How do I prepare concrete for staining?
Water TestSplash water onto the surface of the concrete you wish to stain. If there are patches on the concrete that don’t absorb the water, then there may be oil or caulking that will also block stain from being absorbed.Clean the SurfaceStrip the concrete of any impurities if the water test fails. Sand down the concrete with a buffer or by hand. Use 100-grit sandpaper. Use an acrylic-based filler to fill in any holes and cracks in the concrete. The acrylic is stainable, but the patch will not completely blend in with the rest of the concrete.Wash the ConcreteScrub the concrete with water and a nonacidic mild detergent.
