DIY Concrete stain

[etpm]

Speaking of staining concrete, is there a good way to age concrete? I really dislike the look of new concrete but love the look of old concrete.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[MotorSeven]

I've had horrible luck staining concrete myself. It's probably because I didn't spend enough money on the really good stuff, or that I bought from Amazon based on the reviews instead of going to a commercial business. It always looks great when I do it, but then it either wears away quickly, fades quickly, or flakes off like it was painted on and not a stain at all.

Old thread, but I just poured a 32x16 slab at the creek. Completely forgot that I could have had them add color to the 7.5 yard truckload.

So Eddie, which type of stain that you tried has failed? I was thinking using the acetone based stain.

 

[paulsharvey]

I'll bring this up, just because I was recently doing some reading on torch down thermo plastic stripping on concrete;
for some "stains" on concrete, moisture content in the concrete is a critical factor,
Some of the "stains" are really more of s surface paint, and if the moisture levels are too high, you have zero chance of good adhesion.

We did a charter school long ago, all floors where a teal, low VOX, concrete stain, and it had problems. My guess is moisture problems?

Point being, these are products where you really do need to read the manufacturers instructions. Some might Need a level of moisture, some might need a very low moisture, others might need a bonding agent, or an acid etch prior to applying

 

[Runner]

I accidentally got deck stain on a concrete slab and that stuff is pretty permanent. Has been there since 2013 and barely faded. Even if you had to re-do it every 15 years....