Concrete staining in Pittsburgh
A concrete acid stain reacts with the slab itself, which leaves rich, mottled color that won't peel like paint. Water-based stains give you a wider color range. Either one can give a plain patio or an old porch a real change, for much less than stamping.
Acid stain or water-based stain?
Both add color without a thick coating. They work differently, and the right one depends on the look you want.
| Acid stain | Water-based stain | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Reacts with lime in the concrete | Soaks in and bonds as a color |
| Colors | Earth tones, browns, tans, greens | Almost any color |
| Look | Mottled, like aged stone | More even and controlled |
| Old slabs | May react unevenly | A more predictable choice |
Stain shows what the slab has been through
Stain is translucent, so patches, old oil spots and trowel marks all show through. Many people like that, as it looks natural, but it's not a way to hide damage. It also needs a clean, open surface to soak into. Old sealer, paint or curing compound will block it. That's why we always test a small area first, and let you see the color before any work starts.
Outdoors, stain still needs a sealer to protect it, and it fades a little in full sun over the years. Expect to reseal every few years, just as you would with stamped concrete.
Stain or paint?
Paint sits on top of a slab, so when water gets under it, it peels. Stain goes into the concrete. On an outdoor slab, stain is almost always the better choice, even if it costs more at first. If you'd like a wider range of tones to pick from, see our guide to concrete stain colors. For a stronger change, a stamped concrete overlay adds a pattern too.
How the job goes
- Test
We try the color on a small area.
- Clean
Old coatings are removed from the slab.
- Stain
Color is applied in layers.
- Neutralize
Acid stain is rinsed and neutralized.
- Seal
Sealer protects the color.
Common questions
How to clean concrete backyard?
Sweep it, scrub with a mild cleaner and rinse. Use a pressure washer gently, then let the slab dry before you stain it.
How to clean cement backyard?
A stiff brush and mild detergent handle most dirt. Use a degreaser for oil spots.
More services
- stamped concrete
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- stamped concrete overlay
- stamped concrete sealing
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