On a new concrete slab, how long must you wait before you can acid stain it? -John

Hi John,

You should allow the concrete to cure thoroughly before staining or finishing, to allow any excess water in the slab to evaporate. The instructions with most acid stains (as well as concrete sealers and coatings) say to wait at least 28 days after pouring a slab before finishing it, with some recommending as long as 60 days. However, a lot depends on the consistency of the concrete and the weather conditions.

• If the concrete mix was stiff without too much water in it, the temperature was over 65° F during and after the slab was poured, and there has been little rain; you may be able to stain it in as little as 18 days.
• If the temperature was under 65° F, the concrete mix was soupy, or there’s been a lot of rain, I would wait 30-45 days before staining.

Good luck with your project,

Further Information

• How to Score and Acid Stain a Concrete Slab (video/article)
• How to Color Concrete When Pouring a Driveway (video)

Tags: , acid stain, concrete, slab, stain, staining