Concrete Stains & Dyes

Concrete Dyes and Stains

Concrete dyes and stains can substantially bump up your cement surface’s appearance. Introducing color is a smart way to add visual interest or coordinate with existing design details.

You can find various tones to suit your style preferences. We have water-based stains and acetone dyes, and we also offer sample kits, so you can preview color options before you commit. Once your dye or stain has dried and set, it’s important to follow up with an appropriate sealer to ensure a vivid, longer-lasting look.

Shop our concrete dyes and stains, sample kits, and sealer products now. With these supplies, you can transform a basic cement surface into a stunning focal point.

All concrete stains are penetrating stains that change the color of a floor by penetrating concrete substrate. They can be acid or water-based, and are also UV stable, making them the perfect choice for outdoor floors and areas that will be exposed to lots of sunlight. Concrete stains are often used instead of other floor coatings, such as epoxy. A garage epoxy floor, for example, will last for a few years before it begins to chip, but stained concrete will last even longer. 

Concrete dyes are water or solvent-based and are ideal for indoor floors. Both concrete dye powder and liquid can be diluted to create a watercolor effect or used at full strength to create more vibrant tones. Solvent-based concrete dyes are made up of smaller particles that penetrate concrete once they are applied, creating vibrant color saturation. The color of the dye seeps into the pores of the concrete and is almost as long-lasting as a concrete stain. One of the downsides of using concrete dye is that there is little room for error because the dye is absorbed so quickly. 

Concrete stains and dyes are both used to enhance the appearance of concrete surfaces, but they achieve this in slightly different ways:

Concrete Stains:

Stains penetrate the concrete surface and react chemically with the minerals present, creating natural-looking translucent tones that mimic the look of natural stone or wood. They come in two main types:Acid-based stains: These stains contain acid, usually a combination of hydrochloric acid and metallic salts. They react with the lime content in the concrete to produce color. Acid stains typically produce rich, variegated tones and can create a mottled or marbled appearance on the surface.

Water-based stains: Water-based stains use pigments instead of acid to provide color. They offer a wider range of color options and are often easier to apply and less toxic than acid stains. Water-based stains can produce more consistent colors and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.Dyes are non-reactive solutions that penetrate the pores of the concrete surface to impart color. Unlike stains, dyes do not chemically react with the concrete; instead, they are absorbed into the material, resulting in more uniform and vibrant colors. Concrete dyes are available in both solvent-based and water-based formulations.

Solvent-based dyes: These dyes typically penetrate deeper into the concrete and dry quickly. They are often used for outdoor applications or when a fast-drying time is desired.

Water-based dyes: Water-based dyes are more environmentally friendly and have lower VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions compared to solvent-based dyes. They offer a wide range of colors and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Both stains and dyes can be used on both new and old concrete surfaces, including floors, countertops, patios, driveways, and more. The choice between stains and dyes depends on factors such as the desired color, the level of control over the final appearance, and the application method. Additionally, proper surface preparation and sealing are essential for achieving the best results and long-lasting durability.