Concrete often dries to a gray, brown, or almost white surface. While some purists love its plain look, some want something more decorative. This is why concrete stains are so popular. There are two types of concrete stains: acid and water-based. The former is semi-translucent and reactive while the latter is opaque and non-reactive. The stained concrete process involves more than just adding color to concrete. It enhances the look of concrete and covers up stubborn stains and discoloration. Home or business owners have the option to incorporate a design or pattern to make it look more interesting. Here are some popular methods that installers use to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs using concrete stains.
Layers of Multiple Colors
Using multiple layers of different colors on a concrete surface creates depth and special effects. Installers use a spray to distribute the colors in random areas of the concrete. The first layer is often sprayed like a mist and the stain solution is part water. On the final coating, the solution is made up purely concrete stain. This is great for driveways and patios.
Using Different Items for Faux Finishing Effects
Remember those art classes you had in school where you would use crumpled paper or a cut vegetable to make special effects in your painting? The principle is basically the same. Installers use a variety of items, such as sponges, crumpled rags, feathers, and even torn paper to create special effects. The results may surprise you. Some resemble wood or stone while some look like floral patterns.
Incorporating Decorative Effects
Decorative effects include scoring, engraving, etching, stenciling, and sandblasting. These create textured effects on a stained concrete slab, making the surface more appealing and slip-resistant at the same time. Scoring is often used on slabs with working cracks. Stenciling is ideal if you have a specific pattern, image, or text you want to incorporate on the slab that will undergo staining.
Concrete staining is a highly recommended method of coloring concrete. It makes a plain slab look more appealing while covering up minor surface blemishes. If you are interested in making it more creative and unique, you could try these techniques or try out a new one. Just remember that once you stain the surface, it can’t be restained immediately afterward, in case you change your mind. So, make sure to hire an expert in decorative stained concrete.
