2 products, shipped nationwide
Concrete Stains
Concrete stains and dyes for coloring interior and exterior slabs, overlays and polished concrete. Used by decorative concrete contractors who want color in the concrete rather than a film sitting on top of it.
Concrete Stains
2 products · $59.95 to $69.17
Concrete Stain In-Fluence by Duravel
Semi-transparent water-based concrete stain in six UV-stable colors, for interior or exterior concrete and cementitious overlays.
$69.17
SKU 1704
Acetone Exterior Dye
Semi-transparent acetone concrete dye in 15 colors that penetrates for an acid-stain patina without the cure and rinse wait.
$59.95
SKU 1367
Stain follows the slab, and that is the point
A stain colors the concrete itself instead of covering it. That is the appeal and also the risk, because a stain follows whatever is in the slab. Variation, patches, old repairs, adhesive residue and grinding marks all become part of the finished look. On a good slab that reads as depth and character. On a poor one it reads as a mistake.
So the preparation is the design work. Everything the stain will reveal has to be dealt with before the color goes down, and every step of the grind has to be finished, because a stain will not hide a scratch pattern. Any residue that blocks penetration, including old sealers and curing compounds, has to come off entirely or you get a floor with a light patch exactly where the residue was.
Solvent carried dyes and reactive stains behave differently. A dye in acetone penetrates and the solvent flashes off fast, which gives strong color and a fast working pace but demands a solvent rated sprayer and real ventilation. Application technique shows in the result, since overlapping passes and stopping mid-floor both leave marks.
Exterior use adds UV to the equation. Not every colorant holds up in direct sun the same way, so confirm what a product is rated for before putting it on a patio.
Stain is not a wear surface. Color goes on, then a sealer or a coating goes over it to protect it. Confirm that the sealer you plan to use is compatible with the stain, and sample the whole stack, since a sealer changes how a stained floor looks and usually darkens it.
What to check before you order
- Finish all grinding and preparation before staining, since stain reveals every scratch and repair
- Remove old sealers and curing compounds completely, because they block penetration and leave light patches
- Confirm the stain is suitable for exterior use if the slab sees direct sun
- Use a solvent rated sprayer for acetone based dyes, and plan ventilation
- Sample the full stack of stain plus sealer, since the sealer changes and usually darkens the color
Concrete Stains: common questions
What is the difference between a concrete stain and a concrete dye?
Concrete dyes are finely ground colorants carried in a solvent that penetrate the surface and deliver strong, uniform color quickly. Reactive stains chemically react with the concrete to produce variegated, mottled tones. Dyes give more control and color range, while reactive stains give a more natural stone-like variation.
Does concrete stain hide imperfections?
No. Concrete stain penetrates rather than covers, so it follows and often emphasizes the slab's existing character, including patches, old repairs, adhesive residue and grinding marks. All preparation must be complete before staining, because the stain will reveal anything left unfinished rather than hide it.
Do you need to seal stained concrete?
Stained concrete needs a sealer or coating over it, because the stain itself provides color rather than protection or wear resistance. Confirm the sealer is compatible with the stain, and sample the combination first, since a sealer normally darkens and enriches the stained color.
Can concrete stain be used outdoors?
Some concrete stains and dyes are formulated for exterior exposure and others fade under direct ultraviolet light, so check what the specific product is rated for before using it on a patio or driveway. Exterior stained slabs also need a sealer chosen for exterior use.