Advice-Paint/Stain on Concrete

[VaTom]

I have 4 concrete "pads" that have never been stained or painted. They are about 5x5 and outside two exterior doors and off deck steps. Older concrete and rough not smooth texture. Pressure washed and now want to give some color to accent wife's flower beds. Bought a gallon of Valspar concrete stain / sealer from Lowe's in river rock color. Tried some on a small section and TOTALLY unacceptable. Supposed to be a light tan color but dried grey looking. Took it back and got a refund. Back to rethinking. Perhaps concrete / porch paint. Going to Sherwin Williams store. They were helpful with deck stain before.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[Rule3]

Prep, prep, prep!
I have always used Behr (not gonna debate brands) read the ratings. My first drive I used the stain it held up for a long time.



Did you etch and prime first??(even if old, etch it)

On present drive I used Behr epoxy (1 part) on my driveway it has held up for many years. As to color well that is always tricky which is why it is good you tested first.

 

[bigwheelzip]

We used "Behr Deck Over" paint to refinish my mom's porch, patio, and steps, which had been previously painted red in the 1970s. The existing finish was mostly in very rough condition, and was prepared for refinish with a simple water pressure wash. The Behr paint is the consistency of molasses, and covers minor surface flaws.

 

[sheepdawg]

They make acid stains that work through a chemical reaction with the concrete. All they require is a somewhat clean surface, no etching needed. Two coats of a clear acrylic sealer on top and you're good. I've done three large slab floors with the stuff and it is foolproof.

I've been in the paint business for 45 years, avoid the big boxes like Loews and Home depot if at all possible, Behr Paint might be highly rated on retail, pay for ratings sites but around here you never see professionals use it, they have to back up their work. If dealing with Sherwin Williams, which has decent stuff, bring lots of money.

Concrete Acid Stain - Kemiko Concrete Floor Stains and Sealers

 

[Jlpgumbo]

Etch it!!!!
My wife and I stained our old concrete and went the cheap route. It looks horrible.

 

[mmaher94087]

Water on sealed cement is sliiippperyyyy!

 

[Jack Flash]

I don't know if you like the "This Old House" show but here is a how-to clip about staining concrete you may find interesting:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnoen6V2X7A[/ame]

 

[Chukar60]

Old concrete and acid stains are dicey business. The acid stains work in conjunction with the lime in the concrete. If your concrete is too old or weathered the acid will not have enough lime to react with, the results will be permanent and disappointing at best.
Best place I have found for concrete coloring is Direct Colors. They have all manner of concrete coloring products, sealers and their customer assistance has been the best I have used.
I used to stain concrete as part of my business. The biggest messes I ever saw were DIY projects with big box store products applied by well meaning folks with no knowledge or experience.
Do it yourself and you have only yourself to blame.

 

[Farmer17]

I've been in construction for 35 years and never seen paint that would last. Stain from a concrete stain store is best and they usually have samples where you can see the actual product on concrete and not just a photo. I think two colors of stain typically look better than one, like a tan or gray stain with a light coat of black added looks good.

 

[Whitwabit]

try to find some concrete garage floor paint/sealer .. some have sparkles to put in it to make it more decorative ..

 

[350mag]

Rock Solid is really good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[VaTom]

Concrete / Stain Follow-Up - Before / after Pics

Thanks for all the advice. Decided to go with a Sherwin Williams product (see picture) on the advice from the folks at their local store. Rather expensive ($16/quart - discounted price) but went on well with one coat with only power wash prep. Will see how well it holds up. Took 1 1/2 quarts for 4 "pads". Pleased so far.