[Flyers999]

I was going to put this in the DIY forum but I don't really want to do it myself, however it's such a small job I might have to.
I don't want my entire driveway painted, but the cement walkway to my front door looks pretty bad.
I watched a couple videos on youtube and it doesn't look real easy if you haven't done it before. I know one has to pressure wash it the night before. Any other suggestions?

[CarlR33]

Consider if not done right then it will have to be removed by the professional and maybe cost you more in the long run. Do you have another area that needs done like patio or garage and combine it with that? Have you even got an estimate or are you assuming a contractor wont do it being a small size, etc.

[villagetinker]

You do NOT ever use paint on concrete, you use STAIN, I highly recommend going to Sherwin Williams and getting Xylene based concrete stain, we had this used on our driveway, lanai, and birdcage and has lasted for over 9 years.

[kingofbeer]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

You do NOT ever use paint on concrete, you use STAIN, I highly recommend going to Sherwin Williams and getting Xylene based concrete stain, we had this used on our driveway, lanai, and birdcage and has lasted for over 9 years.

I would leave concrete alone. The residents here are putting "lipstick on a pig by painting or staining" concrete. Do you ever see the concrete sidewalks in The Villages painted or stained? In the past, I have used a product to stain the concrete floor in the garage which worked well. Brick pavers are are more expensive but are better alternative for the driveway and walkways.

[Flyers999]

I want to thank those who replied to this thread. Appreciate the suggestions. Three thumbs up.

I decided to put down an outdoor rug. Most of the discoloration of the cement was within 26 inches from the front door. Here's a before and after. The power washer said he could get rid of the discoloration, but he couldn't.

It's not perfect but it looks better than it did. The alternative was to paint the walkway and the entire driveway. There's one house in the neighborhood that just has the walkway painted and it clashes with the unpainted driveway.

[villagetinker]

Interesting, it looks like you have a drainage problem. I would take a level and see which way the concrete is sloped; the staining looks like to is due to standing water. If the roof drains to this area, you might want to consider the installation of gutters if you do not have any in this area. if you do, I would also look into why the water is getting into this area.