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Concrete Staining: A Unique Home Improvement Project

Dixon Painting has improved homes throughout Atlanta, GA by staining concrete. We have an excellent reputation proven by our high referral rate. We take great pride in our ability to satisfy our customers with outstanding customer service and home improvement services. There are many ways to put your stamp on your house. Concrete staining is one of the most underutilized methods to do so. We aim to change that. Concrete is an incredibly strong surface capable of withstanding the force needed to use it to construct buildings. But it also absorbs moisture like a sponge, which allows homeowners to stain it in various colors. Concrete staining makes a statement. Contact us today to get started on your next home improvement project.

Types of Concrete Staining Techniques

Acid Stains for Beautiful Earthy Tones on Exterior Surfaces

Acid stains will not produce vivid colors, but they are perfect for property owners who like earthy tones. We can dilute the acid stains to brighten the colors, but they will always retain the earth tones color palette. They react with the concrete surface, and a protective sealer makes the process permanent. Driveways, walkways, patios, and other exterior concrete surfaces are ideal for acid stains.

Indoor Surfaces Benefit from Acetone-Based, Colorful Dyes

Powdered acetone-based dyes are perfect for interior use. Still, we cannot apply them to outdoor spaces because they aren’t UV stable. They dry quickly, and, most importantly, they offer a broader color palette than the earthier tones of acid stains. One of the downsides of powdered acetone-based dyes is they are more demanding than some other staining methods. For instance, the concrete surface must have open pores so the stain can seep into the concrete. A concrete grinder will open the pores. If you plan to polish the floors, choose powdered dyes because they are the only ones that seep into the concrete itself.

Liquid Acetone Dyes for UV-Stable and Colorful Designs

Liquid acetone dyes are not dyes but instead are UV-stable, solvent-based stains with small particles that can absorb into concrete surfaces. Because they are UV-stable, they are an excellent choice for exterior concrete. But they also come in a much broader selection of colors, which makes them more vibrant and versatile than either acid or powder stains. There are some downsides, though. For example, if you plan to polish the concrete, you cannot use a liquid dye. They are also best suited for tough top coatings, such as urethanes and epoxies.

Water-Based Stains Create Eye-Popping Concrete Surfaces

Water-based stains are closer to paints, but they do bond to concrete. Because of their similarity to paint, they come in a vast selection of colors. The downside is they are only a surface coating and do not penetrate the pores of the concrete. Still, if the plan is to wow guests with an elaborately designed entryway or basement, then a water-based stain is an excellent choice. We must make sure the concrete surface is rough because the dye will not absorb.

Tint An Existing Coating with a Solvent-Based Stain

Solvent-based stains are used to tint existing coatings. They don’t provide much value as a stain independently, instead helping to draw out beautiful features in your concrete surfaces. They dry quickly, and we can use them on indoor and outdoor surfaces. It helps to make sure these stains are compatible with the surface, which Dixon Painting can do. You will need to reseal your solvent-based stain once every two to three years to maintain the concrete’s luster and beauty.

Staining a door by Dixon Painting Employee

How to Stain Your Concrete Surfaces

While staining concrete takes some degree of knowledge, it can be a do-it-yourself project. However, we highly recommend following the four following steps. Neglecting any portion of the process can not only fail but permanently damage your concrete surface. First, you need to thoroughly clean and prepare the surface. Different staining methods and types require various cleaning and prep work. You must apply the stain carefully using rollers. Finally, cleaning and neutralizing the staining is an essential step. Once you complete those steps, you should apply a sealant. Here is a guide on how to DIY concrete staining, because the process can be challenging, we recommend homeowners and business owners who aren’t handy have a professional get the job done.

Home Improvement Projects Throughout Georgia

If staining your concrete seems too complicated, then we do not recommend attempting it yourself. Dixon Painting has years of experience staining floors. We know how to work with all the materials written about on this page. Our team members know how to properly prep, stain, and seal the floor quickly and efficiently. Our expertise doesn’t end with staining concrete. Our employees can paint interior and exterior surfaces of residences and commercial buildings. They understand how to install new siding, build decks, and install state-of-the-art gutter systems. We can even reface cabinets and breathe new life into your kitchen. We can perform any of these projects anywhere in Georgia. Call our team today, and we’ll get started working on your project.