How to Stain a Concrete Driveway
An important task for many homeowners is applying stain to their concrete driveway. The task is not challenging nor is it expensive to complete. The finished product is something that you, your family and neighbors will enjoy looking at. It also makes the driveway easier to clean and helps it last longer. You can complete the staining for at least four days.
How to Stain a Concrete Driveway
Materials Needed
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Mask with a respirator
- Non residue cleaner
- Broom with stiff bristles
- Power washer
- Water
- Muriatic acid
- Stain
- Wear safety glasses and gloves during the cleaning and staining process. It is also a good idea to use a mask that has a respirator because the fumes from the muriatic acid are very strong.
- Apply a non residue cleaner to the driveway and scrub it with a broom with stiff bristles. This will step will remove any dirt, grease and mildew from the driveway.
- Rinse the driveway with a power washer to remove all traces of the cleaner.
- Pour in one part muriatic to four parts water into a plastic container.
- Rinse the driveway once again with the power washer to make sure it is wet.
- Pour the muriatic mixture over the driveway. Allow the acid to sit on the driveway for 30 minutes to etch it.
- Use the broom with stiff bristles and lots of water to rinse the acid away.
- Turn on the power washer to wash the remaining acid.
- Allow the driveway to dry completely for at least 48 hours.
- Sweep the driveway with a broom to remove any powder left over from the dry acid.
- Apply the stain to the driveway using a roller. Allow the first coat to dry for one entire day. Apply another coat of stain and allow it to dry for 48 hours.