You can enhance your home’s existing concrete surfaces using acid stains, acrylic stains, epoxy paints, and scoring techniques. If you’re tired of looking at dull gray concrete, there are some pretty easy projects for the serious DIYer to give their patio, driveway, garage, etc. a refreshing new look. Or maybe you plan to install some new concrete but don’t want plain gray concrete. Decorative concrete work costs twice or three times as much as regular concrete and many people just can’t afford it. There are inexpensive ways to decorate concrete after it has cured without paying skilled craftsmen.
Acid-based concrete stains are becoming more popular for coloring concrete surfaces. They chemically react with the cementitious material to produce a permanent color with a variegated or mottled marble-like appearance. This results in a natural looking and elegant surface. Acid dyes are available in 8-10 different colors, mainly brown, green and reddish earth tones. The cost is normally $60-$70 per gallon covering 300-400 square feet. A coat of clear concrete sealer when you’re done really brings out the colors and beauty of the acid stains.
Water-based concrete stains are an alternative to acid stains and are much easier to use because they are much less toxic. These stains do not chemically react with the concrete; they are absorbed into the pores of the surface and act as a dye. The great advantage of water-based stains is the wide range of colors available. You can find almost any color in the spectrum and create a more vibrant and consistent look. They also typically cost around $60-$70 per gallon covering 300-400 square feet.
If you want to venture beyond basic concrete staining, consider using some marking techniques to create patterns on the surface. You can make your concrete look like a tiled floor, for example. It depends on your imagination. An angle grinder with a 4-inch grinding or cutting disc is the ideal tool for this. The important thing to remember when scoring is to first draw the pattern on the concrete and make sure you are happy with the way it looks because scoring is irreversible. Most people don’t own an angle grinder, but you can rent one at almost any tool rental store.
Epoxy paints are an excellent coating for garage and basement floors. Many commercial floors have epoxy coatings because of its durability and resistance to chemical spills, as well as its appearance. In recent years, however, it has become very popular for residential use with the increasing availability of different colours. This is not a difficult project, but the key to a successful application is surface preparation. Epoxy paints are also available in a water-based form, making them safe for DIYers and ideal for interior applications. They cost a little more than stains. For a 400-square-foot garage, you’ll spend about $200 on the materials needed for this project.
Don’t think you have to spend a lot of money on decorative concrete surfaces. With a few instructions and a little work, anyone can turn boring concrete into their own masterpiece.