How to Acid Stain Concrete | DIY Acid Stained Concrete Patio

How to Acid Stain Concrete. In this video DIY PETE will walk you through the process of staining a concrete patio. This is a great weekend project that is simple and affordable. Your boring grey concrete will transfrom into a beautiful area of your home.
For more info, project photos, and downloadable plans check out:
www.diypete.com/howtoacidstain
Degrease and Remove Stains / Paint
Use a power washer to do an initial cleaning of the concrete. Once wet, you’ll be able to see if there are problem areas of oil, paint, or grease. You will want to remove any paint or oil because acid stain will not “TAKE” or “REACT” with the concrete in those areas.
Paint is somewhat tough to remove. Try using a paint remover in combination with a razor blade or wire brush first. If this does not work, try using an orbital sander. The concrete will look slightly different where you’ve used these tools, but will look much better than it would if there were paint or grease areas.
Tape and Mask
After cleaning and letting the area dry up, you’ll want to tape and mask siding, trim, doors, and any other surfaces you don’t want to get stain on.
Prepare Acid Stain
Pour acid stain into a pump sprayer. For this patio, I used Dark Walnut by Scofield Chemstain. This gave the concrete a natural brown color. You can use a highlight color if you’d like to mix another color in a separate sprayer. This is not necessary. I highlighted mine with Quikrete Coffee Acid stain.
I would recommend diluting the acid stain according to the manufacturers instructions. I mixed mine about 1 part stain to 1 part water. Remember you can always add additional coats to darken the stain. You cannot lighten a stain, which is why I prefer diluting the stain and doing multiple coats to give me a little more control over how dark the stain will be.
Wet the concrete
Before applying acid stain, I’d recommend misting the entire surface with water. You don’t want too much that it puddles, but the entire surface should be saturated. This helps the stain go on more evenly and also makes the staining process a little more forgiving. For instance, if you accidentally get a drop of acid stain on dry concrete it is going to leave a more noticeable spot. If the concrete is wet, it will help it blend a bit more. I used an additional pump sprayer for this process.
Apply Acid Stain to Concrete
Use a pump sprayer to apply the acid stain. Apply enough to saturate the concrete but not to puddle. Apply in a zig-zag type motion to give it variation and a random look as opposed to applying in straight lines. (See the video for a better description). Do not walk on the acid stain once it is applied or you’ll have footprints in the final product. If you’d like a more uniform finish with less variation, a second person can use a shop broom to help brush the stain into the concrete immediately after you’ve sprayed the stain.
Applying the second coat of stain to darken the concrete up a little more. Allow the stain to dry for a full 8 hours or overnight before neutralizing the stain. This will ensure the stain penetrates into the surface completely.
Neutralize Acid Stain
Neutralize the stain using Ammonia and water once the stain has dried for at least 8 hours. I’d recommend using 2 cups of ammonia per 5 gallon bucket of water. Once neutralized, the acid will no longer react.
Apply Sealer
Seal the concrete. I like to use solvent based sealers for concrete patios, but you are welcome to use water-based if you’d prefer. I’ve found H&C concrete sealer to work well for outdoor applications. The Clear Gloss version gives the stain a rich color / wet look and is super durable. I’ve also had good luck using SuperSeal 2000 which is available on Amazon. Make sure you don’t seal when the temperature is above the recommended sealing temperature set by the manufacturer. Bubbling of the sealer is one problem that can occur if sealed when the concrete is too hot. If you are sealing the concrete with a roller and bubbles are forming, you can get rid of bubbles by running a brush over the problem areas.
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Pete Sveen
1627 W Main Street Suite 182
Bozeman, Montana 59715

[@susanhogan1350]

You are the only person I have found to actually explain the products used, so thank you.

[@1000hdm]

One of the clearest, best-explained DIY videos I've seen. Period. Outstanding job.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks so much!

[@jenm4137]

Oh man this looks amazing! I was showing my fiancé this technique he was really blown away! We just recently purchased a house and the front stairs are just plain cement thank goodness 😅! I can’t wait to do this thank you for this great video!

[@livinglife69]

Of the the videos on CZcams about staining, your is the best. Actually doing my patio today. Thanks for taking the time to do this. It helps us DIY guys a lot.

[@OurBuild]

Awesome tutorial Pete, clear steps that anyone can follow. Turned out great!

[@DIYPETE]

Our Build Thanks a ton James!

