Concrete patio

[1QWK96GT]

Hello guys I am having a concrete patio poured tomorrow. I really want color, I don't want the standard grey concrete. I was curious which is better. Buy a gallon of stain at Home Depot and stain the grey concrete. Or buy the liquid dye and mix it in and pour he concrete a color? I'm looking for a tan earth tone pad.

Thanks,

 

[03cobra#694]

If you're doing it yourself, stain about 30 days later. It's hard to get dye packs correct unless you have experience.

 

[1QWK96GT]

I have a "concrete guy" who is doing it. I am not attempting it. He told me he would just go the stain route from Home Depot instead of mixing the color in dye.

 

[1QWK96GT]

I guess it's integral color vs topical color stain.
Is the question of which one is better.

 

[STAMPEDE3]

Topical. It can be fixed, changed, etc....
If you mix it in the concrete and don't like it you're screwed.

 

[IronSnake]

Topical. It can be fixed, changed, etc....
If you mix it in the concrete and don't like it you're screwed.

I gotta agree with the Boss here, it makes better sense to stay safe.

 

[1QWK96GT]

Thanks guys. I ended up going with regular ol' grey concrete. I will stain/paint it later. I initially picked a color with surface color hardener and liked the idea it strengthen the surface but was nervous I might not like the color. With stain I can change the color many times. AWESOME. thats the route I will take

 

[PoohBear]

Post before and after pictures once complete and painted. Would like to see how this comes out. My parents are thinking of doing this to their place.