Buyer's Guide to Concrete Stains and Dyes

Find Stains or Dyes

Acid-Based Stains

Water-Based Penetrating Stains

Water- and Solvent-Based Dyes

Gels and Thickeners Give You More Control

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

What color effects do you want to achieve?

What is the condition of the concrete?

Can the product be used for both interior and exterior applications?

How easy is the product to mix and apply?

Are special application tools required?

What is the average coverage rate?

Are safety precautions required during application?

How long is the drying time?

How much cleanup is required?

Related Information:

The Art of Acid-Etch Staining
Concrete Dyes Expand the Color Palette of Concrete Stains
Creating Excitement With Color
Get the Most Out of Your Decorative Concrete Training

More Concrete Product Buyer's Guides

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Ready to take advantage of a color explosion? Here's an overview of the various types of concrete stains and dyes on the market, followed by important questions to ask before choosing a product for your next project. Keep in mind that once you apply stains and dyes, the color is permanent. So whatever product you choose, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area on the surface to be treated to ensure the color and aesthetics are exactly what you're aiming for. Some manufacturers sell small sample sizes of their products or test kits with samples of every color in their line.

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