. If you're set on using a dye, you'll need to apply a UV sealer—even if your installation is located indoors!
Stained concrete is one of the easiest ways to enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful new floors. From staining an existing surface to resurfacing damaged concrete and replacing worn-out floor coverings, your floors can become better than new with durable, decorative concrete.
Staining a Concrete Patio
One of the greatest pros of choosing staining over painting is that the stain penetrates into the concrete rather than just building up on the surface, as with paint. This results in a longer-lasting color that won't fade as quickly as paint.
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.
Both concrete stains and dyes are manufactured to be as durable as possible. When your project is outdoors, a stain is preferred because it will not fade quickly. The dyes can lighten over time when subjected to UV light.
Not necessarily. Colored concrete will get good and hard just like normal concrete. However, all concrete benefits from being sealed against stains and water damage. So even though it's not necessary, sealing your colored concrete will make it look good longer and will help prevent dusting of the surface.
Colored concrete can be used to break up larger areas of concrete. If you have a large concrete patio or long driveway, coloring all or parts of it can make it more interesting than having it be all gray. Many people use colored concrete to replicate nature, like green turf or textured gravel paths.
Concrete floors that are stained and sealed dont just look beautiful but are also very durable. But this does not mean they are invincible. If you dont take good care of them, they can develop scratch marks, become dull, and wear out over time. This happens much faster if the seal isnt applied properly.
To prolong stain life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer (outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to the surface and enhancing color intensity.
Concrete flooring resale value
A stained or stamped concrete floor generally adds to your home's value on resale.
Sunlight can damage dyed concrete floors, causing vibrant colors to fade. Check if windows in the room are made with glass containing UV-protection, which can keep floor color from fading.
Still, even though concrete floors can get stained, they're relatively easy to clean and maintain, especially when compared to other flooring types like carpet. Sealers, wax and mopping can help your concrete stay pristine, and if you do wind up with a stain, there are plenty of ways to remove it.
With all the right choices, the color will remain gorgeous for 10 to 15 years or more.
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.
Typically, acid stains are a more durable choice for exterior concrete stain projects than water-based formulas. However, water-based stains will do fine outside if re-sealed frequently.
Concrete can look strikingly professional and luxurious with the right stain. But before you apply a stain, you need to prep the floor thoroughly for staining. An effective stain starts with a clean and clear surface. If you don't, you'll be left with floors that are irreversibly marked and damaged.
Spalling is caused by one or more of the following: a poor concrete mix, poor finishing, or overwatering.
4. Prep the surface. Grinding the surface, while it may not be standard practice for all staining contractors, is a requirement for Hyde Concrete. The crew grinds every slab they stain, even if it's a new pour.
The short answer? Provided it's installed correctly and adequately maintained, stamped concrete will last just as long as non-stamped, or standard, concrete—about 25 years. That's because the processes of installing stamped concrete and standard concrete are mostly the same.
If the maintenance guide is followed, it can last up to 15 years.
The cost of stained concrete can vary greatly. For a basic application of a single stain color with sealer and minimal surface prep, most decorative concrete contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot.
You can color concrete with acrylic paint by mixing it into the wet mix. Acrylic paint can be a cheap way to color concrete crafts. The same goes for using latex paint for coloring concrete.
Earth tones that mimic natural materials are the most popular concrete colors among homeowners. But you can also color concrete blue, orange, green, black or other colors. Plus, many concrete contractors can blend custom colors exactly to your liking.