In the past, people seeking style have often opted to paint concrete surfaces. Particularly in the 1950s and `60s, patios, garages and basement recreation rooms sported bright-colored paint to disguise fundamentally functional surfaces. But paint, as you know, can sometimes need lots of attention. Paint sits atop the concrete and covers the natural surface texture. Since the paint does not penetrate the concrete surface, it can eventually fail because of the substrate's inherent moisture. In fact, SherwinWilliams' experts report that concrete's moisture content rarely dips below 15 percent, even in existing installations.

Thus, as moisture attempts to escape the opaque coating, it forces cracks, peeling and blistering in the coating film. The traditional definition of a stain is a "transparent or semi-transparent solution or suspension of color matter in a vehicle designed to color a surface by penetration without hiding it." And for this reason, today's concrete stains offer some definite aesthetic and performance benefits. Concrete stains penetrate the porous surface and add color without hiding the concrete's natural texture. These penetrating coatings shift with the concrete and allow the substrate to breathe. - DecorativeConcreteInstitute.com

Tingley Concrete Construction has the experience and skill needed to create any custom graphic design for your home or office. The designs, patterns or symbols available are unlimited.