Plain concrete steps aren’t exactly attractive. They are just there — easy and boring. If you have a set of concrete steps, you can enhance the appearance of these and add a little style and thickness by simply improving the fronts of the steps with a small shade. Concrete stain is a very simple way to do this without causing the slippery danger that painted steps creates. The stain includes an acid which causes a chemical reaction using the concrete, etching into the surface and eternally coloring it.
Scrub the steps with a scrub brush and soapy water to remove any debris and dirt. Rinse the surface with a water heater once it’s clean. Let it perform dry for a couple hours before rinsing, but do not allow it to dry out entirely. Water is needed to assist the chemical reaction.
Fill out a garden sprayer using a concrete stain in the shade of your choice. Read the directions and include water accordingly. Place the top on the sprayer and shake to mix everything together. The sprayer needs to be designed to be used with acid solutions.
Cover and tape the tops off of the steps if you don’t want to complete them as well.
Cover the steps using a template pattern or use tape to make a layout if you want.
Spray the steps with the stain, moving the nozzle back and forth across the steps.
Remove the stencil or tape in the steps and allow the stain dry for a couple hours.
Watch for a deposit to build up around the surface of the stained region. When it forms, scrub the surface with soapy water and a brush to remove the residue. Allow the surface dry immediately.
Fill a separate sprayer using a concrete sealant and spray on the front of the steps to maintain the stain over time.
Remove the covering from the tops of the steps after the sealant has dried for a few hours.