Concrete normally comes in one color – grey – and after awhile, it can get pretty boring looking at the same old thing. If you want to increase the curb appeal of your home, or you just want something new to look at, staining concrete is one of the easiest solutions that you can implement. You won’t have to rip the concrete out and the staining process is actually pretty easy. Let’s get started!
Marble Effects
If you are looking for a marbled effect on your concrete and you don’t want a big change, one of the best ways to achieve this is with an acid based stain. These can be found at your hardware store, and are a little expensive. They can be very dangerous to use if you are not following the directions properly. If you do not have a lot of DIY experience or you tend to go your own way and then read the directions after the fact, this is not a good stain to use. However, if you are experienced and careful, this can be used to achieve a very subtle and nice effect for your concrete.
Basic Staining
Water based stains are highly recommended if you just want to refresh the look of your concrete and subtly change the color. These can be used by just about anyone and they are very safe. If you are looking for a quick change that is relatively inexpensive, these water based stains are very useful and easy to apply. Keep in mind however that the effect will not be very dramatic.
Big Changes
If you want to really change the look of your concrete, it will require some additional effort and the costs will be a little bit higher. You’ll have two main options if you really want to alter the appearance of your concrete: Darker stains that are a little more toxic to use, or epoxy coating. The darker stains are a little harder to apply, but give you more color options and a much more dramatic end result. They can be a little expensive, but the finished product is usually quite worth it.
Epoxy coating is another option that is becoming more popular. Most everyone can do this project and the costs are relatively low. It is very similar to painting, and you’ll need to get a sprayer to get the job done. You’ll have a wide selection of colors and finishes and the project can usually be completed in about a weekend. Before you apply epoxy coating, power wash the concrete and give it plenty of time to dry. This will ensure even coverage. If you are using a dark color, it is best to put one coat on, let it dry and then add more coats as necessary. This will help you spot any areas that may not have received enough coverage and you can match the entire surface much better. Remember – take your time and use an even hand for the best results.
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Originally posted 2008-08-06 05:08:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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