So last week I started acid staining our back patio. I finished staining and just needed the patio to dry so I could seal it. Before I got the chance to stain we had 7 days of torrential downpour.

We've finally had some dry weather and today while I was at work the wife let the kids play in the backyard. Unfortunately, I now have shoe, broom etc. marks in may stain. I used the broom to try and brush out the shoe marks and the stain color can be brushed right off.

So.. should the stain be coming off this easy? Again, I haven't had a chance to seal, but I figured the stain would be a little more permanent. Now it looks like the patio has been worn down in a few places.

Couple of quick factors:
Concrete was poured 6mos ago.
Used Scoffield Acid stain.





[This message has been edited by Driver8 (edited 9/27/2010 7:53p).]

The stain should not come off that easy, it becomes part of the concrete (although it does not react very deep.) No that familiar with that specific brand, but it sounds like the stain didnt react with the concrete. Some of the following reasons could be why:

1) concrete was already sealed
2) concrete was not clean enough
3) stain was reduced too much
4) etching solution was used before acid staining

Depending on the reason, you can try to stain it again. H&C Infusion is a stronger stain, or you can add about 8 oz per gallon of acid to it to make it stronger. Sometimes either of those can help.

Did you wash the residue off after you got done staining?

Sounds like you might have to re-stain it. But you will have to bring the base concrete back to a clean finish (no shoe marks, etc) or else the debri, blemishes will show. That will take more than a broom obviously.

FYI, stained concrete is generally not good for exterior application, especially if not covered. It becomes a maintenance issue having to reseal (every 2-3) years and once it is chipped cracked or wears off you will see the "raw" concrete color beneath.

Integrally-colored concrete might be better.