A stained concrete driveway is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal. Adding color to your newly poured driveway, or existing surface can make a big difference in its appearance. … Permanent – Stains penetrate your surface for long-lasting, permanent color.

How can I make my concrete driveway look better?

1. Pressure Wash. …
2. Repair any broken pavers or bricks, fill any cracks. …
3. Add a border. …
4. Staining concrete driveways. …
5. Upgrade your driveway. …
6. Improve your landscaping. …
7. Lighting. …
8. Decorative Mailbox.

Can you color existing concrete?

Many stores will suggest using an acrylic stain to work with older concrete. But, all acrylics “stains” are, is disguised paint. … Acid staining is a chemical reaction that permanently changes the color of the concrete surface. If you want to stain old concrete, using a true acid stain is always the best option.

Is it better to paint or stain concrete driveway?

Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently, while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. Concrete stains go on quicker, dry faster and take less work than concrete paint, but they offer no significant protection.

How much does it cost to stain a concrete driveway?

Typically, staining concrete costs between $7 and $15 per square foot. Contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot for a simple stain job and between $12 and $25 per square foot for a high-end design.

Is painting driveway a good idea?

A fresh coat of paint not only gives your driveway a facelift, but also helps prolong its life by slowing down chipping and cracking due to weather exposure. … Avoid painting an asphalt driveway as the paint will chip and peel much more easily since asphalt is oil-based.

Can you overlay a concrete driveway?

If your driveway needs a whole new look, a decorative concrete overlay will create a new finish that covers minor surface damage like cracks, imperfections, and discoloration. The overlay creates a durable finish and long-lasting bond with the original concrete that will not chip, crack or peel.

How long does stain on concrete last?

Durability of Stained Concrete Few materials have the longevity of concrete. And because stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with permanent color, a stained concrete floor or pavement should last a lifetime when properly maintained (see How to Protect and Maintain Stained Concrete .

How long does stained concrete driveway last?

Provided it’s installed correctly and adequately maintained, stamped concrete will last just as long as non-stamped, or standard, concrete—about 25 years. That’s because the processes of installing stamped concrete and standard concrete are mostly the same.

How do you add color to concrete?

In a small container, mix the concrete coloring pigment with water, and then add to the concrete, according to the instructions on the bag. Tip: The more pigment you add, the more intense the color will be. Add a little more warm water than usual to the mix so it will pour easier into the bottle.

Article first time published on

How can I change the color of stained concrete?

1. Minor color adjustment – Use an impregnating stain or diluted acid stain.
2. Medium color adjustment – Use a full-strength acid stain, dye, or tinted sealer.
3. Complete color change – Use an acrylic or solid-color stain.

Is staining concrete a good idea?

Because stains penetrate into the concrete surface, their color is durable and long-lasting. When applied to properly prepared concrete, the color will not fade, chip, or peel away.

Is stained concrete slippery?

Like any hard, smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet, especially if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer. For concrete floors or walkways exposed to moisture or in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there are ways you can increase the slip resistance without affecting the color.

Does stained concrete increase home value?

Getting concrete floor coatings or a decorative concrete overlay is not a luxury – it’s an investment that can pay off over time. Not only will the investment improve your enjoyment of the home and reduce your maintenance, but it will also improve the value of your home.

Will concrete overlay crack?

But even if you do everything right in preparing the slab before you apply the overlay, you may still get cracks. You may experience shrinkage cracks, often the result of applying the overlay topping incorrectly or too thick.

Can cracked concrete driveway be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing to cover larger cracks or surface problems. Large cracks or holes greater than ¼”, spalling (horizontal peeling or chipping of the surface), and discoloration can be covered with resurfacing or a concrete overlay (a thin layer of cement-based material applied directly over the existing concrete).

What kind of paint do you use on a concrete driveway?

The durable satin finish of epoxy paint resists scuffing, fading, cracking, peeling and blistering, making it ideal for garage floors, driveways, basements, porches and shed foundations. Epoxy-based floor paint can be more expensive than other types and offer fewer color options.

Does painting concrete last?

How long does concrete paint last? Most brands suggest that you apply a new coat every 3–5 years, depending on use. Some may last much longer if the area is protected from the elements or seldom tread upon.

How long will a painted driveway last?

How long does driveway paint last? At least 5 years* in normal climates if applied properly. * Annual maintenance: Every year some degrading will take place, so pick a nice day, find any cracks and scrape the loose stuff off, sand where you will paint, and then clean and let dry, and touch up paint the driveway.

Can you paint your own driveway?

Driveway paint is very thick and the first coat should be thin enough to fill the rough concrete surface. Begin by painting the edges (‘cutting in’) and details of the driveway using a paint brush. Use a roller to apply paint evenly over the rest of the driveway. Leave the paint to cure for at least 16 hours.

Can you pour new concrete over old concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.

How do you make old concrete look better?

1. Power Wash. Over time, your concrete will accumulate grime and dirt. …
2. Resurface. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to improve your curb appeal, resurfacing your concrete steps and driveway is a great way to start. …
3. Add Stain or Sealing Coats. …
4. Revive Your Old Concrete.

Can concrete stain be removed?

Most stains on concrete floors can be removed quickly and easily, but a lot depends on how old the stain is and how porous the concrete surface is. Rust, oil, grease, paint or glue stains each have a recommended stain removal technique.

Can you roll on concrete stain?

Use a roller with extension pole or a sprayer to apply concrete stain over the rest of the surface evenly. Apply first coat evenly, working in one direction. Allow to dry at least 2 hours before applying the second coat.

Can outdoor concrete be stained?

Staining concrete is a fast, simple way to turn your dull gray patio into a lively, colorful surface that will make your outdoor space more inviting. The stain is nearly foolproof to apply—just wet the concrete and spray on the stain.

How do you color concrete cheaply?

For a really inexpensive way to add unexpected interest and color to concrete, press objects such as marbles, bits of colorful tile, colored fibers, tumbled beach glass, coins or bottle tops into wet concrete just as it is being poured.

Does color weaken concrete?

The color can’t fade, but the concrete can. The active ingredient in every Davis product is pure inorganic pigment which is made in a process of oxidizing metal, in essence, “fading” metal into a pigment powder. The resulting powder pigment concentrate is impossible to fade.

Can I mix paint into concrete?

Replace up to 20 percent of the water required with the latex paint of your choice. Mix the paint well before combining it with the concrete. Add the rest of the water and 10 percent more to make a wetter mix than normal to make sure the paint is well mixed.

What kind of paint can be used on concrete?

Masonry paint (also called elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating) is a good choice for concrete painting because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Exterior house paint can crack and peel on concrete.

How do you paint over old concrete?

1. STEP 1: Patch gouged or otherwise damaged areas with concrete filler. …
2. STEP 2: Clean the concrete surface with TSP. …
3. STEP 3: Let the surface dry thoroughly before you begin to paint the concrete. …
4. STEP 4: Brush paint onto the perimeter of the concrete. …
5. STEP 5: Roll on more paint to cover the interior.