- 1). Examine the bricks to determine if you can stain them immediately, or if the surface will require etching first. A rough, textured surface will take the stain well, but a smooth brick surface will need etching so that the stain will be absorbed into the concrete.
- 2). Apply an etching solution to the concrete brick surface. Mix the solution according to the manufacturer's instruction in a plastic bucket, to the consistency of a thin paste. Brush the solution onto the surface of the bricks. Maintain the moisture of the solution by using a pump-up sprayer to mist water onto the surface. Allow the solution to sit on the bricks for 45 minutes to create an etched texture on the concrete bricks that will absorb the stain.
- 3). Clean the bricks with a pH-neutral concrete cleaner to neutralize and remove the etching solution. Rinse the bricks after cleaning and then clean the surface again. Continuing the clean and rinse cycle until the cleanser stops bubbling when applied to the bricks, indicating that you have completely removed the etching solution. Wait 24 hours for the bricks to dry.
- 4). Fill the sprayer with concrete stain. Select the wide spray setting on the nozzle and then spray the bricks with the stain, beginning in a corner and working your way across the surface to the opposite corner. Use even strokes when applying the stain, taking care not to pool the stain in any one place. Allow the stain to dry on the bricks, revealing the color. Drying times will vary according to weather conditions and temperature and may take up to four hours.
- 5). Apply a second coat of stain if needed. Additional coats will create a deeper color. Wait 24 hours for the stain to dry after the final coat.
- 6). Spray on a layer of concrete sealant using the pump-up sprayer, to seal in the color and protect the bricks from weathering. Wait 24 hours before using the surface.
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