Unlock the Potential of Scored and Stained Concrete: Inspiration from our Gallery

Duration: 5 Days

Estimated of Square Footage: 1000 sq. ft.

Project Overview: The existing driveway had become stained and faded over time. To improve its appearance, the best material was determined to be Colorwave stain and EasySeal sealer. The surface was first power-washed and then treated with two coats of stain and two coats of sealer. The end result was excellent.

Personal Tips: Proper surface preparation is crucial before applying stain and sealer.

Products Used: Colorwave stain, EasySeal satin sealer, and Ecological based stripper.

• My total square feet is around 180 sq ft. I haven’t started the other area yet due to the current issue with the stain.
• I started the project by cleaning the concrete patio area first with water rinse and then with a commercial concrete clean & etch solution using a stiff hand-held bristle broom brush.
• I repeated this step several times to make sure that I removed as much of the grime and dirt buildup as possible.
• I allowed the area too dry and after drying performed a water test to see if water would absorb in the concrete or remain on the surface.
• Water test was successful so I began to tape the area off with painters plastic and tape.
• Started applying the Terra Cotta stain with pump sprayer and using spike shoes. The concrete easily absorbed the stain  but seemed to be very light in color that I applied a second coat after allowing the first coat to dry after 5 hours. Temperature was around 85 degrees so the stain was drying rather quickly.
• After allowing the second coat to dry overnight. I still needed to apply some more to certain areas that were not as dark as the other areas.
•  So I ended up applying (3) coats of the Antique Terra Cotta Stain.
• After allowing the third application of the stain to dry. I noticed a fine power like dust on the surface of my concrete and was not sure if I needed to proceed before applying the high gloss sealer. I called direct colors and was told my product of Antiquing Terra Cotta can be applied without neutralizing the concrete area.
• I then proceeded to apply the High Gloss Sealer using a pump sprayer . Allowing first coat to dry before applying the second coat.
• The patio area looked great but after a couple of weeks dark patterns started to show through the acid stain and sealer in the area most exposed to direct sunlight.
• I must admit that I didn’t use a commercial power washer but hand scrubbing with concrete clean & etch solution and water from my garden hose with a turbo jet high spray hose nozzle.

Direct Colors Reply:

Hi Eric,

My first concern is that the concrete possibly having some of that chemical left on the surface, causing an unwanted chemical reaction. My next concern is having too much of the pigment on the surface with three coats. It is really hard to see the true color of our Antiquing Stain without sealer being applied, and sometimes customers will apply more than what is needed.

Once the mineral spirits are dry and done off-gassing, you’re just left with powdered pigments nested on the concrete and in the pores. If there is too much pigment on the surface, this can cause adhesion issues with the acrylic surface. The sealer ends up attaching to the pigment and not the surface of the actual concrete, or it will “lift”, or lose adhesion quickly if not well-bonded to the concrete.

It’s also possible that there was a bit of moisture left in the concrete and it has gotten trapped between the sealer and the surface.

So, let’s try something. First, if you have any sealer leftover, use it for this, and if not, pick up a small container of xylene from a local hardware store. In one of the smaller areas, off to the side, very lightly spritz a small amount of the sealer or xylene over it and walk away. This will emulsify the sealer and help it re-adhere or allow the moisture to escape.

Allow it to fully cure and let me know how it looks, if it worked or if it goes back to the way it looks now.