Preparing to Stain

• Concrete stain can be applied to both a new and old driveway. One gallon can cover an area up to 400 square feet. Prior to applying the stain, the driveway should be thoroughly cleaned. In addition to a driveway, the stain can be applied to all types of concrete surfaces, including walls, basement floors and concrete lawn ornaments. You should select the color of stain that complements your house and matches your style.
  
  

Chemical Reaction

• Driveway stain is translucent, unlike paint. There is an acid in the stain that interacts with the limestone of the concrete to alter its color. This color change will not be uniform, but rather have variations in hue that result from the natural differences in the limestone of the concrete. These differences is why concrete stain give the appearance of stone or marble.
  
  

Sealing the Stain

• A sealer applied to the concrete stain protects it from wear and weather. It also adds a shiny satin finish keeping it looking newer longer. Stained concrete is considered a clean and classy, making it an inexpensive project that makes an immediate improvement in a home's appearance.