[@joshjirigaya6605]

Our Build a big house

[@csn6234]

I've watched numerous videos to learn how to acid-stain my kitchen floor properly. This one, by far, offers the clearest instructions on how to do the job. Thanks for uploading an informative video that was fun to watch.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks so much Chris! Good luck with the kitchen floors!

[@csn6234]

DIY PETE Hey Pete! The kitchen floors turned out gorgeous. Lots of marbling and friends and family ask me about them all the time. I was so happy with the results, I decided to do my backyard concrete patio slab. However, I found that even when I properly cleaned and prepared the slab for the staining, it didn't come out as pretty. For one thing, the concrete soaked up the solvent-based sealer like a sponge. The final appearance was not smooth and shiny -- even with the wax -- like the kitchen floors. I have a hunch it is because the concrege surface was been weathered over time and is more porous. Is this correctable?

[@chuckcostello5167]

Man, that looks great. Wife and I are looking at doing something similar to our indoor floors. Thanks for an informative overview.

[@DIYPETE]

You bet Chuck! Good luck man!

[@juanpablomunoz5675]

Thank you guys for sharing this video with us that need a good idea to make our patios more enjoyable very nice work and very professional Thank you!!

[@DIYPETE]

Hey Juan! Great to hear man! Hope all is well

[@mustangnmule12]

Absolutely beautiful and exactly what I wanted to do in our downstairs basement! Your instructions are great too. Thank you.

[@Duraamen-Flooring]

Great tutorial on acid staining concrete! Clear instructions and useful tips for achieving a professional-looking finish. Definitely helpful for anyone looking to spruce up their floors or outdoor spaces.

[@justhike]

I did our bottom floor of our house about six years ago and forgot the process. I watched your video and it all came back to me. We have new cement poured in our backyard and that’s what I’ll be doing. Cheers!

[@DIYPETE]

Great to hear Joe!

[@mangoyacho]

Excellent easy to follow instructions. I am definitely going to give it a try. Thank you!

[@DIYPETE]

+Sue Ridder Good luck and have fun!

[@engenharianapraticaoficial]

Perfect my friend!
I found this acid Stain recently!
I will use this here in my floors!!
Thanks!!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@ddilla3691]

Great job on the video Pete! You made it very clear and well explained. Now I'm off to do mine....I'll be watching this video a couple more time while I do it.

[@DIYPETE]

Glad it helped

[@patrickbrown925]

Excellent video - just the right length to cover all the basics. Thanks

[@michaelennabe8620]

Pete, Great job presenting for the common man. Thanks for taking the mystery out of this and making it as easy to do as you know it is. . . given the precautionary statements. Brats were also a good choice!

[@DIYPETE]

Cheers Michael, glad that you found the video helpful!

[@jeremydavidmarshall]

Love the brats scene, most important part of the video, hard work is only sustainable if we make it fun. Good work brother.

[@DIYPETE]

thanks!

[@harryhenderson334]

FINALLY A GREAT. VID.!!!
NO DRAMA " & ENDLESS YAKATY YAKING"
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT & PRECISE!"
THANK YOU FRIEND !"

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@carmenmckinney1659]

Great instructions! Your directions are very clear with many valuable tips!

[@DIYPETE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ritagoldberg2958]

I have watched your video daily as I acid wash my garage floor. Thanks, could not have done it without you.

[@DIYPETE]

Great to hear Rita!

[@turbocharged0611]

Probably the best DIY video I've ever watched

[@Damon-s]

Thanks for the great explanation I will be doing my first acid stain and now feel like I know what I'm doing

[@DIYPETE]

Awesome!

[@dawngump7096]

Hey Pete, you inspired us to stain our patio. It turned out great and thank you for great info.

[@DIYPETE]

+Dawn Gump Hey Dawn! So happy to hear :) Thanks for taking action and giving it a try!

[@jwaa6027]

Thank you for a very clear instructions on a Job I'm doing this week in a upscale apartment .

[@DIYPETE]

awesome!

[@yvonnecelestine636]

Thank you, Thank you for getting straight to what needs to be done.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching, Yvonne!

[@denisseseguinot8173]

I've been looking to do this long time ago but I don't now how, with your video I'm sure that I can do it now, Thank you very much. I love it! great job

[@DIYPETE]

Awesome! Have fun with the project!

[@denisseseguinot8173]

Thank you!

