Clarifying "Staining" the Front Walkway!

Let me "Clarify" something that came up in a conversation on "Hometalk". I posted pictures of my "Staining" the Front walkway and there was one reply this morning that, to be fair, was just informational. It bothered me all day though, and I couldn't help but feel a bit low about it. I discussed it with Mr. Man and realized that the reason it was bothering me was not the comment ... but making sure that I did not give out information to all of you, that was not the RIGHT information!

This was the comment on Hometalk.

Let me backtrack ... I saw an episode on HGTV Curb Appeal that talked about Staining concrete and how it would seal and protect it. (In researching "Concrete Staining" for this post)  I found a clip of the episode that started my interest in staining my porch and walkway.

 (In case you cannot see the clip for any reason I have included the link below)

http://www.hgtv.com/video/prettier-walkways-driveways-video/index.html

I, then, went to Menard's over the weekend to purchase my product. Yes, I was giddy with excitement. (Just ask Amazing daughter about all the cell pics I sent her!) The whole purchase (to do my 200 square feet of porch and walkway) including 1 gallon of "Concrete Stain", roller, and anti-skid additive was $32.69. Low cost for a big change!

You can read my post {here} if you missed the original post.

I read the instructions on the can but thought I would double check the HGTV.com website and ... Yes, it was almost identical to the can. Out I went to change my walkway for some curb appeal :) 

Then came the comment and I needed to do some research!

Here is what I learned about Acid - Staining concrete ...

1. All Things Concrete talks about the state your concrete is in will have an effect on the final outcome of the look.

2. I went to a few websites that sold the acid - stain products and the cost of a gallon was $42.10 on sale. That does not include the cost of sprayer, baking soda needed to neutralize the acid, sealer and anti - skid additive you will need.

3. The drying time was "several hours" on the Kemiko.com and on Solcrete.com  they stated 2 - 4 hours.

4. The Acid needs to be neutralized with Baking soda which is another step in the process.

5. You will have to seal it every couple of years depending on Sun exposure and temperatures and since you won't want it to be slippery, you will want to add an anti - skid additive.

I said all of this to say ...  My concrete is in fair condition but I wanted to enhance it rather than highlight any imperfections. I wanted something that was fast, easy, and inexpensive. In spite of the fact that  I  didn't know all this info before I started my project, I stand behind the decision I made! Even, if I may  have to spend 2 hours in upkeep every 365 days. :) The guy who made the comment was right ... they are not the same ... but the choice is now yours to choose what is best for you.

I guess time will tell how well my concrete "stain" will hold up, but if there is enough interest, I can do another follow up blog post after a Minnesota winter :)  Thank you for letting me get all informational with you all to clear up any misunderstandings.

Hugs,

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