Can All Concrete Be Stained?

Both reactive and nonreactive types of stain can be applied to new or old and plain or integrally colored concrete. The most important consideration is the condition of the surface. Concrete, like wood, is the perfect canvas for stains because it's porous. But if the surface is covered by grime, glues, coatings, curing membranes, or sealers that inhibit the stain from soaking in, the stain won't be able to penetrate fully and do its thing. A simple test you can conduct for porosity is to sprinkle the concrete surface with water. If the water beads up and can't penetrate, neither will a stain.

Stained Concrete
Kemiko Concrete Stain in Leonard, TX

On new concrete, stain manufacturers recommend letting the concrete cure for at least 30 days before applying a stain and to avoid the use of curing compounds. On existing concrete, it's important to keep in mind that stains are intended to enhance rather than disguise the surface. They will not mask cracks, blemishes, discoloration, or other flaws. In some cases, that can be an advantage and work well with the design. For example, if you're going for an aged or rustic look, stains can accentuate minor blemishes and cracks and add greater distinction.

An existing concrete slab with major cracks or spalling is usually not a good candidate for staining because any patchwork is likely to show right through the stain. A solution is to cover the concrete with a thin cement-based overlay to create a fresh new canvas to work on. (For more on overlays, read Decorative Concrete Overlays: Exploring the Options.)

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