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How to remove COLORED concrete stain

by Diana
(Staten Island, NY)

Q. Our homes' previous owner stained their concrete patio (about 40x60) with a colored concrete stain, I believe by Behr. However, they did not do it correctly; no primer before or sealer afterwards. So what we are left with is a dirty, chipping and slippery-when-wet patio that is a major eyesore. How do we remove the stain? We tried a stain remover designed for masonry(more so for rust, tar etc.) and no luck. We went as far as to pour paint remover on it and again, no luck. Power washing didn't work either. We are really at our wits end - what do we do? We want the original look of good ol' concrete back - how do we achieve this? We simply cannot find a solution anywhere!

A. The best method other than grinding the surface completely off is to use a product called SOY Gel. It's a gel so it won't run off as you apply it. It the evening when the sun goes down, spread it evenly across the surface and work it in a little with a push broom. Then immediately cover it with plastic sheeting and let it sit over night. Then power wash it the next morning. This will get rid of the "stain" and won't harm the surrounding plant life.

SOY Gel is fairly expensive and can only be purchased online or at contractor supply stores.

Once the colored stain is removed, you should apply a clear, solvent based acrylic sealer to protect the concrete from the elements.