I was probably done through what they call "acid staining" method. You can do an Internet research on this topic.
The results are always earthly colours (green, brown, red) depending on the chemicals involved.
Liviu

I found mixed imformation concerning "acid staining", "acid etching" before staining, etc. I'm really only interested in a one step process if that is at all possible. I don't want a 3 step process. The TV segment I viewed showed them applying a stain, that's all.

Paul, I watched a Hometime episode where the basement floor was washed, stained, waxed and buffed to be the finished floor. Perhaps the first washing step was called acid etching, dont remember.

Then too, I've seen Curb Appeal episodes where the old front porch was stained; even one where the front sidewalk was stained. Most stains that have a lot of colorant added look like paint because they do, in fact, have paint in the oily stain. I am thinking of Terra Cotta, Cedar Gray, etc.
A clear stain obviously wont do much to change the original concrete color.

When my patio was poured, I had colored 'crete. i.e. the color is thru and thru. One easy and inexpensive way to color your porch, say, is to add a thin layer of colored 'crete atop the old. Chips will show of course, but I imagine it will last longer than concrete paint.

I may experiment in the storage area of my basement just to see if I could get a nice color in old grey concrete. My front porch could use a fix up.
Pondy

I have this book "Landscape Makeovers" an HGTV product. They refer to a concrete "stain" project and then say use exterior concrete "paint"(two coats), also clean first with TSP, so....this probably does not help. Try HGTV.com.

Hmmm... I'm curious about the same thing (staining) for my driveway. Lil Rhody let me know if you find a good solution.

Also, we have a concrete patio that I was thinking of painting a terra cotta color, as a quick, inexpensive way to make it look better. But that comment by pondwelr is making me wonder if it would be best to re-cover with a colored concrete. Is that a easy enough do-it-yourself project?

Hi Paul, try this link, and/or do a search on google or some other search engine for staining concrete with Iron Sulphate.

good luck, linda

Here is a link that might be useful: staining with iron sulphate

I've saved a magazine clip - Southern Living Garden Guide, Spring 2002 - which names Scofield Lithochrome Chemstain. This project used a color called Padre Brown and a darker color (or extra coats of same??) along the score lines. It says the stains that are specifically for concrete actually etch the surface and claims it will hold up well. Two coats are recommended, one gallon covers 150-200 sf with a single coat. Looks very nice in these pics.

tc~

superdeck makes 10 colors, and has some good info and a FAQ

Make sure you check out the photo gallery there's a slab with a geometric design that I want to copy someday.

Here is a link that might be useful: Super Deck Concrete Stains

Superdeck isn't an actual acid stain. It's a paint type product. Check out Kemiko, the Stamp Store, Concrete Depot, Fabcrete to see real acid stains

You can get Concrete Stain at Lowes in about any color you want. I found a Oops for $5 a gallon.
Paws

Lowes doesn't sell real concrete stain. If it's in a metal can, it's not acid stain

here's a clip from www.acidstainconcrete.com

Add to that the fact that unlike others floor finishes, acid stain is translucent. Rather than covering the slab with color, it creates a chemical reaction that transforms the color of the concrete itself. It doesnÂt cover up the imperfections in the slab, it accentuates them.

here are some links
http://www.decorative-concrete.net/stained.php
http://www.kemiko.com/
www.scofield.com
www.elitecrete.com
http://www.concrete-stains.com/
www.askthebuilder.com/219_Concrete_Stains.shtml
www.advancedsurfaces.com/

Just found this thread...Last summer I used Behr Concrete Stain from Home Depot on my concrete front porch. Looks great! Comes in several colors too.

Hey all you guys are really needing to look at my site, www.ngace.com. I can answer all your questions regarding staining concrete. I utilize several processes: Acid; Pigmented; or Dye. I also provide topical treatments in the areans of repair services or, what is called 'Kool-Decking.' I work residential or commercial, interior or exterior. My contact information is on the site. I also have a FAQ page. But if you are in a hurry call me @ 404-290-3198.

This is our garage floor which we stained ourselves about 10 yrs. ago,using H&C stain and a stencil purchased at SW, it's best to clean the concrete first with TSP, rinse good, let dry, then stain, then coat with the H&C clear coat.
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Anyone interested in Kemiko, be VERY careful. I just had a botched job that left my floor looking horrible. It's the FIRST thing people say when they see it "Is it SUPPOSED to look this way". Builder sent in a regional sales rep from Scranton PA for a rehearsed act with the applicator claiming it looked perfect. Once they screw it up you can't really fix it. I'd NEVER use this product again.

What about staining a bunch of 1'x1' concrete pavers? We layed a concrete paver back porch with a couple hundred of them. And they are surrounded by grass that gets watered several times a week. Can I stain them or will they not hold up to getting wet all the time?

If so, how long do they have to dry before I can resume watering again?

Any doubt about staining concrete visit http://www.eafs.ca/.