My sidewalk and cement porch are 30 yrs old with 2 layers of old paint want to apply cement stain?

how do I prep it don't really care about a smooth lookMy sidewalk and cement porch are 30 yrs old with 2 layers of old paint want to apply cement stain?
Since this is a sidewalk and porch you can experiment some without causing any damage. Do you intend to remove the old paint? I would probably think so since you say you want to apply stain. If you were going to apply more paint you could likely just paint over the old paint. Anyway, if the old paint can't be removed with a pressure washer, it will take some chemicals. Maybe you will have to use both. Commercial paint remover is expensive and your work area may prohibit using it. I would talk to someone in the chemical field to try to find a mild acid that I could buy in quantity at a reasonable cost. Talk to a paint store manager, not a discount outlet like Walmart. If there is a furniture refinishing shop nearby talk to them also. When you apply whatever, you may have to leave it overnight or maybe more than one coat to remove the old paint. Good luck.My sidewalk and cement porch are 30 yrs old with 2 layers of old paint want to apply cement stain?
A good power washer should remove most of the paint, there are chemicals that should remove any stubborn spots, also check at Lowes or do a web search as you may have to apply a chemical that will allow the cement to absorb the stain. Good Luck
STAIN needs to penetrate the concrete, if there's paint on it, satin won't work, it'll come right off.