Give Your Old Covered Patio a New Look for Spring

If you’ve got a plain concrete slab patio, you might want to update it and add some color and a finished look with concrete stain. Based on the color and effect that you want, you can choose from water-based acidic stain or a non-reactive stain. There are many colors to choose from, and you can opt for a variegated, sheer look or a more opaque and uniform type of effect. Some concrete stains look like stone or marble when applied.

Concrete stain isn’t just a coating - it actually soaks into the concrete. So, you’ll need to check your existing concrete to make sure it has not been coated with a sealer or anything else that might inhibit the stain from permeating the concrete. Check for paints, oils, or glues, and sprinkle water on the concrete to make sure it soaks in. If you’ve got major cracks or damage, staining might not work well on your concrete, although you may be able to apply a thin layer of a cement-based overlay.

Concrete staining can be left to the pros or there are some types you can purchase at a local home improvement store. Either way, you’ll need to thoroughly clean your concrete before stain is applied. There is a wide range of cleaning solvents available, and many are environmentally safe. Tri-sodium phosphate is a good all purpose cleaner to use to scrub down your concrete.

To decide whether to try staining your patio yourself, check manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations. Acrylic-based stains are often easier to use and a good choice for beginners. Take a look at some concrete stain effects and consider giving your plain old patio a whole new look.