Can I change the color of my concrete driveway?

Depending on the look you want to achieve for your stained concrete driveway, you can choose from acid-based chemical stains or water-based stains. Acid stains penetrate and react chemically with the concrete, creating natural color variations that add character and unique mottling effects.

Can you change the color of existing concrete?

If you're pouring new concrete you can add a color tint, or dye, directly into the mix. This ensures that the color goes all the way through whatever you're creating so even if it's scratched or chipped the color doesn't change.

Can you color concrete after its poured?

Another option for coloring concrete is to apply a color hardener to the top layer of concrete after it has been poured. While a color hardener can produce more vibrant colors than adding colorant to the mix, any dings or edges in the finished slab will show, since the color is only on the surface of the concrete.

Can you stain concrete driveway?

Staining is an economical and highly versatile way to upgrade the look of both new and existing concrete driveways. Stains penetrate deeply into the concrete surface, producing fade-resistant, permanent color that will not flake off or peel away.

Is it better to paint or stain concrete?

Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently, while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. Concrete stains go on quicker, dry faster and take less work than concrete paint, but they offer no significant protection.

Concrete Resurfacing

How long does it take concrete to change color?

In warm, sunny weather, concrete should be nearly its final color after about two weeks. In cooler, damp or overcast weather, the concrete will take at least a month or longer to reach its final color. After experiencing color variations a few times as a contractor myself, I did some research.

Can concrete be restained?

You can restain concrete if it's already been stained, but it won't be as rich of a color, as it may not take in all areas of the concrete. The color of the layered stain will be different than the swatch you see for stain on a naked concrete base.

How do you color concrete cheaply?

You can color concrete with acrylic paint by mixing it into the wet mix. Acrylic paint can be a cheap way to color concrete crafts. The same goes for using latex paint for coloring concrete.

Can concrete be colored?

Concrete can be colored in four different ways: stains, integral pigments, color hardeners and dyes. Each of these coloring methods produces different looks and comes with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

How much does it cost to add color to concrete?

The cost of stained concrete can vary greatly. For a basic application of a single stain color with sealer and minimal surface prep, most decorative concrete contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot. As the complexity of the job rises, so will the price.

How much does it cost to stain a concrete driveway?

The exact price depends on your location, the condition of the surface, and the complexity of the design. Typically, staining concrete costs between $7 and $15 per square foot. Contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot for a simple stain job and between $12 and $25 per square foot for a high-end design.

Can colored concrete be stained?

Answer: The short answer is, yes. Acid stain will work on any concrete, colored or gray. The big difference will be the final color.

Does concrete stain last?

Although concrete stain is permanent and won't flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure.

How do you lighten concrete?

Bleach is commonly used to whiten concrete and is very effective at doing so if the initial stain is removed beforehand. Bleaching stained concrete white prepares it for any additional coloring treatments that you may wish to apply in the future.

Will colored concrete lighten as it cures?

Concrete will continue to lighten until it is fully cured. Allow the concrete to cure at least 30 days before inspecting it for color match or appearance.

Why is some concrete white and some GREY?

Gray cement obtains its color from raw materials that contain iron, manganese, chromium and magnesium oxides. To produce white cement, manufacturers must use limestone or other raw materials that contain very low levels of these oxides.

How do you refinish concrete a different color?

The best way to stain over or change the color of acid-stained concrete is to apply a few coats of concrete paste over the existing acid stain. Then wait for the concrete paste to cure before restaining. You can also try applying an acid stain of the same color as the existing acid stain.

What colors can you stain concrete?

Does stained concrete increase home value?

Concrete flooring resale value

A stained or stamped concrete floor generally adds to your home's value on resale.

Is it cheaper to stain concrete or lay tile?

Installation of ceramic tile costs between $11 and $22 per square foot, according to the website Concrete Network. Natural stone tiles cost between $20 and $50 per square foot. Staining an existing concrete slab can cost $2 to $15 per foot.

Is stained concrete cheaper than vinyl plank?

Cost. There are multiple factors that go into the cost structure of concrete, but for the most basic concrete look, it is comparable to vinyl. More elaborate looks, or to completely refinish the floor, may incur more labor costs and down time.

Is concrete dye expensive?

Most integral concrete color powder costs between $40 - $80 dollars per bag. One bag of color is added per yard of concrete on most colored concrete projects.