Jack of all trades and master of none

Well it has finally happened!  I got concrete for a back patio.  I love it and it is going to be beautiful.  I have been working hard to get it stained and sealed and this is a chore for sure.  I decided that with all of the traffic from the kids in and out of the pool and the dog taking a short cut across it, I should probably go with a red mud look.  I choose cola for the color.  I know, I know sounds like it should be a brown color but it really has a red tint to it.  If you are going to try to do this yourself "for really" (that is what my nephew Maddix says) you should glove up and do not wear flip flops.  The concrete was new and untreated so everything went fairly smooth.  

Step 1:  First I washed off the concrete with just water and let it FULLY dry before applying any stain.  I did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions on this subject and some people say wet the concrete and stain while still wet.  I did that on one of the places and I did not like it.  The stain was not as dark.  I wanted mine very dense.  So I let it dry before I started again.  Keep in mind that the dark will NOT fade so if you are not sure on what you want go light first and you can always go with a second coat.  

Step 2:  Mix the stain.  I used a garden sprayer with no metal parts because the acid will corrode it.  I went off in the grass to do the mixing.  I mixed 2 parts stain to 1 part water.  If you want it lighter change up your ratio.  

Step 3:  Start at the top and work your way down.  Make sure you have an exit plan before you start your project because if you walk on the stain your feet prints will be in there for EVER.  I had on flip flops when I first started spraying and got a drop on my foot and it burns so make sure you wear the proper foot wear.  When you begin spraying go in circular motions for a random pattern.  If you want something more structured do some research before you start.  Let this dry for about 5 hours.   I had some spots that were not as dark as I wanted so I went over it again with a second coat.  

Step 4:  VERY IMPORTANT STEP!  Neutralize.  You have to neutralize the acid on the concrete.  I had a 5 gallon bucket and measured 2 cups of ammonia and the rest water.  Dump this mixture over the floor and let set for another 5 hours.  I brushed it in with a shop broom.  After letting it dry, I repeated the process again to insure it was fully neutralized.  Once it was dry Lincoln and I cleaned it off with water and the broom.  You have to do this to get off all of the residue before you seal it. 

Loving the color

Step 5: Seal it up.  Depending on the look you are going for will depend on the sealer you get.  I want my to look wet all of the time so I am going with a Diamond Seal.   Do not do this in the heat of the day or you will have bubbles.  Evening is best and make sure you are applying it in a very thin layer.  I rolled the first layer North and South and the second layer East and West.  Don't be alarmed when the roller starts looking a little cotton candy.  I panicked but it dissolved.  You need to let this dry for at least 8 hours in between layers.  I would recommend doing this in the fall as well because it was pretty hot!

One proud moment 

The Show Barn Cook ~ Dusty
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important
Develop from the negatives
Capture the good times
and if things don't work out take another shot.