How To Refresh Concrete Patio Without Repaving It Or Covering It

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If your aging concrete patio is looking tired but you don't have a big renovation budget, it can feel like you are out of options for refreshing it. Removing and then repaving or resurfacing a patio area is a tedious process that often comes with a high price tag, especially if you enlist the help of professionals. Looking for something more affordable and DIY? Consider staining that big slab of concrete outside your home. Staining doesn't cost the earth and doesn't require the services of a contractor. Why, you ask, wouldn't you simply paint your patio concrete? In comparison to paint, a stain will last longer and won't peel like a layer of paint can.

If you need to fix a cracked concrete patio, note that this may not be the best option. Even if you fill gaps, cracks, or holes in the surface with a masonry crack filler, the stain will more likely highlight rather than conceal these imperfections. If you've stained your concrete in the past and it's now patchy, a new application of stain won't hide the old. If, however, your plain concrete slab has faded over the years and simply needs a refresh, a stain is a great option. You can choose from water-based and acid-based concrete stains, as well as a variety of colors. Be prepared for some hard work if you're DIYing the stain application. You'll first need to repair, then thoroughly clean your patio, including stripping old sealer, before you can apply the stain.

There's no denying that staining concrete is a good idea, especially when it comes to affordably refreshing larger outdoor features like patios. First, make sure you're selecting the right type of stain for your concrete — either a water-based stain or acid-based stain. Water-based stains are more versatile and easier to apply, while acid-based stains are best for high-traffic areas (like a patio) and are fade-resistant. When picking a color, take the location and use of your patio into consideration. For example, heavily used outdoor spaces in direct sunlight are prone to fading. Water-based stains in earth tones, like this terra cotta-hued Walttools Tru Tique Concrete Antiquing Wash Color Pigment, are enduringly popular and hardy. A vibrant color, like this Concrete Resurrection Professional Fast-Drying Concrete Stain in Imperial Blue, which uses acetone in place of acid, makes a bold statement.

If you need to make small repairs to your concrete patio, complete them before adding the stain. Then deep clean the entire patio — ideally with a pressure washer or a stiff-bristled broom and industrial-strength floor cleaner. Avoid the common mistake everyone makes when staining concrete: coating a dirty surface. Wait at least 24 hours after washing the concrete before applying the stain. If your patio was previously sealed or painted, remove the product with a chemical stripper. Then, after dampening the surface with water, apply the stain with a paint sprayer or paint roller. Depending on how deep a shade you want your concrete, you may need to apply a few coats. Wait another 24 hours for the material to fully cure before sealing your patio with a clear sealer, ensuring the stain lasts as long as possible.