[@hippygypsy777]

Looks great ❤

[@Dante-xb8vw]

Easy to understand and plausible, even for me! Great, great teaching for us novices...

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@markminton8974]

WOW, looks great..

[@jamesardilla371]

LOL I love the fact, you broke out with the BBQ and took a actual break ..... Nice work too the finished work, looks great.

[@DIYPETE]

Hey James! thanks for watching man! Hope all is well!

[@artcota69]

Very nice! Thank you for the detail and info 🙌

[@MissAmberlee1]

Great tutorial ! Thank you sir

[@CruiserFlowLife]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@X3WorkshopDesigns]

Thanks for sharing. I plan on staining our concrete pit table top a dark walnut color as well. Great stuff.

[@littleflower23]

You make it look easy enough for me to try this. Great vid.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@robwill106]

INSPIRED ME!!!!!!!NOW IF I CAN JUST LEARN HOW TO MAKE A CONCRETE PATIO

[@DIYPETE]

Cheers!

[@Congadrummingcom]

Great technique and explanation - love this !!!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks so much!

[@will-gy7zs]

Love the flip flops. Awesome job

[@teresitawubs]

I will definitely give it a try! Thank you for the video!!

[@DIYPETE]

Great to hear!

[@mariehuston4844]

Great instructions. I thank you for sharing.

[@quijanoguillermo1632]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!!

[@abigailrommel3692]

This is actually great for unfinished basements. Saves money on tiling and carpeting, so you can use that money for finishing a bathroom, a bar, and of course and entertainment system for the cave! If you want carpet and tiles later, so can always do that on top, but a big rug with this is a great look too!!

[@DIYPETE]

Absolutely!

[@mariecorona09]

thank you for the video. came out so beautiful..

[@DIYPETE]

Thank you!

[@izzycarc6917]

thanks so much Pete, really good info and really good video. ..

[@DIYPETE]

israel carc Thanks for checking this out - good luck if you're planning to tackle this! Cheers

[@moosesnWoop]

Very nice! Good job and helpful tutorial!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@alexisgloria9692]

Great video! Thank you! Seems so simple now.

[@DIYPETE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoeNielsen44]

well done! looks great!

[@un-confiscate-able-money]

You’re amazing man

[@Veronique1240]

you make this seem so easy! I've been trying to talk hubby into staining our large concrete patio ~ maybe if I show him your video.....wish me luck! Yours came out beautifully!

[@DIYPETE]

+Veronique Flowers Thanks Veronique! I think you and your husband can definitely tackle this project :) Good luck!

[@johanbraanen2108]

DIY Veronique!

[@aldoileanumeliber]

this is so nice! thanks for your videos!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks Burtea

[@anthonydorset8167]

I love your videos, Pete.

[@DIYPETE]

Thank you so much Anthony!

[@ehickey73]

Beautiful work

[@DIYPETE]

Thank you!

[@jeremydavidmarshall]

Good work man, looks great!

[@DIYPETE]

thanks!

[@tweston315]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@gwendolynjackson408]

This looks great I need a couple of these

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@eevanskiteboards]

Awesome video man thanks

[@jamebrown9308]

thank you very much for your information it makes me very happy

[@DIYPETE]

You betcha!

[@scottkilbury]

Nice job! Great instruction!

[@metallic6121]

Nice!!!! Thinking about doing this to my garage floor.

[@DIYPETE]

Cool!

[@catrescuer]

Very informative. Excellent video.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@TommyGWorkshop]

Very nicely done and great video as always Pete! If I wasnt renting I would have already done this, grey is so boring, lol! Keep up the great work!

[@DIYPETE]

Tommy G Workshop Hey Tommy! Thanks for the comment man! One of these days you are going to have a killer stained patio :) Cheers bud!

[@tro8191]

Pete your videos are a always on point! Have done a few of your projects already. Great job! Is the acid stain a lot different from other concrete stain?

[@namecastle2348]

Good work. Thanks for the great video.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@billwalz787]

Thanks Pete very informative!

[@DIYPETE]

Very welcome

[@rasuarez36]

Thanks for the info. I'll do more research with the link you provided

[@DIYPETE]

Best of luck!

[@rafaelpozosbilingualinsura9420]

Thank you for sharing
It was great information !!!

