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Breezeway Restoration with Acid Stain

How to Acid Stain Old and Damaged Concrete Floors

By Jonathan Wiens

April 2021 – $250 Cash Winner

“Florida cement breezeway that was 30 years old, previously stained and sealed with damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Much of the existing finish had worn off in traffic areas, some cement areas were eroded or broken, presence of stucco paint splatters, rust and mold stains and existing etched artwork that needed preservation.”

Colored Concrete Damage

Issues to Deal with

  • Faded and worn existing stain/sealer
  • Splattered stucco paint droppings
  • Faded and worn existing engraved artwork to be preserved and restored
  • Broken and chipped cement
  • Moldy cement
  • Rust-stained cement

Before You Shop
In order to know what you’ll need, you’ll first have to assess the scope of the existing problems and measure the area of breezeway to be stained and sealed. You’ll also need to know whether the existing paint is water- or solvent-based.
Taking time to plan now not only for the materials but for expected weather conditions when you’ll be doing the project will save a lot of hassle later on, when it matters.

Acid Stain Cola & English Red Florida Breezeway
EverStain Trial Kit (Water Sealer)
EverStain Trial Kit
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
English Red EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ English Red
Acrylic Sealer Solvent
Satin Sealer
EverStain DIY Kit
EverStain DIY Kit
EverStain Trial Kit (Water Sealer)
EverStain Trial Kit
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
English Red EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ English Red
Acrylic Sealer Solvent
Satin Sealer
EverStain DIY Kit
EverStain DIY Kit

Step 1. Pre-Preparation

Dip a cotton ball in denatured alcohol and wipe it gently across a painted area. If it picks up color, the paint is water-based; if not, it’s oil- or solvent-based*

Test if Sealer is Water-Based or Solvent-Based with Denatured Alcohol

Verify absorption by pouring a cup of water in various areas.
If not absorbed within 5 minutes, remove existing sealer using a diamond oscillating sander

Remove Sealer with Diamond Oscillating Sander

Also remove any existing stain or paint using the same method*
*Note: If you have any pre-existing artwork painted on your concrete, be careful to not remove it in this step.

Pretest using your EverStain Trial kit to check the color match and results on a small patch

Pre-Test Colors Using EverStain Trial Kit
Cola stain is a closer match, while English Red can add accent highlights

Repair broken concrete and remove any that is mold- or rust-stained by chipping it out

Repair broken concrete
Apply Concrete Patching Compound, sanding down to be flush with the surface about 5 to 8 hours after application
Remove Rust on Concrete Stain
Remove rust from concrete stained surface with a diamond oscillating sander

Step 2. Preparing The Surface

Protect surfaces from stain by masking off walls, doors, adjacent flooring

Masking off walls, doors, adjacent flooring
Masking off walls, doors, adjacent flooring

Use the Foam Brushes to “cut-in” around walls and art objects

Apply EverStain evenly avoiding grout lines

Overspray with a small plastic bottle if you want to eliminate visible brush strokes

Use the Foam Brushes to “cut-in” around walls and art objects.
Use the Foam Brushes to “cut-in” around walls and art objects
Before and After Repairing Old concrete Stain

DIYer Tip: Be patient! Watch the “how to” videos featured on this website. If you have a question don’t be afraid to call or email customer service. They respond quickly, professionally and are very helpful and friendly.

  • If using multiple colors, start with the lighter color first and apply secondary colors while the first is still wet
  • Allow to cure for at least 8 hours, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear
  • Allow to dry thoroughly after rinsing
  • Optional: If there is any artwork to touch up and restore, apply the acrylic paint to it now and allow it to dry per the paint’s instructions
Before and After Photo of Stained Concrete
EverStain Cola base color with English Red for variegated and aged appearance

Step 3. Applying the Sealer

Apply  solvent-based concrete sealer using a pump-up sprayer

Sealed Acid Stained Concrete Breezeway Floor
Bubbles in Acrylic Sealer
Apply Xylene to solvent-based acrylic sealer bubbles

DIYer Tip: “Bubbles may form shortly after spraying. A lite spray of Xylene may allow the bubbles to “pop” … be careful as spike shoes are probably needed at this point … Or wait until it dries.”

Stained Old Hurricane Damaged Concrete Floors
EverStain Cola base color with English Red for variegated and aged appearance
EverStain Cola base color with English Red for variegated and aged appearance
EverStain Cola base color with English Red for variegated and aged appearance