What Is the Condition of the Concrete?

Before you buy a topical coloring product, make sure the concrete you intend to put it on will be a suitable canvas. Most stains and dyes can be applied to new or old and plain or integrally colored concrete or cement-based overlays. But some concrete surfaces aren't good candidates for stains and dyes. And even for those that are, don't expect to achieve identical results on each project, since the characteristics of the concrete (such as age, cleanliness, the quantity of cement in the mix, porosity, and base color) can influence color penetration and, in the case of acid stains, the required chemical reaction.

Here's what to take into account when assessing your concrete substrate:

  • Stains and dyes are intended to enhance rather than disguise the surface. They will not hide cracks, blemishes, or other flaws. Nor will they completely mask an underlying color or conceal the texture of the surface.

  • Color effects will generally be more intense on new concrete than on older or weathered concrete.

  • Dirt, grease, sealers, curing compounds, or other contaminants on the concrete surface can block or inhibit the penetration of stains or dyes, resulting in washed-out color. That's why manufacturers always stress the importance of proper surface preparation and cleaning to ensure successful application of their products. In general, if water beads up on the surface and can't penetrate, neither will a stain or dye.

  • Different batches of concrete can vary slightly on the same job. These, as well as patched areas, may absorb stain or dye differently, resulting in noticeable color variations.

  • Chemical stains may not work on concrete previously cleaned with muriatic acid or other acid washes, because the acid removes the free lime needed for stain reaction. For these surfaces, it's best to use a dye or water-based stain that doesn't rely on a chemical reaction for color development.

If the condition of your concrete is unfavorable for stains or dyes, one solution is to apply an overlay or skim coat to the concrete surface to correct the problem. Harris says that concrete slabs heavily soiled with rust or oil contaminants or with major patching work are examples of where an overlay or skim coat should be used to create a new canvas to work on.

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Product Specials
Products Coloring - Specials - WalttoolsConcrete Stains
$42/gal.
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$35.00 /gal. + 10% OFF
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Products Coloring - Specials - Concrete Dyes (30 colors)Concrete Dyes (30 colors)
$55.00 /gal.
Products Coloring - Specials - Eco-Friendly Concrete StainEco-Friendly Concrete Stain
$41.95 /gal.