How to Prepare and Stain a Concrete Patio

• 1). Sweep the patio clear of all dust and debris.
  
  
• 2). Remove any old paint by applying a 1-to-1 mixture of automatic dishwashing liquid and water, letting it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then scraping it off. Sweep away any loose paint, and use the wet/dry vacuum to get up any smaller particles and dust.
  
  
• 3). Patch any large cracks or gouges with quick-drying concrete. Use a palm sander to level any patches that stick up, and suck up the dust with the wet/dry vacuum vac.
  
  
• 4). Give the whole patio a thorough washing with 1 cup trisodium phosphate degreaser in four gallons of water. Use the wet/dry vacuum to suck up the dirty water and then rinse the patio with a hose. Let it dry overnight.
  
  
• 5). Start by sweeping your patio again. Mix the acid stain in the bucket according to the manufacturer's directions, and fill the sprayer from there. Use the sprayer to spray the patio with the stain while walking slowly to your right. The second person should follow you with the broom, scrubbing the stain into the concrete.
  
  
• 6). When you reach the right edge, walk to the left putting a second coat of stain on the area you just treated, to remove the broom marks. Then drop back a few feet and spray again from from left to right, with the broom handler following. Repeat until the entire patio is finished, and then let it dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
  
  
• 7). When the curing time has passed, mix baking soda with water and mop the entire patio to stop the acid chemical reaction. One person should mop while the other sucks up the dirty water with the wet/dry vacuum. Do not step on any part of the patio before it has been washed, or you might leave shoe prints in your new stain.
  
  
• 8). Wash the floor this way one to two more times, and then let it dry overnight.
  
  
• 9). Pour some sealer into the paint tray and use the long-handled paint roller to spread it over the stained patio. Let it dry according to the manufacturer's guidelines and then give it a second coat. Let that dry overnight before using the patio.
  
  
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  Optional: You can apply a coat or two of acrylic floor wax the next day, to give your patio an extra layer of protection and shine.