Whats the best way to stain a cement patio?

It's all in the prep work to get the concrete ready for the stain. This article might help and there are few videos inside that shows you how to do each step - https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/patios-and-decks/how-to-stain-concrete

Try power washing the patio first before doing anything. In my opinion, paint never lasts more than a few years before it starts to peel and look ugly. I'd rather see an outdoor carpet.

Paint does not last. But, believe me stain does. I stained my front porch (faux marble) 20 years ago and it is still the same.

Is your porch cement or wood?

concrete!! I used concrete stains.

Concrete stain is very durable. An epoxy paint (like for garage floors) is super durable, but more expensive. Clean first and redo landscaping to eliminate future dirt.

Hello Bob,

Yes you have to clean it well otherwise the stain will not take in the dirty places. The stain will hold up according to where it is used. In sunny places not as well as Shady places. I like to check mine every year, just in case it needs doing, as it is easier to top it up than having to take it all down and start again.

Hi Bob, the very first step to handling your patio staining is to pressure wash (if you can) the entire area and focus on the stained or dirty areas. Let dry completely and then apply concrete stain product. You can use a garden sprayer to apply the stain. The stain will last well depending on the amount of sun the patio gets. Yes, it will need to be restained every few years to keep it looking great. Here's a link with info that might help you, I hope so. Good luck with your project.

BTW....in years past, I had a patio poured and they added color to the concrete so the patio would be atan color. It looked great for about 4 years but then began to fade from the sun, so nearly any stain/added color will fade in time.

https://www.concretenetwork.com/stained-concrete/stain_application.htm

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