Tag Archives: Decorative concrete

As the days of summer are now upon us, there is nothing as satisfying as walking with a pair of flip flops and pitcher of fresh beverages ready to serve a crew of eager friends as the tiki torches burn. That old concrete floor that you are walking across can kind of give off some dusty bookshelf vibes, so your entourage may have a better time walking over concrete that has a distinct dose of style!Many real estate agents we have talked to claim that completing this fun task will add some of the best elements of curb appeal out there, and brings out the fine edge of a freshly mowed lawn. We’ll show you the correct approach to take when tackling a concrete staining project—and you’re going to love the difference you’ll notice every time you check out the balmy early evening air.Things You Will Need: Telescoping rodHandle for paint pad9” tear-resistant deck paint padPaint pan4” paintbrushTarpBroom and hoseConcrete stain (water-based)Bucket of waterRag for any spillage Select the Best Color for You: The color charts provided by manufacturers are a great guide to choosing a color that is right for you. There are so many different options of coverage available, you’re sure to find one that fits your yard’s personality perfectly.If more coverage is what you want, go with an opaque stain. Just complete a small test area on the concrete first to make sure that you are getting the results you want. Manufacturer’s instructions will offer up any special considerations to assure that every square inch looks just the way you envisioned.Correct Prepping of the Concrete:To begin the concrete prepping work, remove furniture and any other objects that are residing on the concrete. Next, a broom and water hose will safely remove most residue and loose particles from the concrete. If you can get your hands on a pressure washer, that’s even better. Anything else that has ended up on the concrete over the years can now be scraped off as well. Then, remove any stubborn stains with a premixed stain remover. After everything is clean, just sit back, relax and let it all dry for at least 24 hours.Apply the Stain:After the concrete dries, begin to apply the stain. Just place the paint pan on the tarp and slowly pour the stain directly into the pan. With a paintbrush, apply the stain just at the perimeter’s edge and over the seams. Then, begin to apply the stain over the remaining concrete with a pad. To better manage drying time and ensure an even coat, the best technique is to use the seams as natural divisions to use as work boundaries.When most of the stain is out of the pad, use the remainder to soften edges from your previous strokes before your next strokes.Some areas of the new concrete will have different characteristics when absorbing the stain. This is all part of the fun. The stain will take on the characteristics of the concrete’s surface and result in a distinct and beautiful “marbling” effect. Cloudy days are much more practical for stain application, as the blends in your strokes will have more longevity than when completed in the blazing sun.From giving off the feel and vibe of walking through a Japanese garden to the extremes of an Arizona-style desert landscape, you will love the way your concrete looks. Intermountain Concrete Specialties has long been the authority on a job well done, and we look forward to helping with your next project!

Tag Archives: Decorative concrete

How to Stain Concrete
Concrete project tips, Decorative concrete, Tips and Advice July 15, 2020 Nic Sells

Pros of Concrete Countertops
Concrete project tips, Concrete structures, Decorative concrete November 24, 2015 fgsiteadmin

Design Trend: Concrete Furniture
Concrete project tips, Decorative concrete, ICS Showrooms October 27, 2015 fgsiteadmin

Choosing the Right Concrete Sealer For Your Concrete Project
Concrete Product Manufacturers, Concrete project tips, Concrete Sealers, Tips and Advice September 24, 2015 fgsiteadmin

Things We Learned From Our First Concrete Projects
Concrete project tips, Concrete Tools, Decorative concrete, ICS Showrooms, Tips and Advice August 18, 2015 fgsiteadmin

Innotech Concrete Chemical Stains
Decorative concrete March 27, 2015 fgsiteadmin

Decorative Concrete: Choosing Texture, Color and Pattern
Decorative concrete February 24, 2015 fgsiteadmin

Decorative Concrete Trends
Decorative concrete February 12, 2015 fgsiteadmin

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