Is it better to paint or stain a concrete driveway?

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.

Which lasts longer concrete stain or paint?

Stain, unlike paint penetrates the surface of the concrete and is generally lower maintenance and lasts longer. Coating the stain with a sealer is the ideal way to ensure it remains looking good and protects against water, chemicals and oil.

Is staining concrete a good idea?

Stained concrete appeals to many people who want to achieve unique decorative effects for a reasonable cost. For as little as $2 per square foot, you can use stains to create an infinite array of colors and special effects on both interior and exterior surfaces. Concrete stain does more than simply add color.

Can you stain an old 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.

Should you paint a concrete driveway?

Can you paint over a concrete driveway? Most concrete driveways can be painted over, as long as the concrete is free from large cracks and any minor cracks are repaired first.

Is It Better To Paint Or Stain A Concrete Patio | CoverTec Products, Sunrise FL

How do you make an old concrete driveway look good?

Is painting concrete a good idea?

Advantages to Painting Concrete

Concrete paints and stains help to mask surface discoloration and signs of wear and tear and they extend the life of concrete by preventing further damage. Coating a concrete surface with paint can also make for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Do you have to seal concrete after staining?

To prolong stain life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer (outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to the surface and enhancing color intensity.

Can you change the Colour of a concrete driveway?

Yes it is totally possible to change the colour of your concrete. You would first need to remove the old sealer using the Stripping solution (link below), then apply the Solid colour stain. If you want to just have it one colour then you can finish here by applying a sealer over the top.

How can I brighten my concrete driveway?

Chlorine Bleach

This common household product is not only good in the laundry, but will brighten up and clean your concrete. Mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 1 part water. Put the mixture into a garden sprayer and spray it onto the driveway. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff scrub brush.

Does staining concrete make it slippery?

Like any hard, smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet, especially if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer.

How much does it cost to stain a concrete driveway?

Staining concrete typically costs $7 to $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 high-end designs.

Is it better to stain or dye concrete?

Stains are better able to withstand ultraviolet light and are also less likely to wash away when exposed to the elements. If you're set on using a dye, you'll need to apply a UV sealer—even if your installation is located indoors!

What is the difference between painting and staining concrete?

Concrete paint coats the surface with a thin film that forms on the surface. This traps moisture which damages concrete over time. Stain, however, colors the porous concrete surface without sealing it. This enables the free flow of moisture into and out of the surface.

Why is my concrete stain peeling?

Peeling problems are usually due to faulty surface preparation. Once the peeling and loose areas are removed, and the surface is prepared properly, new concrete stain can be reapplied to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. Interestingly, semi-transparent stains are more likely to peel than the solids.

Can you apply stain over painted concrete?

Can You Stain Over Painted Concrete? In a theoretical sense, yes, you can apply concrete stain over a painted concrete floor or wall. However, that stain will not take hold of the painted surface at all, leading to a suboptimal coating that may not protect the painted surface beneath.

Can existing concrete be stained?

Your existing old concrete should be fine to stain, so long as it is not contaminated with glue, paint, oil, grease, sealers, waxes, or anything else that would prevent the stain from soaking into the pores of the concrete.

How long does driveway paint last?

How long does driveway paint last? At least 5 years* in normal climates if applied properly. * Annual maintenance: Every year some degrading will take place, so pick a nice day, find any cracks and scrape the loose stuff off, sand where you will paint, and then clean and let dry, and touch up paint the driveway.

What is the best paint for a concrete driveway?

The best kind of paint to use on a concrete floor is epoxy paint because of its durability. You can also use latex paint, though it won't hold up as well as epoxy. Acrylic paint also works well, especially for exterior concrete walls as it can withstand harsh weather.

How long does stain stay on concrete?

Let the newly applied stain dry. Dry times will vary based on temperature, humidity and air flow. In optimum conditions, the concrete will be dry to the touch in 15-20 minutes; however, the total cure time is 24 hours.

What happens if concrete is not sealed?

What happens if I don't seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.

Does painting concrete make it slippery?

A concrete floor, once painted, can indeed become dangerously slippery, especially when wet. This is because most paints and sealers add a thin and smooth layer, which covers the outer texture of the concrete, getting rid of the grip that it has.

How long does concrete paint last outside?

How long does concrete paint last? Most brands suggest that you apply a new coat every 3–5 years, depending on use. Some may last much longer if the area is protected from the elements or seldom tread upon.

What Colour should I paint my driveway?

Shades of brown, tan, sandy beige and other earth-tones are by far the most popular color choices for concrete driveways because they blend in well with the landscape and complement most home exteriors. In addition, darker earth-toned shades hide dirt, tire marks and stains, making the driveway easier to maintain.