Paint and stain have something in common. They both decorate concrete floors. These are the two conventional ways in concrete coloring. What’s the difference? If you plan a flooring make-over and need a satisfying result, this article is for you.
Everything depends on your requirements. Look around your homes and business spaces. You may have limited tools, so which ones are accessible for you. Or, is it time that you are running out of? You need a choice that will help you cut the curing process.
To help you decide what is better for your concrete patio, let us uncover what paint and a stain are.
Painting the Concrete
Let us talk about paint first. This is the most common concrete finishing available. It is more affordable too. Also, there are different types of paint, so this offers you numerous options depending on your flooring use and need.
Types of paint
- Latex Paint (water-based paint)
- Acrylic Paint
- Epoxy Paint (resin enhanced)
- Oil-based paints
Performance of Paint
Let’s get straight to the point. Paint is more economical for you if you need to change the look on floors regularly. Since it’s water-based, you can also adjust how thin or thick the coating you need. In terms of protection, paints, when applied correctly, will protect the surface thoroughly. This can bring either pros or cons.
The film on top of the concrete that the paint produces is advantageous for you if you need pigment replacement after some time. If you need something that will penetrate and offers you a long-lasting coating
The issue with paint is that it does not last that long. Re-applying paint is necessary if you apply it on outdoor floors like the patio. The average duration of pa is up to 3 years. After that time, the issues start to appear incrementally.
If you want something that will penetrate the surface to minimize scaling, flaking, and peeling, there is a more suitable material for you. Here comes concrete staining.
Concrete Staining
Staining creates a distinct effect, texture, and pattern on the floors that paint cannot provide. While staining tops the floors with a thinner layer of coating, it gives a rich tone.
Staining techniques are known for producing brilliant colors on concrete floors. With these features, your patio will best benefit from staining.
There are two standard techniques to achieve a stained floor. One is water-based staining, and the other is acid-based stain, or also called acid-washing concrete floors. Stains penetrate and seep into the substrate that provides the floors a translucent effect, and the look lasts long. It does not fade, peel, or scale.
Types of Staining:
- Water-based Stain. This technique uses water as a carrier of the satin to spread it onto the flooring surface.
- Acid-based Stain. The acid stain creates a natural, mottled look. You can use acid-stain as it is matte texture, or apply a finishing or sealer for a glossy look.
Performance of Stain
For concrete patios that need a stand-out look, staining does more than paint. This is also more suitable if you require that the floors need low-maintenance.
Since patios are exposed outdoors, the floors will encounter extreme damaging elements. Common among these are severe weather, constant foot traffic that brings solid outdoor particles, mud, the debris of sand and dried leaves, and more.
