Is Concrete Staining A Job For A Pro?

It's not so hard to answer this question. It all depends on your skill, if you have the experience and know-how with DIY projects, you can handle this by yourself. Complex projects may be out of your reach at the moment, but that can also change.

Here are a couple of tips or should I say pointers for you to get great results with your project.

Preparation is very important. Even the pros can have problems with this one here and then, but it plays a crucial role. I've explained everything about the preparation on this page.

Right tools are another thing to take care of, especially if you are acid-staining your concrete surface. You will need some good spray equipment there, and good brushed too. I suggest you to not use rollers and mops if you are not experienced. These tools can leave streaks or color and other marks.

Now, on to the more detailed pointers:

1. Be very strict when it comes to preparing the surface.
2. Make a test sample in an area that will not get any traffic. This is the only way to figure out what the finished product will look like. Remember, there is no going back once you're done with staining!
3. If you have a new concrete, the sooner you apply the stain, the more intense the colors will be.
4. Make sure you follow the directions from the manufacturer. There are different products available out there so you need to follow the directions from the product you are currently using.
5. If you want to create various color concentrations, use water. Spray it on the surface before you apply stain or after.
6. You have to expect some imperfections. Staining process rarely offers perfect consistency.
7. You may have some areas that didn't stain properly. Use tint or concrete dye here.
8. If you work with acid-based stains, you have to get rid of all residue before you apply the sealer. Otherwise the sealer won't be able to bond properly. 
9. Apply a sealer, no matter what. It will protect your concrete. And select the one that is compatible, it's best that you buy the stain and the sealer at the same time, so you are sure they are compatible with one another.