Glazing Your Concrete Patio: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to glaze concrete patio

Glazing a concrete patio can be a great way to give your outdoor space a fresh, new look. While normal concrete cannot be glazed in a kiln, there are alternative methods to achieve a glazed effect. One popular method is to use a concrete sealer, which helps to lock in colour and protect the surface from the elements. Another option is to use a specialised product like Densit, which can be applied through body dipping or pouring. When it comes to the application process, it's important to ensure your concrete is clean, dry and well-ventilated. You can then use a brush, lamb-wool applicator or spray equipment to apply the glaze or sealer.

Characteristics Values
Purpose To improve the appearance of concrete patios and protect them from wear and staining
Materials Concrete sealer, liquid fabric dye, paint spray, concrete crack filler, concrete etch, concrete floor polish, etc.
Process Clean the surface, repair cracks, apply stain/dye, seal, and polish
Timing Approximately 24–72 hours, depending on the size of the patio (mostly drying time)
Safety Wear personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, eye protection, long-sleeved clothing, and closed-toe shoes

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Cleaning concrete before glazing

To glaze your concrete patio, you must first ensure it is thoroughly cleaned. Here are some steps to guide you through the process of cleaning concrete before glazing:

Step 1: Remove Surface-Level Dirt and Debris

Start by removing any surface-level dirt, dust, or debris from the concrete patio. Use a broom or a dry, non-metal brush to sweep away loose particles. Avoid using a steel-wire brush, as metal particles may be left behind, which can rust and stain the masonry. Opt for a non-metal brush, such as a stiff fibre or nylon brush.

Step 2: Wash with Soapy Water

Once the surface is free of loose debris, proceed to wash the concrete with soapy water. Use a mild alkaline-based cleaner or a mild acidic cleaner, depending on the type of stains you are dealing with. For general cleaning, an alkaline base heavy-duty cleaner will suffice. If you are dealing with efflorescence stains or hard water deposits, opt for a mild acidic cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and cautions when using any cleaning product.

Step 3: Rinse and Neutralise

After cleaning with soapy water, thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water. If you have used an acidic cleaner, it is crucial to neutralise the surface before proceeding further. Use a neutralising product, such as Glaze 'N Seal's Neutralising Rinse or T.S.P., to ensure any acidic residue is removed.

Step 4: Allow the Surface to Dry Completely

After the final wash, allow the concrete patio to dry thoroughly. This step is crucial, as applying any coatings or sealers to a damp surface can impact the final result. Refer to the product instructions for the recommended drying time, typically around 72 hours.

Step 5: Address Any Grout Residues (if Applicable)

If your concrete patio has grout, ensure that all grout residues are thoroughly cleaned before proceeding to the glazing or sealing stage. Follow the grout manufacturer's directions for proper grouting techniques.

Step 6: Test for Compatibility

If your concrete patio has previously been sealed or treated, it is essential to determine whether the new sealer or glaze will be compatible with the previous treatment. Test the new product on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Step 7: Protect Surrounding Areas

Before beginning the glazing process, protect any surrounding areas that may be affected by the glazing products. Cover or shield nearby surfaces, plants, or landscaping to avoid accidental staining or damage.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your concrete patio is properly cleaned and prepared for glazing. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines related to the glazing products you intend to use.

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Glazing techniques

Before glazing your concrete patio, it is important to ensure that the surface is smooth and level. You can use self-levelling cement to make the surface even if it is sloped. Once you have a smooth surface, you can move on to the glazing techniques. Here are some options:

Fabric Dye and Sealer

You can use liquid fabric dye mixed with a concrete sealer to glaze your patio. The sealer helps lock in the colour. You can mix different types of sealers, such as all-purpose and wet-look, to create a custom finish. It is recommended to do preliminary tests to see what works best for your specific project. The colour will lighten as it dries, so keep that in mind when mixing your glaze. You can add more layers of colour over time. For application, use a stiff craft brush to work the stain into the texture of the concrete.

Diamond Polishing

Diamond polishing is a common method to achieve a shiny, glass-like surface. This method uses industrial diamonds to smooth, grind, and polish the concrete surface. The finer the abrasive grit, the better the finish will be. Common grit choices are 800, 1500, and 3000.

Specialised Product

If you are specifically looking to glaze concrete pottery, a specialised product called Densit can be used. This highly engineered concrete was developed by Anja Margrethe Bache and can be glazed in a kiln.

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Sealing concrete

Step 1: Prepare the Concrete Surface

Before applying any sealer, it is important to ensure that the concrete surface is clean and dry. Remove all oil, grease, stains, dirt, and dust from the concrete. If there is an existing sealer on the surface, strip it off. You can also open up the concrete with an etching solution. Make sure that no rain is in the forecast if you are working outdoors, and that the temperature is above 50°F during sealer application and for at least 24 hours after.