[@DIYPETE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ducrebatiste7967]

Very precise video

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@cherylmaley901]

Wow! Turned out gorgeous!! I've watched a LOT of these types of how to videos and I must tell you thank you for theses easy to follow instructions. So many other videos out there aren't so easy to follow!!! This is awesome and I cannot wait to try it. Do you think I can use a stencil pattern while using your technique?!! Again, great video Pete!!!

[@DIYPETE]

+Cheryl Maley Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words Cheryl! Stencils can work okay on a super flat surface --- but on a broom finished or trowel finished patio the stain would bleed under the stencil. The stencil needs to be completely attached to a super smooth surface. If doing outdoors -- you'll want to use a brush around the stencil area -- and using a cutting tool to go around the edges to create a groove will help give it a sharp look :) Let me know if that helps!!

[@mubarakkhan537]

Hi man great video lots of info. Thanks for sharing

[@DIYPETE]

Any time!

[@mubarakkhan537]

Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing.

[@DIYPETE]

you bet!

[@DamicosLandscaping]

Beautiful

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@FernandoPerez-uv8ke]

Thank you very much
I will do my driveway that easy !!👍

[@DIYPETE]

Sounds good!

[@skull_dog2825]

Looks very nice!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks Lisa! Hope all is well!

[@DIYTyler]

Really cool Pete, have never seen this before. Thanks for sharing!

[@DIYPETE]

***** Thanks for checking it out Tyler!

[@jillcrebb7451]

After watching Pete, I think I can do it!

[@DIYPETE]

Awesome!

[@ogladinagonzalezharrises466]

thanks a lot for the video ! it looks very nice!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@Kingrayrayray]

And thank you so much for the other answers..

[@DIYPETE]

Yep!

[@ParaPerception]

I would LOVE to upgrade my backyard with this technique. I literally just have a concrete slab for a yard. Gross. This makes it look SUPER classy! :D

[@DIYPETE]

Go for it!

[@manzolou7542]

great video! thanks pete!

[@DIYPETE]

manzo lou You bet Manzo and thanks for checking it out!

[@roncandelaria3703]

great video....really enjoyed it and learned a lot...thanks....

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks Ron!

[@MrKevhenn]

Very good instruction

[@DIYPETE]

+Kevin Kennelly Thanks Kevin

[@chancecarlton8403]

Well done. Thanks

[@miah3335]

Great video. Really excited to try. Would this work on a concrete basketball court? It has a raised finish so there is no slipping. Any thoughts or advice would be super helpful! Thanks:)

[@1AXMRDR]

Nice job, thanks for sharing.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@browndogg4334]

awesome video loved it!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgetorres8834]

Great job...

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks

[@realfreedomofspeech]

Thank you Pete!

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@eleanortwardy]

Exceptional good video. Thanks much. You made my job a lot easier.

[@DIYPETE]

Great to hear!

[@ramboIII3]

Great job, thank you for the video. I am subscribing 👍

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks so much!

[@lisabing441]

Looks great! Question: What special measures should be used when applying process to property in tropical climate?

[@jerryleeowens4412]

great tips for first time doers.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks Jerry! I hope all is well.

[@bnoyb4621]

Great video thank you!

[@DIYPETE]

Glad it helped!

[@ninam6194]

Great video. Now come to NYC and do my deck,lol.

[@robertflores7888]

Nice job thanks

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@juliansepulveda1624]

Thanks Pete...good stuff...

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks Julian!

[@yeetnoob5587]

DIY PETE you

[@charmedjems]

Very well explained. I think I'll still hire someone seems like a lot of work.

[@DIYPETE]

Great to hear

[@libbybowles]

Great video, Pete. On newly poured concrete is that full cleaning process, i.e. the degreaser still necessary?

[@kenh9449]

Pete great video! I have oil stains any recommendations on how to putt them out or beat them in deep enough for acid to still stain? Also if I just power wash and etch will the stain just be darker over the oil spots? Thanks keep up the good work!

[@ernestocano9541]

Can this be done indoor concrete like basement?

[@arqcastropleitez]

With this tutorial, I'm ready to go! will be posting pictures...
Thanx DIY Pete.

[@DIYPETE]

+Arq. Mario Castro Pleiteei Good luck and have fun with the project!

[@rosesarered3904]

Wow you make it look so easy and you explained the steps so well. Thank you!
I just had my front porch and service walk stained and it turned out terrible. I can tell know the guy missed a lot of steps.
Can the sealer be removed to start all over?

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for watching!