ᐅ Concrete block steps stained – What to do?

Created on: 10 Jul 2021 16:41
M
MKK_SE92
Hello forum community,

For our new build, we constructed an 11-step block staircase ourselves. We chose Diephaus steps in dark anthracite because we liked the look.

Unfortunately, after only six months, the staircase already looks far from attractive and is discolored. See attached photo. Does anyone know a trick to restore the steps to their dark color? A simple question, but is it even possible to paint something like this?

So far, we have tried:
- Neutral cleaner + brush
- Mellerud concrete intensive cleaner + brush

Best regards,
Sebastian

Gray stone stairs made of slabs, blue construction bucket on top, gravel around the steps.
tomtom7914 Jul 2021 12:47
That will always remain the case. We have a wall made of exposed concrete blocks. They chalk up and discolor.

The manufacturer, of course, covered themselves in advance.
Climbee14 Jul 2021 14:09
This is normal with concrete – sometimes it is even intentionally used as a design element to give the concrete a "living" appearance. If you don't want this, you will need to paint or seal it. The question is how practical this is for outdoor areas. I would accept the aging of the concrete as a natural process. And if you really dislike it, you could possibly cover it with tiles, which will remain unchanged.