Looking for recommendations for staining a new concrete walkway.

[ixlr8]

Hi folks, I'm looking for your advice. We are putting in a new concrete walkway and SWMBO doesn't want it concrete white, she would like some color to it. Her first thought was to paint it and quickly decided that paint wouldn't stick very long. I suggested to stain it, she thought that was a good idea. I have no idea what is available for concrete stains, what is a good stain and what I need to avoid. She is looking for a light brown " so that it will blend in with the dirt" is how she put it. The house is near the coast of North Carolina, if that matters. There was also some discussion of putting a sealer on it to protect it long term but she doesn't want it to get slippery. What can you recommend, or point me to some reading to learn more.

Thank you,

Jim

 

[benjy]

Might look into using a color hardener. It's troweled into the finish. I did this instead of epoxy, my finishing crew hadn't done this before but picked it up quickly.

 

[benwah]

Concrete Dyeing has pretty much taken off and improved where acid stain lacked. You can make subtle color changes or have dynamic sharp lines depending on your method of application and how strong you mix the dye. The vendors on here have all of that information.

I prefer to use denatured alcohol as the body to transfer the dye via pump sprayer to the concrete substrate. But most dyes will let you also use acetone and water as well.

Then seal the Concrete with a clear poly. Back roll some anti slip aggregate if you believe there is a slip hazard.

 

[Toolfool]

I have done a bunch of water-based acid stained concrete. Brand I use is Kemiko, several colors available. Top coat is Dayton Superior Tuf-seal J35.
(first photo is my shop floor. second is my generator pad)