Concrete Stains Used to Color Waterfalls & Spillways

Problem:
When creating a faux wood concrete boat, that doubles as a hot tub, getting the color right can be difficult. Tie this in with coloring the spillway into the pool, and you have some unique coloring challenges.

Solution:
Scott Cohen, president of The Green Scene in Chatsworth, Calif., is known for his creative backyard adventure designs. This Swiss Family Robinson themed backyard incorporated a faux wood concrete boat that serves double duty as a spa, a large handcarved faux rock concrete pool slide with a cave beneath it, and more.

Cohen shared some insight into the concrete products that he relies on. When it comes to stains, Cohen prefers to use specific colors from certain manufacturers. "There are different colors of tan that are more consistent by one company over another. I like a certain company's brown or another company's tan."

For the faux wood concrete boat, Cohen used Triple S stains and Brickform. "I like Triple S Stains jade moss color to pour down spillways and waterfalls. We typically use them uncut." Cohen used jade moss and the color walnut brown to create the water spill over the side of the boat into the pool. "We pour them at the same time and let them spill over the side," says Cohen. This technique creates the look that water has been spilling over an area for years resulting in a weather, antiqued look.

Recommendations by Scott Cohen, The Green Scene

Check out products featured in this article: Brickform

Vintage America Acid Stain Organic, antique patina, deep penetrating reactive stain.

Acid Stain by Surfkoat Makes up to 2 gallons. Great for marble look.

Stain-Crete by Increte 9 standard colors. Useful for old or new concrete.

Elements® Transparent Concrete Stain Water-based, environmentally and user-friendly

Concrete Stain + Sealer in One Waterproof, strengthen, preserve and beautify in one step

Concrete Acid Stain BRICKFORM Blush-Tone Acid Stain available in 10 standard colors

In-Fluence Water-Based Stain 24 non-reactive colors that transform concrete.