Step 2: Choose the Right Concrete Sealer

The choice of sealer depends on the desired appearance and longevity of the application. Acrylic sealers are ideal for projects where easy application and low cost are important. They create a protective film on the concrete surface that provides good protection against oils, salt penetration, and water runoff. Polyurethane sealers are thicker and form a high-build protective film that provides excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals. Penetrating sealers, such as silanes and siloxanes, penetrate the concrete to form a chemical barrier against moisture and deicing chemicals without changing the surface appearance.

Step 3: Apply the Sealer

Using a roller, brush, or sprayer, apply a thin coat of sealer to the concrete surface. Coat the surface evenly, ensuring that the sealer doesn't puddle or form uneven, thick areas. The typical coverage rate is 250 to 300 square feet per gallon, depending on the porosity of the concrete.

Step 4: Allow the Sealer to Dry

Wait for the first layer of sealer to dry completely before applying a second coat. Apply the second coat in the opposite direction of the first coat to ensure even coverage. Allow the second coat to dry completely before walking or driving on the concrete. The drying time can be as long as three days, depending on the product used.

Step 5: Maintain and Reseal

Depending on the application, resealing may be necessary after a few years. Exterior applications, such as patios, typically require resealing every 10 years. Interior applications, on the other hand, may not require future resealing unless they are subject to heavy use.

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Concrete stain vs concrete paint

Coating or Penetrating

Concrete paint forms a thin layer that coats the surface of the concrete, protecting it from light to medium amounts of foot traffic. However, it only clings to the surface and can easily chip or peel, revealing the raw concrete surface below.

Concrete stain, on the other hand, is a penetrating colouring option that soaks into the surface of the concrete. It is more durable and resistant to foot traffic than paint. It also won't wear down or "ghost" even after years of daily use.

Translucent or Opaque

Paint is opaque and will give the same result every time. It can be used to cover up badly stained or discoloured concrete patches.

Stain is translucent and will show the texture and any marks on the surface of the concrete. It produces a unique but harder-to-control effect as it reacts with the concrete.

Chip and Wear Resistance

Paint is prone to chipping and wearing off, especially when applied to concrete. Even premium concrete floor paints have a weak bond with the surface.

Stain penetrates the surface and, therefore, can't visibly chip unless a large amount of concrete comes loose.

Preparation Requirements

Both staining and painting concrete require preparation to ensure a good bond. However, paint requires a perfectly degreased surface, which involves more work.

Application Difficulty

Paint is more forgiving as you can apply multiple coats. It is also easier to touch up, although it will require regular attention due to its propensity to chip and flake.

Stain is also relatively easy to apply, but it is not alterable after application. Touching up chips requires more work but is rarely needed.

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Maintaining glazed concrete

To maintain the glaze, the concrete surface should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth, using diluted neutral cleaner and a minimal amount of water. It is important to dry the surface promptly after cleaning. While soaps and detergents can be used, they may leave a film on the surface. Additionally, any spills should be wiped up promptly to minimise the risk of staining.

To protect the glaze and the concrete surface, it is advisable to use protective felt pads on the legs of movable furniture. Dragging furniture across the sealed floor should be avoided. Throw rugs and doormats can also help reduce floor wear.

For indoor floors, Glaze 'N Seal Acrylic Floor Polish can be used to protect and extend the life of the sealer. This polish is available in a high-gloss or matte finish and should be applied after the sealer has dried for 24 hours. Two or more coats of polish are recommended, with 60 minutes of drying time between coats.

Frequently asked questions

First, ensure your concrete is unsealed and porous. You can use a concrete stripper to remove any existing coatings. Then, repair any cracks or chips with a concrete crack filler and use a floor scrubber to smooth out the sealer. Next, clean the surface with a concrete cleaner and a pressure washer. Once the surface is dry, apply a concrete stain or concrete paint with a paint sprayer, paint roller, or paintbrush. Finally, seal the concrete with a concrete sealer to protect it from the elements.

The best way to apply a stain to a concrete patio is by using a sprayer to ensure even coverage and a 'live' wet edge. It is important to ensure that the concrete is porous, unsealed, and well-ventilated before applying the stain.

There are two types of stains commonly used on concrete: acid stains and water-based stains. Acid stains are generally preferable as they create a permanent bond, resulting in a longer-lasting and more durable color. However, water-based stains are available in more colors, are easier to apply, dry faster, and have fewer chemicals.

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