Staining your concrete patio is a terrific way to make it more inviting
to your guests. There are many stain colors available to choose from
such as varying shades of brown, blue, or even green. You will have one
of those patios that people comment on as it will be unlike most they
have seen.
Staining your concrete patio is a much better alternative to painting
it. The stain will penetrate the surface so it won't peel at all. Paint
is different in that it merely sits on top of the surface and is more
prone to peel over time. Additionally, paints will become slippery when
covered in water or mud, raising safety concerns. Similar to staining a
deck, concrete patios must be periodically re-stained as the stains
fade and lose effectiveness after 5 years or so.
One of the best stains to use on your patio is acid based. You need to
be a little more of a do it yourselfer when using these, preferably
someone with prior experience applying stains. The acid based stain
will actually cause a chemical reaction and attach itself to the
surface. It will become part of the concrete, giving it the most
longevity of any of these methods.
Another good staining method is one that uses a water based solution.
It is alot easier to install on your concrete which explains why it is
also the most popular. It simply attaches itself to the patio and will
give off water as it becomes dry. This makes it better for the
environment as no chemicals are expelled in the process. The downside
to this is that it is generally more sensitive to harsh weather
conditions and won't last as long.
Before beginning the staining process you need to make sure the
concrete is completely free of any grease or oil. This will give the
stain the best chance of adhering to the patio. You can use a power
washer and soap if needed to get everything off. As soon as it dries
you can start the application process.
Concrete staining is a wonderful way to maintain your patio and keep it
protected from the elements. It is easy enough to do for the average
homeowner and will last for an average of five years. There are many
colors to choose from to give your patio just the right amount of
shading you desire.
About the author:
James McDonald writes for easyhomeimprovements.net where you can find home remodel
ideas and more for a variety of projects. Read our articles
before your next do it yourself project to make sure you have covered
your bases.
» left by Anonymous (56 days 5 hours ago.)
My patio is under trees, black grime accumulates, and it has to be power washed. Will staining it help this problem or will it still have to be power washed?
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Monday, April 10, 2006 View other articles written by James McDonald(5,283)
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