Stained Concrete in Temecula
Many people love the look of stamped concrete driveways, but you can also achieve similar decorative effects using stain alone. Staining is an inexpensive way to upgrade the look of concrete driveways. Unlike the shake-on colors often applied to newly placed stamped concrete, stains can be applied by hand after the concrete sets, giving contractors the ability to add subtle hints of color, bolder design accents, and even custom graphics. Concrete stains penetrate deeply into the concrete surface, so they produce fade-resistant, permanent color that won’t flake off or peel away.
Stained Concrete can turn a common concrete driveway into look like expensive natural stone driveway. Not only is it a fraction of the price as compared to ripping out the concrete and starting over, but it can be done much faster.
The process of staining a concrete floor, while not overly complex, can be tough to get the results you want from. Most folks are probably better off hiring a professional contractor like Carl Bachler at PacGen Construction. We would not recommend this project for the do-it-yourselfer.
If you’re not familiar with it, concrete stain isn’t a paint or finish coat. It involves a chemical reaction on cement materials. Typically a water-based solution of hydrochloric acid and inorganic salts, the stain reacts with minerals and lime in the concrete aggregate, and the result of the reaction is coloring. It works on new or old concrete, and is fairly durable if you maintain it with sealer or wax, since it won’t stain or chip. It can also be applied to both interiors and exterior floors. Walkways, bathrooms, entrances, driveways, living rooms and patios are all fair game.
When it’s finished, stained concrete looks a little like marble, but more dappled and less uniform. The concrete will mostly be earthy brown tones, with hints of red and green. It’s possible to make your own tint stain by mixing colors, or applying at dissimilar rates. When you stain a concrete floor, though, don’t expect the stain to be uniform or have an even tone.
