How to Stain a Concrete Patio: Step-by-Step with Antiquing™

Staining transforms an outdoor patio — and the right product makes it last. Antiquing™ Stain is our preferred stain for patios: versatile, durable, and easy to apply on stamped, brushed, broom, swirled, and poured concrete. It penetrates the surface for long-lasting color and, because it doesn’t react chemically, it blends patchy areas rather than exposing them — with 30+ colors to choose from. Here’s the step-by-step. (Browse real results first in our Stained Concrete Patio Ideas gallery.)

Shop Antiquing™ Stain →

Step 1: Preparation

Let newly poured concrete cure 30 days before staining. Cover walls, landscaping, and nearby items with plastic or paper to protect them from over-spray. Remove any paint or old sealer, then clean the surface of oils, dirt, and debris with a scrub brush and ProClean Degreaser™. Test absorption by pouring a cup of water in a few spots — if it isn’t absorbed within five minutes, etch with CitrusEtch™, neutralize with ProClean Neutralizer™, and rinse thoroughly. Let the concrete dry completely before you start.

Cleaning the patio with an organic degreaser and pressure washer before staining.

Step 2: Application

NOTE: Only apply Antiquing™ when the surface temperature is between 40°F (4°C) and 95°F (35°C).

CAUTION: Antiquing™ is flammable and harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Use with adequate ventilation, away from heat, sparks, and flames. Open windows and doors and extinguish open flames before applying; don’t smoke or do anything that could cause a spark.

1. Remove all filters from the pump-up sprayer.
2. Shake Antiquing™ well before pouring it into the sprayer.
3. Spray in circular motions with random overlaps for an even, flawless finish. Wear spiked shoes so you don’t leave prints.
4. Shake the tank frequently for consistent color, and start from the corner farthest from your exit. A second coat can go on without waiting for the first to dry. To prevent drips, rest the sprayer tip in a bucket before releasing the trigger.

Don’t be alarmed if the color looks faint once the stain dries — the sealer is what brings it to life and makes it vibrant.

Step 3: Seal & protect

Sealing is what bonds the color to the concrete — it’s not optional. Use a fresh pump-up sprayer for EasySeal™.

CAUTION: EasySeal™ is flammable and harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Use with ventilation, away from heat, sparks, and flame; extinguish open flames (including pilot lights) before applying.

1. Remove all filters from the sprayer.
2. Begin from a far corner and apply EasySeal™ in circular motions with random overlaps.
3. Apply thin coats to prevent puddling; wait 8 hours before a second coat.
4. Check the cure with a thumbnail — if it dents or scratches, wait longer before recoating.
5. Clean the sprayer with Xylene after use (recycled Xylene works — one quart covers the whole project). Allow foot traffic after 16 hours.

What’s Next

1. Color ideas & real projects → Stained Concrete Patio Ideas
2. Want the acid-stain look? → How to Acid Stain a Patio
3. Restore an old, faded slab → Make an Old Concrete Patio Look Beautiful Again
4. Shop → Antiquing™ Stain · Sealers · Trial Kits

Direct Colors. Shawnee, OK. Manufacturing the full decorative concrete system since 1997.