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I want to fix up my front porch and want an option that is long lasting, and not expensive but is also non toxic and natural. I have been thinking about choosing poured concrete with a color stain, but learned that you have to wait for a month after pouring the concrete before using many of them, I have also read mixed reviews on some of the stain products and feel it may not turn out that well.There is also a dye that you can put into the concrete mix before you pour it but I think it may be toxic. I also worry about how unhealthy some of the stains may be .
I was interested in finding some non toxic alternatives stains and dyes that preferably can be mixed in while the concrete is being poured. Any suggestions? I know concrete is porous and will easily stain. I was wondering if permanent hair dye might work? Or even shoe polish? I found a site that mentions some other ideas like a garden supply product called iron sulfate.
Does anyone have any experience staining new concrete? It must also have a non slip finish for safety as well. Thanks for any ideas and advice.
Starbucks coffee. Staining concrete is a higher and better use for the stuff.
What a good idea. What flavor do you recommend? lol. Would any other type of coffee work too?
I just did a search and found this article about staining concrete using something called Ironite ( they say it is a mineral supplement for gardening) , starbucks expresso coffee grounds and vegetable oil, http://thriftdee.com/2013/06/how-to-stain-concrete/
But it was on old concrete. Is there something you can use to mix into the concrete before it is poured or is it best to wait about a month before staining?
Last edited by vanguardisle; 03-27-2016 at 08:32 AM..
What a good idea. What flavor do you recommend? lol. Would any other type of coffee work too?
I just did a search and found this article about staining concrete using something called Ironite ( they say it is a mineral supplement for gardening) , starbucks expresso coffee grounds and vegetable oil, How to Stain Concrete « ThriftDee
But it was on old concrete. Is there something you can use to mix into the concrete before it is poured or is it best to wait about a month before staining?
In my experience, you have to wait for the concrete to cure b4 staining. Unless you decide to use one the mix in colors. If I was doing new concrete I would mix in glow in the dark sand and call it done!
In my experience, you have to wait for the concrete to cure b4 staining. Unless you decide to use one the mix in colors. If I was doing new concrete I would mix in glow in the dark sand and call it done!
Serious answer is check with the concrete supplier. they know more about coloring concrete then any of us.
Yes they do know a lot but the question is do they care about non toxic options? They may know what will stain it but maybe not what will stain it and be non toxic as well.
I knew a guy who just mixed latex paint with the cement. It turned out fine. You could also use iron sulfate (rusty red), copper sulfate (blue/green), and elemental sulfur from the garden store. Tea and coffee stain fairly well. At home depot you can get the dry powder you mix with wet cement for lots of colors.
I knew a guy who just mixed latex paint with the cement. It turned out fine. You could also use iron sulfate (rusty red), copper sulfate (blue/green), and elemental sulfur from the garden store. Tea and coffee stain fairly well. At home depot you can get the dry powder you mix with wet cement for lots of colors.
Thank you I have read about iron sulfate but I did not know about copper sulfate or sulfur are they non toxic? Did your friend who mixed paint in with the cement do it before it was poured or did he paint it later on after it dried? I have seen some of the cement colors at Lowes the ones meant to be mixed in before the concrete is poured but besides not having the colors I wanted I worry it will be toxic. The copper sulfate might just be the prettiest option. I love bluegreen.
Has anyone ever worked with milk paint? I wonder if it can be used with concrete mix or stain? I have read it can be used to paint bricks.
Last edited by vanguardisle; 03-29-2016 at 12:43 PM..
You might consider an epoxy coating rather than a stain. I use a Rustoleum product in my basement and garage. It also seals the concrete so you don't get dust.
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