Recently enlarged my patio, now lightr & darker shades of concrete. Would like to stain or paint the patio. Would

then show different shades of stain or paint? Also if I decide to paint is there a paint for concrete??

19 Comments

Miriam I New York, NY

You might find this interesting: http://www.hometalk.com/174052/staining-your... It's concrete painted to look like tile.

on May 23, 2012 · Like 1
Judy B Bennington, NE

Thank you Miriam, this helps alot!

on May 23, 2012 · Like 1
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

The stain or paint would both hide the different colors of concrete.
Either would work. Paint could peel easier if dampness is present.
CP

on May 24, 2012 · Like 1
Judy B Bennington, NE

CP, thank you for answering my question. That was my biggest concern: would I have 2 different shades of stain or paint. Sounds like I will go with stain. Again thank you so much.

on May 24, 2012 · Like 0
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

stain is transparent so the underlying conc will show different shades - you should 1st apply an opaque coating however the budget will take a bigger hit.

on May 24, 2012 · Like 1
Judy B Bennington, NE

Thanks IRC, Inc but you have just contradicted what Peace Painting Co. said so now I'm really confused. Just when I thought my problem as solved........

on May 24, 2012 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

I'm thinking about a typical (for us) solid color stain that is available at Sher-Wms.
The H&C solid color acrylic stain is as opaque as paint, especially after the second coat.

on May 24, 2012 · Like 1
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

there aren't any solid stains - think of stain as translucent & paint as opaque,,, why would anyone have to restain their deck every year ?

on May 26, 2012 · Like 1
Judy B Bennington, NE

Thank you both for your ideas. I do appreciate your time in answering my question.

on May 26, 2012 · Like 0
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

seeing as 1 has to restain often, wouldn't the opaqie deck stain be better described as a coating ? always thought a true ' stain ' was translucent - it is on my furniture - both the deck & the antiques are wood - what's the difference in mtls, peace ? tnx

on May 27, 2012 · Like 1
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

The stain has no build.
Paint works fine too, just add the non-skid texture.

on May 28, 2012 · Like 0
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

as i've often mentioned previously, paint isn't a traffic-resistant coating altho some have reported some longevity - perhaps they walk on it wearing only socks, tho.

on May 29, 2012 · Like 0
Tammie S Kennesaw, GA

Acid stain is what I did.
http://www.directcolors.com/concrete-stain?g...

on Jun 13, 2012 · Like 2
Judy B Bennington, NE

Tammie S....thank you so much for this link. This is what I was looking for.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Tammie S Kennesaw, GA

FYI: I was originally told to mix the acid stain with muriatic acid to make it go further. When I do that with certain types of concrete it works great. ie: concrete patch is what I use when making cement art (concrete leaves). I did my driveway but didn't see the the results. I believe it is because I watered it down w/ the muriatic acid. Also, MAKE SURE YOU SEAL IT or your color will not show very well. Good luck! P.S. I just found this on Home Depots site. Haven't used it, but check it ...»
out. I think it's the sealer... http://www.lowes.com/pd_244825-4-002.005007...=

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 1
Judy B Bennington, NE

Thanks again Tammie for being so helpful. I'm new here to Hometalk & I didn't know about your cement art.....do you have a website?

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

CAREFUL WITH/ MURIATIC / HYDROCHLORIC - even tho concentrate is low %age @ apron/vest stores, splashing acid can still damage your eyes & burn the skin ( our largest organ ),,, whoever told you to extend / dilute acid stain w/acid is wrong - have ON HAND necessary acid to complete project - IF manufacturer sez extend, so be it but diluting acid-stain affects necessary ingredients to effect correct chemical reaction AND impart contained mineral salts' color - then again, if anyone wants to ...»
use apron/vest store materials rather than search for proper source, you must live w/your decision. agree w/sealers - solvent-based sealers last longer & perform MUCH better.

on Jun 16, 2012 · Like 1
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

ps - we pay about $ 40 gal for pro mtl acid-stains & our avg buy is only 3gal

on Jun 16, 2012 · Like 1
Judy B Bennington, NE

@IRC, Inc....thank you so much for your safety tips, very much appreciated!

on Jun 16, 2012 · Like 0