How Snow Can Stain Your Concrete Patio

Snow can be a nuisance for concrete patios, but there are ways to protect your outdoor space from the elements. One option is to install a snow-melting system, which can be embedded in your patio to keep it free of snow and ice. Another option is to stain and seal your concrete patio. Staining can improve the appearance of your concrete patio and make it look new again. It is important to properly clean, patch, and prepare the concrete before staining. After staining, you should seal the concrete to preserve the stain and protect it from the elements. Keeping your patio free of snow and ice as much as possible will help maintain its attractive look.

How to stain a concrete patio

Snow can indeed damage concrete patios, causing cracks, spalling, pitting and other issues. To avoid this, it is important to stain and seal your concrete patio. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to stain a concrete patio:

Preparation

First, ensure that your concrete patio is at least four to six weeks old and in good shape. Repair any cracks or chips and clean the surface thoroughly. Sweep and mop to remove dust, dirt and debris, and use a pressure washer to clear stubborn marks and discolouration.

Choose a Stain

There are two types of concrete stains: acid-based and water-based. Acid-based stains are long-lasting and resistant to fading, and they create a permanent chemical bond with the concrete. Water-based stains are available in a wider variety of colours, are easier to apply, dry faster, and have fewer toxic chemicals. You can also opt for concrete paint, but be aware that this will form a tough upper coat that will wear off faster.

Apply the Stain

Use an acid-resistant airless paint sprayer to apply the stain evenly. You can also use a paint roller or handheld brush for smaller areas and tight corners. Work in sections, and go over each sprayer coat with a paint roller for a smooth and uniform finish. Avoid oversaturating the concrete or creating puddles.

Remove Residue

Allow the acid stain to react with the concrete floor for at least six hours. Clean the residue with a degreaser and neutraliser solution, and rinse with clean water. Repeat this process until the floor is free of residue – concrete must be completely residue-free before proceeding to the next step.

Apply a Finishing Sealer

After the concrete is dry, spread a concrete sealer along the floor to protect the finish of your stained concrete. A clear sealer will enhance the depth of colour and repel dirt, water and environmental wear. Allow the sealer to dry for at least 24 hours, and plan for two days for it to completely harden.

Maintenance

Even with a sealer, concrete patios will need to be re-stained and resealed every few years to protect them from the elements.

The best concrete stains to use

Concrete stains are a great way to transform an ugly or plain concrete floor into something you can be proud of. Staining concrete is a relatively easy and long-lasting process. There are two main types of concrete stains: acid-based and water-based. Here are some of the best concrete stains to use for your project.

Acid-Based Concrete Stains

Acid-based concrete stains create a unique, one-of-a-kind pattern with rich, natural colour variations. They are known for their permanence, with colours that won't fade, chip, or peel. Acid stains are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can be applied to any porous cement surface. Here are some recommended products:

• Vivid from Concrete Coatings: This product line offers a suite of products intended to be used together, ensuring compatibility. It comes in 11 colour choices that can be combined for a wide range of options.
• EverStain™: This stain is long-lasting and resistant to fading, chipping, and peeling. It offers 10 colours that can be layered, blended, or diluted to create unique results. Keep in mind that the outcome may be unpredictable, even on brand-new concrete floors.
• Concrete Acid Stain BRICKFORM Blush-Tone: Available in 10 standard colours, this acid stain will give your concrete a rich, natural look.

Water-Based Concrete Stains

Water-based concrete stains are a newer option that is non-reactive, UV stable, and safer to apply. They offer a broader range of colours and longer working times. Water-based stains are also easier to apply, require less cleanup, and are less toxic. Here are some recommended products:

• TuffCrete Waterborne from Benjamin Moore: This stain is designed to resist fading, detergents, and oil. It comes in four colours (white, sand, gray pearl, and clear) and can be applied in one coat as a stain or two coats for an opaque finish. It is suitable for both interior and exterior use.
• Water-Based Concrete Stain ColorWave®: This non-hazardous, durable stain is easy to apply and safe for exterior concrete. It contains no acid, acrylic, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and produces colour by bonding with the concrete surface.
• In-Fluence Water-Based Stain: With 24 non-reactive colours, this stain will transform your concrete. It is a safe and easy-to-apply option for achieving the desired look.

