Replies

1. 
   oldercdn | Aug 01, 2005 07:37pm | #1

   I used a product that I got at Home Depot made specifically for this. It is used for concrete porches (like mine) and also on patios and pools. There are several colors available. It stands up really well to heavy traffic and also to snow shovels. It is also probably available at some paint stores.

   One thing that you should check, if your entry way has any slope to it, is the danger of making the concrete very smooth, thereby creating a risk of slipping or falling if it is wet from rain or snow covered.

    

1. 
   mcdermotts | Aug 01, 2005 08:19pm | #2

   Thanks. Behr has a stain that you have to spray on. Did you brush yours on? Was it a solid color?

1. 
   oldercdn | Aug 01, 2005 09:28pm | #3

   I put the concrete paint on with a disposable brush. It went on as a solid color (light tan) but also had a dark brown speckle mixed in it.

2. 
   FastEddie1 | Aug 01, 2005 09:32pm | #4

   To properly stain old concrete, you first need to clean it thoroughly with muriatic acid.  To me, the procedure for cleaning the concrete is way more trouble than the effort to install tile.  If you want to do a good job, check out Scofeld stain products.

    

   I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

1. 
   mcdermotts | Aug 01, 2005 09:58pm | #5

   Thanks Ed- I just went to the Scofield site and see what you mean. In fact they say DONT use muriatic since it removes the reactive substances in the concrete necessary for the stain to work properly.

1. 
   zendo | Aug 01, 2005 10:24pm | #6

   Dan,

   I dont do it, but look into concrete acid staining it as well... you might like it.

   amazon has a download e-book. or google it.

   -zen

2. 
   FastEddie1 | Aug 01, 2005 10:37pm | #7

   Whatever.  My point was, if you read the instructions, it is a detailed process that takes some care to do right.

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

2. 
   ponytl | Aug 02, 2005 02:19am | #8

   You NEVER want to clean concrete with acid of any kind BEFORE you stain it...  true concrete stains are "acid stains" they react with the lime & portland...  acid washing them first just makes em take stain less...

   ps:  you really never want to acid wash concrete at all...

   pressure wash it... then stain... then water wash... then seal...

   now to the question: if you have a non washed gravel surface  thats pretty smooth.. it's easy to cut  a patern to look like tiles or whatever and stain it... check online for acid stains..  really not too much trouble I've cut some pretty detailed patterns over a large surface in only a few hours...

   p

1. 
   brownbagg | Aug 02, 2005 02:43am | #9

   Forget HD or Lowes, forget Behr. Acid stain is what you need. Scoffield as mention, Kemiko is another brand. http://www.acid-stain.com