Artistry in Concrete: Stencil Techniques for Captivating Designs
By Justin Richardson
From Plain to Patterned: A front porch’s journey through a creative makeover, where meticulous stenciling turns bland concrete into a stunning tapestry of designs a Pebble Patio Stencil, making a statement entrance.
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 650 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
We had such a great experience with your products–we were feeling so disappointed when the concrete company poured the new section of our patio and it was so mismatched! We just didn’t know what we were going to do. Luckily I spent some time on line looking for a solution and came across Direct Colors!! Then the process began with your great idea of having a little sampling package to see if it would look like we wanted it to with your stains, etc. Direct Colors products were the answer to our dilemma and it really looks great! We get constant compliments from friends, family and neighbors. Also, your customer service was a great help. Most times you’re just ‘on your own’ trying to figure things out. It was great having some guidance with our product purchases. All in all, this was a good home-owner experience! Thank you all again! - Personal Tips:
We’d advise that you do not put on the sealer in weather that is in the high 80’s or more. Unfortunately, it got into the 90’s when we were at the end of our second coat of sealing and the next day we noticed some bubbling in a couple of areas. We were able to fix them when it got cooler. - Direct Colors Products Used:
Antiquing™ Trial Kit ( Charcoal, Light Charcoal & Silver Gray)
5 Gal. Gray Antiquing™ & EasySeal™ Gloss Kit - Other Products Used:
Pebble Patio Stencil
White acrylic paint
See how a customer turned a cracked patio into a beautiful space with a faux flagstone design and black EverStain™ acid stain. A simple tape and stain approach made all the difference!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 20 days (weather)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 300 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Porch built ~3 years back and could never decide between lumber flooring or $$ pouring slab until I got referred to a concrete worker with a reasonable estimate who assured me of a ‘slick’ finished floor (I know, when wet, etc. but I wanted a smooth finish. He hand troweled the final pass) . Once the floor was poured internet searches for ideas led to this page https://directcolors.com/diy/concrete-patio-ideas/
The faux flagstone got me. Never the artistic type ever, I had to try this. Little over a month cure time, taped it off…Coffee Brown walk way, English Red border, Malayan Buff and mixtures in the ‘stones’, all EverStain™ Acid Stain, Easy Seal top coats. To say I’m well pleased with the outcome would be a major understatement.
ps. One quart container of sealer came damaged and an email to Customer Service had a replacement on my doorstep in a couple days! Direct Colors is the go to for this type of project. - Personal Tips:
Some colors (on my floor English Red) will overpower everything else losing the contrasting tones I desired for this project….note that I used a spray bottle, and yep it bled over everywhere even though I thought I was going light. Were I to do this again, I’d use a brush and LIGHTLY keep it in the borders even if multiple passes were necessary. This is only if you’re wanting to see a dramatic color difference at borders.
I attempted to clean up the border bleed over with a Scotch Brite pad/ ammonia solution only to discover a remarkable lightening of color …touched up with stain again to find just enough mineral content left to return much of the contrast I desired. Patience with a project of this nature pays off!
Spike shoes are mandatory! - Direct Colors Products Used:
1 Gal. Coffee Brown EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Gloss Kit
1 Gal. Malayan Buff EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Gloss Kit
16 Oz. OxiGrip™ Slip-Resistant Additive (5-gallon mix)
Concrete Chic: Bathroom’s Faux Wood Makeover
See how a bathroom floor was turned from plain concrete to stylish faux wood with Gorilla Duct Tape, and Coffee Brown ™ stain. A simple but stunning transformation!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 2 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 144 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
I started out consulting Ashli (my wife) on what size tile look we wanted. It was between 6×24 and 8×24, we ended up doing 8×24 so save us from having to do more lines, which brings me to the lines. Ashli and I had a science experiment with tape and which wouldn’t bleed through the stain under the tape, we tried 4 different types of tape and ended up on gorilla duct tape. I cut it down to ¼ in the best I could. I measured out and chalked lines and we laid the tape down in the tile design. I used our coffee brown stain and went to town, staying up till 1 am due to having to neutralize the acid stain and clean it. Pulling up the tape was the most satisfying part due to being able to see no bleed through and all mostly crisp lines. I decided to leave the lines the natural concrete color so it would offset the dark brown well. After the second of sealer last night I can say I’m really happy how this came out! - Personal Tips:
Test test test, use a inconspicuous area to find out if you can do what you want. Take your time, and don’t wipe with straight lines, go in circles. - Direct Colors Products Used:
1 Gal. Coffee Brown DIY EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Gloss Kit
1 Gal. ProWax Polish™ Gloss
Flagstone Fix: Reviving a Cracked Patio
See how a customer turned a cracked patio into a beautiful space with a faux flagstone design and black EverStain™ acid stain. A simple tape and stain approach made all the difference!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 2 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
My patio had a crack right across it. I tried repairing it by filling it. Then by cementing over it. No matter what it looked ugly. I saw the faux flagstone idea on your web site. Taped the design. Used black acid stain. Looks better! - Personal Tips:
Using sprayer is very easy. Make sure that you tape all around. It gets everywhere! - Direct Colors Products Used:
1 Gal. Black DIY EverStain™ & AcquaSeal™ Gloss Kit - Other Products Used:
None. Water to rinse. Sprayer. Masking tape.
Porch Perfection: A Stencil-Stained Masterpiece
Check out our customer’s amazing transformation of a 10×12 ft porch using stencils and acid stains. Get inspired with simple tips on how you can create a stunning look for your own porch!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 120 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Had an addition to the house and included a covered screen in porch of 10×12 ft. Decided to stain the concrete and add a stencil. Used a Modello stencil on the project and multiple color stains for the overall look. - Personal Tips:
For some reason only the English red had issues with bleeding through the stencil. We also left the inside of the stencil without stain as the contrast was nicer than trying to add another color. I taking the time to lay the stencil out is key. I used a sponge to apply the colors to the stencil and a sprayer to stain the border. Also, do not judge your work until after the sealer is applied as it really helps the colors show. Overall, it was a fun project. I would do it again. - Direct Colors Products Used:
1 Gal. Desert Amber DIY EverStain™ & AcquaSeal™ Satin Kit
1 Qt. Malayan Buff EverStain™
1 Gal. Desert Amber EverStain™
4 Oz. Azure Blue EverStain™
4 Oz. Avocado EverStain™
4 Oz. English Red EverStain™ - Other Products Used:
Modello Stencil- Bradbury CC101 Custom Carpet & Ceiling Stencil 6x6ft.
Custom Carpet Design: Bird Stencil Magic
See how a customer made their porch special with our DecoGel™ acid stain colors and a bird themed stencil. It’s concrete that looks just like a fancy rug!