Other Options

In addition to acid-based and water-based stains, there are a few other options to consider:

• Concrete Dyes: Concrete dyes offer vibrant colour choices such as yellow, blue, and purple. They are often used in conjunction with stains to enhance the final colour. Dyes impart transparent colour and dry quickly, but they are not UV stable, so they are not commonly used outdoors.
• Concrete Paint: Concrete paint coats the surface of the concrete, creating a layer of colour that will eventually wear away. Paint is more susceptible to peeling, chipping, and fading. It imparts solid and consistent colour.

Preparing the concrete surface

Testing Concrete Porosity

Before starting, understand the porosity of your concrete patio by spraying water on the surface and observing how it interacts with the concrete. If the water "beads up" and doesn't absorb, your concrete is too smooth or sealed, which will hinder the stain's adhesion. In this case, you'll need to sand or chemically profile the surface using a concrete etcher before staining. If there's a rainbow sheen, it indicates an oil spill that needs to be cleaned with a concentrated mix of degreaser and warm water. When the water absorbs quickly, it means your concrete has adequate porosity for staining but still requires cleaning with a diluted concrete cleaner and water solution.

Cleaning the Concrete Surface

When preparing the surface for staining, select the right cleaning method and materials, especially for acid staining. Use an organic degreaser diluted with water and avoid harsh chemicals like Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) or muriatic acid, as they can remove the lime essential for the chemical reaction with acid-based stains. Gently scrub the surface with a soft nylon bristle brush or a power washer on a low setting to remove dirt, grease, and stains without damaging the concrete's texture or porosity. After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the area to remove all traces of the degreaser and any loosened debris. Then, remove excess water using a shop vacuum, mop, or squeegee, ensuring the surface is completely dry before proceeding.

Removing Previous Coatings

If your concrete patio has previously been sealed, painted, or coated, it's crucial to strip and remove these materials before staining. For solvent-based sealers, apply Xylene and let it sit overnight before removing the softened sealer. For water-based sealers, use a commercial sealer stripper, scrub the surface, and then degrease and rinse the area. If there are any previous paint coatings, apply an environmentally friendly paint stripper, scrape off the softened paint, degrease, and rinse. For stubborn glue or adhesive residues, you may need to use chemical removers, a heat gun, power washing, or even concrete grinding for very old and stubborn glue.

Repairing Cracks and Chips

Before starting the staining process, repair any cracks or chips in the concrete surface. Use a concrete crack sealant according to the product instructions, filling any gaps along the floor. Allow at least 24 hours for the sealant to dry completely, then use a floor scrubber to buff away any uneven patches.

Final Preparation

Mask any areas that you want to protect from overspray with masking tape and water-resistant construction paper. Apply duct tape over the masking tape to prevent stain bleeding. If your concrete surface is dense and the stain beads up, you'll need to sand the surface to ensure the stain soaks in properly.

Applying the concrete stain

The following steps outline how to apply a concrete stain to your concrete patio.

Prepare the concrete surface

• Remove all items from the floor and clean the area thoroughly. Sweep and mop to remove all dust, dirt and debris.
• If there are stubborn marks and discolouration, use a pressure washer to clear them.
• Repair any cracks in the concrete surface.
• Remove any coatings, sealants, paints, adhesives, etc. from the concrete. Use a concrete crack sealant to fill any gaps. Allow at least 24 hours for the product to dry.
• Buff the concrete surface with a floor scrubber to smoothen out any uneven patches.
• Mask off the area to protect door frames, walls, etc.

