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To keep your stamped concrete surfaces shiny, experts recommend resealing them every two or three years. Regularly cleaning your stamped concrete (at least twice per year, as part of routine maintenance) is another way to increase its sheen. Also, if you notice any spills or leaks, you should clean your stamped concrete as soon as possible to preserve its shine and prevent long-term damage.

Concrete discoloration is when some or all of the concrete has a different color than its intended shade. It could be dirty, stained, or have issues from installation, such as improper curing or inconsistent finishing. You can fix concrete discoloration in various ways, such as cleaning the surface, painting it, or resurfacing it. To prevent concrete discoloration, hire a pro who has experience with your type of project, whether it’s a garage floor, patio, or porch.

Concrete stain should last for five to 20 years, depending on the type of stain you use. Acid-based concrete stains can last up to 20 years if they’re well-maintained, though you'll do well to reseal the concrete every few years. Water-based concrete stains will last about five years before the color begins to fade, especially on outdoor concrete projects that see UV light, rain, and snow. Most homeowners reseal their stained concrete every three to five years to maintain the color, regardless of the type of stain they used.

You can dry pour concrete over existing concrete, but it’s best to use wet pour concrete instead. Dry pour concrete is easier to apply, but in order for new concrete to adhere to old concrete, it needs the right mixture for slow, uniform curing. Additionally, dry pour concrete is less durable and less resistant to cracking and concrete sinking, so dry pouring over an existing slab may result in surface imperfections appearing prematurely.