Ordinary, unfinished concrete can look drab and unappealing to many homeowners. However, you can transform dull, gray cement into something beautiful by applying a coat of stain. You can use most any kind of wood stain to coat concrete as long as you take the proper preparation steps to condition the surface to accept the coating. In addition, you may need to apply a water-proofing agent to the finish coat, depending on where the concrete is located.
Step 1
Remove mud or any sticky residue from the concrete surface using a metal putty knife.
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Step 2
Apply a water-based degreaser to any oil or grease stains on the concrete. Scrub the stains with a coarse brush.
Step 3
Clean the entire concrete surface thoroughly using a pressure washer. Allow the concrete to dry completely before continuing.
Step 4
Cut the tip from the tube of concrete patch, and insert the tube into the caulking gun. Apply the patch to any cracks or holes in the concrete using the gun. Smooth the patch using a putty knife. Allow the patch to dry for 24 hours.
Step 5
Apply a coat of wood stain to the concrete using a 4-inch, oil-based paintbrush. Do not use a latex paintbrush as the fence stain will ruin its bristles. Apply only a thin coat if you are working on a horizontal concrete surface or the stain will begin to pool. Allow the stain to dry for five hours, and then apply another coat if you desire a darker result.
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