Can you apply stain to your concrete driveway?

14 Oct Can you apply stain to your concrete driveway?

Concrete driveways can be the perfect addition to any home, but it is important when your concrete driveway starts to lose its colour and becomes dull, you can completely transform the look of your driveway. In this blog, we’re going to explain how you can stain your concrete which is a process that usually takes around two days to complete. Whether you’re a professional or new to DIY, here is a step-by-step guide.

1. Prepare the concrete for staining

Whether you are about to stain new or old concrete, preparing your concrete is essential for the staining process to be effective. Firstly, sweep and remove any debris on the concrete surface, especially any greenery, such as moss and soil, which might have grown onto your concrete surface. You must also remove any oil stains on your driveway, as these stains will negatively affect the concrete.

2. Apply the concrete stain

Once your concrete has been cleaned, you can now apply the concrete stain. We recommend you test your chosen solution before applying it to your driveway, as many driveway owners in the past have found the colour to be darker than expected.
Spray the stain on the concrete using a pump sprayer for a wider, smoother broadcast. Start in a corner and work in 2-foot sections. Specific times when to layer and dry might be visible in the manufacturer’s instructions on the back of your chosen product.
If your concrete is old, the surface will find it more challenging to accept and react to the concrete stain because of the wear and tear over that period of time.

3. Apply the second coat

Once the first coat has been left to dry for around eight hours, you can apply the second coat. Ideally, let the second coat of concrete stain for at least 24 hours before walking or driving on the surface.

4. Seal the concrete driveway

When the stained concrete is dry, you can apply the sealer of your choice. However, you might not need to seal the driveway if you are happy following the previous steps, but we would recommend sealing.
However, if you still feel the driveway is missing that finishing touch. You can apply a sealer to help protect the stain for years to come and add a polished look to the concrete.

Benefits

• Cost effective
• Some concrete stains can even be used indoors, as well as outdoors
• Offers a translucent appearance to the concrete surface
• Timeless feature

Negatives

• Requires ongoing maintenance by resealing the concrete
• Slightly unpredictable on what the final colour will be
• Must be neutralised before sealing

Conclusion

Here at Color Pave, we recommend hiring a professional contractor to stain your concrete driveway. If you apply the stain yourself and make a mistake, the surface will be permanently damaged. We hope this blog has given you an idea on how you can apply stain to your concrete driveway.