Stained Concrete - The Art of Acid-Etch Staining

Learn how to use acid-based chemical stains to impart rich, earth-toned color to plain concrete floors

Find Stained Concrete Contractors

Sample stain colors

Surface preparation

Concrete stain application

Sawing and patterning

Pricing stained concrete

Using dyes and tints

Applying sealer

Cleanup

Chemical stains gain respect

Owner acceptance

Stained Concrete Maintenance

Comparison Chart: Stained Concrete versus Other Flooring Materials

Comparison Chart: Concrete Coloring Products

Related Information:

"Floor Me" Video Series: Watch three videos for stained concrete floor ideas

Common Questions about Concrete Floors: Are they cold? Are they loud? Are they expensive?

Lea acerca de Cemento Manchado en español

Going Green with Concrete Floors

Other Resources:

Find a Stained Concrete Contractor

Find Products: Concrete Stains

Section Sponsor

Kemiko Concrete Floor Stain - Section Sponsor
Concrete Floor Stains

Stained Concrete Floor Pictures

Kemiko Decorative & Industrial Floor Finishes
in Whittier, CA
Narrows Construction
near Olympia-Tacoma, WA
Custom Crete Creations
in Breaux Bridge, LA
Narrows Construction
near Olympia-Tacoma, WA
Concrete Masters
in Atlanta, GA
Rhodes Landscaped Design, Inc
in Sacramento, CA
Concrete Solutions Plus, Inc.
in Denver, CO
A1 TriState
near New York City, NY
Spektrem Concrete Decorative Systems
in Palm Desert, CA
Owens Concrete Staining and HDCStainers.com
in Oklahoma City, OK

Staining concrete is one of the most popular applications for transforming concrete slabs. Often referred to as colored concrete, homeowners, designers and builders are drawn to stained concrete because of the unique outcome that can be achieved combining colors, application techniques, etc., on cement flooring and other substrates. The results are limited only by the creativity of those involved in the stained concrete process.

Tips and Facts About Concrete Floor Staining

Find more information about staining concrete including all the basics to transform new or existing concrete. Here's a sample of topics you'll find:

How do stains work
Can all concrete be stained
Special effects with stains
Cost of stained concrete
Maintaining stained concrete
Much more...

Because of concrete's porous qualities and neutral tone, it is the perfect blank canvas for topically applied color. Using acid-based chemical stains, decorative concrete contractors have been able to achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather, giving a completely custom look to cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more.

Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Like stains for wood, acid-based stains are translucent and the color they produce will vary depending on the color and condition of the substrate they are applied to. Each concrete slab will accept the stain in varying degrees of intensity, creating natural color variations that bring character and distinction to each project. What acid stains don't offer is a broad color selection. You'll mostly find them in a limited array of subtle earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens. But newer products on the market such as water-based penetrating stains and water- and solvent-based concrete dyes are greatly expanding the artist's palette with colors ranging from soft pastels to vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and purples.

Acid Staining Information: By Joe Nasvik