Q. I would like to know which chemicals can be mixed and sprayed by on the homeowner/gardener and will react to new or reused concrete to act as a permanent natural looking tint. Many years ago I saw it on TV used in a wonderful California designer garden and I want to try this out with a friend. As I recall it was safe to animals and plants and could be put together with chemicals purchased from the local hardware or garden center. It was cheap and a good solution to gray chunks of ugly cement. Hope that you can help! Carol Williams, Gig Harbor, WA
A. I am not familiar with what you saw on TV but it is very possible that the segment you saw made the process of cement staining easier than it really is. Existing concrete must be acid washed, and then the acid must be neutralized. The surface must be free of contaminants like oil stains, dust etc. since the concrete stain actually reacts chemically with the concrete in order to change the color. Anything that gets in the way of the reaction can cause irregular staining patterns. If you are very meticulous and you follow instructions well you may be able to do this yourself, but there is a lot of room for error when staining concrete. The necessary products may be found at your local hardware and garden centers but you may consider have a professional do it for you since they have more experience with the process.