Stained Concrete Patio Ideas: Before and Afters, Tips, and Customer Stories

Duration: 4 Days

Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.

Description: This project showcases the simplicity and effectiveness of using Direct Colors’ Black Antiquing Stain & Seal kit for a DIY concrete transformation. The homeowner was drawn to the product after searching online and finding Direct Colors’ easy-to-use video tutorials. The antique black stain was applied in two coats and the cracks were painted with Walmart gold acrylic craft paint. The sealer was then sprayed on the first coat and rolled on the second coat for the desired finish. Despite the unevenness of the concrete surface, the homeowner is happy with the final outcome and loves the ease of use of the product.

Personal Tips:

• The smell of the sealer can be strong, so be prepared for that.
• If the surface is porous, you’ll likely use more stain.
• Be sure to watch the videos for best results.
• Using a weight on your roller when applying sealer is not necessary, and it’s an easy process overall.
• Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, as the product is forgiving and easy to work with.

Direct Colors Products Used:

• Black Antiquing Stain & Seal Kit

Other Products Used:

• Walmart gold acrylic craft paint

Transform your front porch and patio with this beautiful stained concrete project. Completed in just 3 days, this project covered 200 sq. ft. of stamped concrete. As seen in the before and after photos, the left side was previously faded and worn out but was brought back to life with a fresh coat of Driftwood Antiquing Stain. To achieve a smooth finish, be sure to thoroughly clean the area and remove any old clear coat before staining. To protect the new finish, we sealed it with High Gloss EasySeal Sealer.

Personal tip: make sure to clean the area that will be stained and remove as much of the old clear coat (if any) that is on it to have a smooth finish! this project will give you an amazing look and an amazing result in your patio.

• Project Completed In: 2 day(s)
• Estimate of Square Footage: 400 sq. ft.
• Project Description:
  Started off with Colorado weather damaged concrete, typical freeze and expand pitting, and warn faded coloring and sealant due to the strong sun we have. Used the Direct Colors concrete patching compound and some concrete pigment to patch all the pitted areas. Used a pump sprayer to apply the antiquing stain, which went on easily and consistently. Applied the two coats of acrylic sealer and the color popped! My patio looks brand new. We are extremely happy with the outcome, easy application, and great look.
• Personal Tips:
  When filling concrete pits with the patching compound, sand down the compound slightly before it’s solid, otherwise it’s almost impossible to sand down..
  When applying the acrylic sealer, let the weight of the saturated roller do the work. I personally found that rolling the roller back from the far end, let the sealer apply nicely.. Roll the roller nice and slow to prevent the acrylic sealer from bubbling as it dries.
• Direct Colors Products Used:
  Antiquing Stain & Seal Kit ( Driftwood stain, Solvent Base Acrylic Sealer – Gloss)
  Concrete Patching Compound
  Concrete Pigment (Cocoa Brown)Other Products Used:
  Pressure washer to clean it off

This 2-day project transformed a sunfaded and blotchy concrete surface into a refreshed and revitalized area. Covering 400 sq. ft, it involved redoing the color and also sealed all concrete curbing. Our team used Xylene and a Generac pressure washer to clean the surface and prepare it for the new color. Personal tip shared by our team is to always prep the surface properly before staining for best results. A pressure washer is very helpful in this case.

• Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
• Estimate of Square Footage: 350 sq. ft.
• Project Description:
  I was looking to recolor and stain my rather ugly orange patio that was there when I moved in. The patio was stamped so I knew there had to be a way to make it look good. Luckily, I found Direct Colors and got just the result I wanted. I mixed charcoal and black Antiquing stain to create a deep dark color which slightly showed the previous orange, creating a natural look. Then I sealed it to pop the color.  I love it!
• Personal Tips:
  If you are covering an old color that is very bright, make sure to buy enough stain. It took me multiple layers due to the bright orange that was there before. Other than that, it was a rather simple process.  I mixed some anti slip into the final sealer to ensure a finish that was also safe.
• Direct Colors Products Used:
  Charcoal Antiquing Stain & Seal Kit
  Black Antiquing Stain & Seal Kit
  Non Slip Additive
• Other Products Used:
  Two pump sprayers & deck brush

We recently had stamped concrete installed on our property, but were disappointed with the results as the color did not complement the retaining walls surrounding it. After previously using Direct Colors’ acid stain on a small area of our property, we decided to go with the Antiquing stain for the stamped concrete. The Antiquing stain provided a more solid color approach, and the Direct Colors website recommended it for stamped concrete. We opted for the high gloss EasySeal concrete sealer to achieve a shiny, wet look finish.

Personal Tips:

• To achieve optimal results, clean and etch the concrete surface to remove any water build up or calcium buildup before staining.
• Keep in mind that stamped concrete requires more stain than finished concrete, so order more than enough to ensure a solid color end product.
• Applying multiple thin coats of the sealer will prevent bubbles from forming on the surface.

Direct Colors Products Used:

• • Crimson Antiquing stain
  • High gloss EasySeal concrete sealer

Project Description: After living in my home for five years, I realized that my stamped concrete patio had never been properly maintained. The previous sealer had worn off, leaving my patio exposed to the harsh Colorado climate. I came across Direct Colors and was inspired by the beautiful stamped concrete patios that had been transformed with their products. I initially sought out quotes for professional refinishing, but most estimates were upwards of $5k. Instead, I decided to tackle the project myself and am thrilled with the results.

Estimate of Square Footage: 450 sq. ft.

Personal Tips:

• Invest in a separate pump sprayer for the stain and sealer to avoid cross-contamination and ensure a more effective application.
• Clean the spray tip and roller thoroughly between coats of sealer to avoid clogging and uneven application.
• Use cardboard and tape to protect areas from overspray, and practice spraying evenly on a test surface before tackling the project.

Direct Colors Products Used:

• 3 Crimson Antiquing™ Stain & Seal Kits
• 16 oz Non Slip Concrete Sealer Additive

Other Products Used:

• • Electric power washer for initial cleaning.

Project Description: This homeowner created a stamped concrete patio that mimics the look of slate and used Direct Colors’ Antiquing stain in 4 separate colors to stain each tile individually, then applied a top coat of charcoal to darken the overall appearance. To ensure safety and durability, a satin sealant was added followed by a final coat with a non-slip powder. The project was completed in just 3 days and the results are impressive.

Project Completed In: 3 day(s) Estimate of Square Foot: 336 sq. ft.

Personal Tips:

• Use a brush to stain each square individually, then spray the charcoal top coat with a pump sprayer and roll the sealer on after it’s dry.

Direct Colors Products Used:

• • 3 Gal Charcoal Antiquing Stain
  • 1 Gal Russet Antiquing Stain
  • 1 Gal Fern Green Antiquing Stain
  • 1 Gal Driftwood Antiquing Stain
  • 2 Gal Satin Concrete Sealer
  • 16oz non slip additive

• Project Completed In: 7 day(s)
• Estimate of Square Footage: 500 sq. ft.
• Project Description:
  I created my own pavers using a mold and colored cement. However, the cement color wasn’t entirely consistent or rich in color so I decided to acid stain the blocks.
• Personal Tips:
  Spray the entire area with light color, go back and paint brush the dark areas
• Direct Colors Products Used:
  Coffee Brown EverStain
  Desert Amber EverStain
  Solvent-Based, Satin Acrylic Sealer