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Concrete Stain Products

Learn about concrete stains and the advantages and limitations of each type, from water-based acrylics to acid-based chemical stains, and what to consider before choosing

Find Concrete Stains

Choosing the Right Stain for the Job

How-To Tips for Applying Stain

Troubleshooting Advice

Common staining issues: Tips from expert Chris Sullivan

Concrete Stain Product Reviews

Polymer Stain creates excitement with color in bold hues

Water-based stain from Smith Paint

Acrylic concrete stain protects and beautifies

Contractors' Favorite Concrete Stains: What they use and why they like them

Related Information

Understanding concrete staining: Pricing, colors, maintenance, and more

Outrageous concrete stain projects

Comparison chart of concrete coloring products

"Floor Me" video series: Watch three videos on staining concrete floors

Other Resources

For many years, decorative concrete contractors have been using acid-based chemical concrete stains to achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather. But today, contractors are no longer limited to earthy shades. Newer products on the market—such as water- and solvent-based dyes—are greatly expanding the artist's palette with colors ranging from soft pastels to vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. And in some cases, these newer stain products are easier and safer to apply.

Concrete stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. Because of concrete's porous qualities, they penetrate and react chemically in the concrete. Concrete stains become a permanent part of the concrete. They're known for their durability and long-lasting color because concrete stains will not fade, chip, or peel off.

Concrete stains are also known for their translucent color. Because of the various conditions of concrete surfaces, concrete stains react differently creating one-of-a-kind color and patterning.