How to Stain Concrete

In our home, we focus on small ways to increase our curb appeal. Staining a concrete walkway, patio, or floor may be the project your home needs to give it a little wow factor.

First, choose a stain you like. Next, give your concrete a good scrubbing so you’re not staining over dirt and grime. Then, fix any cracks in the concrete. Apply your stain evenly. You’ll likely need several coats to achieve the desired color. Finally, apply sealant to protect it from wear and tear. 

When you know how to stain concrete, you are able to transform those dull, gray surfaces into amazing focal points on your property.

What is Concrete Stain?

Concrete stain is a permanent colored coating that also protects the surface you’re staining. It seeps into the concrete’s porous surface, creating a durable bond.

I will note, staining isn’t the easiest beginner DIY project. 

“Staining concrete is an art that requires precision, attention to detail, and an elaborate process,” says Merrie Santana, CFO for Floor Masters ATX in Austin, Texas. “Although DIYers can achieve a good look, it will rarely, if at all, match a professional look.” 

The Difference Between Concrete Stain and Paint

Both concrete stain and paint will spruce up your home, but which one is better for you? I’ve put together a chart to help you decide.

“Stained concrete will definitely outlast painted concrete at any stage,” Santana says. “In the short term, painting concrete can seem cost-effective, but as it wears out (sooner than stained concrete) you will need to repaint it, which means you will need to invest more time and money into it.

“Additionally, stained concrete will retain its aesthetic appearance/curb appeal even as it wears out, which is usually one of the main reasons people choose to stain rather than to paint concrete,” she adds.

What You’ll Need

Here is a list of the equipment, tools, and materials you’ll need to stain your concrete.

Steps for Staining Concrete

It’s natural to want to stain immediately so you can see what it looks like, but Santana cautions that preparation is crucial.

“Prep work, prep work, prep work! It is a must,” she says. “A properly prepared concrete surface will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the work. It will make the application go a lot smoother and allow for the stain to deeply penetrate the concrete slab, which will make it even more resistant to wear and tear such as peeling, cracking, and chipping.”

Choose Your Stain

We have a few stain options.

• Water-based vs Acid: Water-based stain seeps into the concrete, but acid chemically changes the color until a neutralizing agent is applied. We recommend water-based. While it’s not quite as durable, it’s much easier and predictable to apply for a DIYer.
• Semi-transparent vs Solid: Semi-transparent stain allows the natural concrete to shine through while solid offers more coverage.

Clean Your Concrete

Like with all our staining or painting projects, we need a clean surface so dirt and dust don’t get trapped and ruin our hard work. 

1. Using a broom or a vacuum (or both), clean off all the loose dirt and debris.
2. Use mildly soapy water and a rag to wash down the concrete.
3. If your concrete is outside, consider using a power washer.
4. Wait for the concrete to dry.

Prepare Your Concrete

Next, check for fixable imperfections. Here are a few examples and how to fix them.

1. Remove sealant: If your concrete is sealed, remove it with a power washer and a wire brush for difficult spots.
2. Grease stains: Use a degreaser or a power washer to remove grease
3. Cracks and chips: Use concrete filler, available in any hardware or home improvement store, to fill in cracks, chips, and gouges. Depending on the type, concrete filler can take up to a week to dry. When dry, use a concrete grinder or power sander with diamond grit sanding pads to buff away uneven spots for a smooth finish.

Prepare to Stain

Our surface is ready, so now we can prepare our stain and the area.

1. First, use drop cloths and painter’s tape to cover anything you don’t want stained.
2. Set up your supplies. You can apply stain with a paintbrush, roller, or paint sprayer. Choose the one that best suits your needs and gather the supplies you’ll need for that application method.
3. Stir and/or dilute your stain. Always refer to the manufacturer’s directions.
4. Test your stain on a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure you like the color. Because cement is porous, you’ll likely need multiple coats, so be sure to give your test spot multiple coats too.
5. Protect your skin from the stain. Don a long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, and closed-toed shoes. Consider eye protection and a mask too. The last time we stained our fence, I didn’t wear protective gear, and I had stain splotches all over, particularly my hands. 

Apply Stain

I recommend working from top to bottom and left to right. If you’re in an enclosed space, start at the back and work your way toward the door so you don’t get trapped.

If you’re using a sprayer, go slow and steady. As you’re spraying, slightly overlap the passes so you don’t miss any spots. Don’t pause while applying a coat because the overlaps need to be on wet stain. Otherwise, the overlaps will be a different shade. Be careful not to apply so much that puddles form, but if it happens, sop up the excess with a dry cloth or paper towels.

Let your stain dry completely and apply additional coats until you achieve the desired result. Be sure to let each coat dry completely or you’ll end up with an uneven finish.

Allow the Stain to Dry

After you’ve completed your final coat, let your stain dry completely. On average, it takes about 24 hours for your stain to dry, but it may take more or less time depending upon the temperature, humidity, the type of stain, and the amount of stain you applied. I suggest checking the manufacturer’s directions for the most accurate time.

Seal Your Concrete

After your stain is dry, apply a sealer to protect it from wear and tear. Sealers come in low-luster varieties with minimal sheen or high gloss finishes that offer a bright, polished look.

Sealant is applied the same way the stain is applied, but be sure to check the manufacturer’s direction to avoid costly mistakes.

Note: Don’t walk on or touch drying concrete.

Considerations for Outdoor Concrete Staining

Whether you’re staining an outdoor walkway or an indoor floor, the steps are the same. However, there are a few things to consider when staining an outdoor concrete surface.

• Precipitation: Rain ruins your stain if it hasn’t dried completely, so check the weather forecast. Only stain outdoors if precipitation isn’t expected for a few days.
• Direct sunlight: Stain dries faster in direct sunlight, so take that into account for your dry time. Also, if some areas have direct sunlight and others don’t, check the shaded area for dryness.
• Temperature: The viscosity of your stain is affected by temperature. When temperatures drop, stain thickens and becomes difficult to apply. When it’s too hot, the stain dries too quickly, affecting the finish. The ideal staining temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Humidity: High humidity slows evaporation and, therefore, slows the drying process. The opposite is also true. Low humidity and dry climates mean faster dry times.
• Wind: High winds can blow dirt and debris onto your wet stain, creating imperfections.

Should I Hire a Professional?

A newly stained concrete fixture may be just what your space needs to stand out. Thankfully,  staining your concrete is relatively straightforward and a doable DIY project. However, it is very time-consuming, takes concentration and precision, and can be messy. If you don’t want to take on the stress, consider hiring an experienced, affordable, local professional.

Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.

Main Image Credit: Decorative Concrete Kingdom / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Nicki DeStasi

Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, three children, dog, and cat.

Posts by Nicki DeStasi