Dress Up Old Concrete with Paint or Stain

From Anna on May 20th, 2008 in Concrete

Stained Concrete Concrete is known to be a solid surface, one that will last a long time. Modern methods of installing concrete require measures to reduce cracking, staining, and other deterioration. However, how do you deal with old patios, driveways surfaces, and sidewalks that have not aged quite so well?

Tearing out old concrete requires nothing short of a jack hammer, a strong back, and a lot of clean-up. It definitely can be done, but won’t always be a fun project. So why not consider a few alternatives before you get out that sledge hammer?

Benjamin Moore Stain Painting and staining concrete has become an art with some masterful strokes of meticulous disguise. Paint your concrete with a basic outdoor paint in the color of your choosing. Just choose a durable product that is specifically designed for concrete. Another popular option is to choose a transparent stain. These innovative solutions can create a porous appearance that is quite attractive. These come in many eye-catching colors and are designed to make your concrete appear as though it were mixed with pigments when first installed.

Acid staining is another unique method for disguising old concrete. The product contains inorganic salts that react with minerals in concrete and creates a beautiful marbled appearance. Acid stains are promoted as strong and durable, and come in several colors.

Before applying any paint or stain to older concrete, your contractor needs to be sure to properly clean the surface. There are specific products that are designed to remove all dirt and grease, leaving you with a clean canvas to paint your masterpiece. Contact professional concrete contractors today to do something about your old concrete problem.

2 Responses to “Dress Up Old Concrete with Paint or Stain”

NewLook Says:

March 18th, 2010 at 3:07 pm

Great post. Your comments on the alternatives to jack hammering out a concrete slab are enlightening. Acid stains, for example, are corrosive types of chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid, that react with the concrete ingredients. This reaction is what creates the mottled, marbled finish. Acid stains are relatively easy to apply with a spray. While they have their advantages, they also have their draw backs that can make any eco-conscious consumer think twice about using them. The concrete needs to be neutralized as part of the preparation process and there can be a messy clean up afterward. Acid stains also have to be sealed, which adds time and money to the project.

How Do I Repair Worn-Out Brick Siding? | Calfinder Remodeling Blog Says:

July 14th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

[...] half are distressing their brick to make it look old. Still, if the new look is desirable, then a concrete or brick stain is probably your best option. There is a variety of options, so choose carefully with the help of a [...]

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About the Author:

Anna Baker
Anna Baker attended College of the Siskiyous in Northern California where she graduated with a Business Degree. She worked her way through college for a local construction company; and after college, she moved to Oregon where she worked as a Realtor until the birth of her first child. She then started her own bookkeeping service. She and her husband are expecting a second son this month. In her free time, she loves to write, pursue music, and travel.