Apply the concrete stain

• Dilute the stain with water according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Spray or brush on the first coat. You can use airless sprayers, HVLP sprayers, production guns, pump sprayers, or even a trigger spray bottle. For more precise control, use a brush or sponge.
• Let the newly applied stain dry. Depending on temperature, humidity and airflow, the concrete will be dry to the touch in 15-20 minutes, but the total cure time is 24 hours.
• Repeat the process if a more intense colour is desired. Wait a few hours between applications.

Clean up and neutralise the stain

• Rinse the concrete with clean water until the water runs clear.
• Neutralise the stain with T.S.P., baking soda or ammonia. This step is only necessary if you are using an acid stain. Water-based stains do not require neutralisation.
• Loosen any stubborn residue with a soft-bristled brush or broom before the final rinsing.

Add a protective coat of sealer

• After allowing the stained concrete to dry overnight or longer, apply a sealer of your choice. Most manufacturers recommend applying two coats of sealer for optimum durability.
• The type of sealer will depend on whether the concrete is indoors or outdoors, and the level of gloss desired.
• In addition to the sealer, a floor finish or wax can be applied for extra protection against scuffs and scratches.

Sealing the concrete

Sealing your concrete patio is essential to protect it from the elements, especially freezing winter temperatures, ice, and snow. Here is a step-by-step guide to sealing your concrete patio:

Step 1: Clean the Surface

Start by sweeping the surface to remove any dirt and debris. If there are any grease, oil, mastic, or paint stains, use an appropriate cleaner to remove them. For instance, a degreaser can be used to remove grease or oil. If you have residual mastic from carpet or tile, use a putty knife and a stiff brush to scrape it off, and then apply a citrus-based cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using cleaning products.

Step 2: Fill in Cracks

If there are any cracks or pitting on the surface, fill them in before applying the sealer. Apply a concrete crack sealer to the affected areas and smooth it over with a putty knife. Follow the manufacturer's directions for dry time.

Step 3: Test for Existing Sealer

If your patio has been previously sealed, you will need to remove the old sealer before applying a new one. To check if your patio has been sealed, pour a large cup of water onto the concrete. If the water beads up and stays on the surface, it has been sealed. If it soaks into the concrete quickly, it hasn't been sealed.

Step 4: Remove Existing Sealer

There are different methods to remove existing sealer, such as sandblasting or using a chemical stripper. Sandblasting requires experience and special equipment, so it may be best to opt for a chemical stripper. Make sure to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear when using a chemical stripper. There are also less toxic and environmentally friendly alternatives made from soy or citrus that are safer but take longer to work.

Step 5: Apply the Stripper and Scrape the Surface

Use a roller or handheld airless paint sprayer to spread a thick coat of the stripper onto the concrete. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how long it should be left on before removing. You should then see bubbles or crinkled areas that have formed on the surface. Use a long-handled scraper to remove this sludge and discard it properly.

Step 6: Clean and Dry

Scrub the floor with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water, and then use a shop vacuum to collect the remaining water. Allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.

Step 7: Apply the First Coat of Sealer

Now that your surface is clean and free of any old sealer, it's time to apply the new sealer. Choose a high-quality sealer designed for concrete patios, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Use a sprayer for large areas and a brush for edges and detailed work. Apply the first coat and wait at least two hours before proceeding to the next step.

Step 8: Apply the Second Coat

For consistent coverage, apply the second coat at right angles to the first coat. Make sure to maintain a uniform coat that covers every inch of the surface evenly. Avoid creating puddles, and aim for thin, even layers.

Step 9: Allow for Drying

The final step is to allow ample time for the sealer to dry. Do not step on or drive over the sealed area until it is completely dry. Check the sealant can for specific drying times, as it can take up to three days.

By following these steps, you will effectively seal your concrete patio, protecting it from stains, foot traffic, and the elements, ensuring it looks great and lasts for years to come.

Frequently asked questions