Dyes are preferred for those burnished and polished surfaces that are going to be hard for stains to effectively penetrate. This often comes into play in commercial flooring and custom concrete countertops as those surfaces are often highly burnished or polished.
What is the best color to stain concrete?
The most popular concrete stain colors are:
- Brown.
- Gray.
- Tan.
- Green.
- Terra cotta.
- Blue.
Can I stain my concrete a different color?
The short answer is, yes. Acid stain will work on any concrete, colored or gray. The big difference will be the final color. With plain gray concrete, you can more accurately predict what the final color will be.
What stains concrete permanently?
Acid staining is a chemical reaction that permanently changes the color of the concrete surface. If you want to stain old concrete, using a true acid stain is always the best option.
Is it better to dye or stain concrete? – Related Questions
Do you have to seal concrete after staining?
To prolong stain life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer (outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to the surface and enhancing color intensity.
Does concrete staining last?
Although concrete stain is permanent and won’t flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure.
Does anything stain concrete?
There are two types of concrete stain to choose from: acid-based and water-based. Acid-based formulas for are long-lasting and resistant to fading. They react chemically with the concrete to create a permanent chemical bond. This means it will not peel or chip and help produce a natural-looking finish.
Will an oil stain become permanent on concrete?
Oil will break down the sealant/finish on the top layer and seep into the tiny pores of the concrete, creating a permanent stain, if not taken care of. It’s best to take care of even a minor stain, right away!
Is concrete acid stain permanent?
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. Acid base concrete stain is very versatile and can be used on the following: Indoor or outdoor surfaces.
How long does stained concrete last?
Few materials have the longevity of concrete. And because stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with permanent color, a stained concrete floor or pavement should last a lifetime when properly maintained (see How to Protect and Maintain Stained Concrete .
Will concrete stain peel off?
Although concrete stain is permanent and won’t flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure.
How much does it cost to professionally stain concrete?
Staining concrete typically costs $7 to $15 per square foot. Contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot for a simple stain job and between $12 and $25 per square foot for high-end designs.
Which lasts longer concrete stain or paint?
Staining a Concrete Patio
One of the greatest pros of choosing staining over painting is that the stain penetrates into the concrete rather than just building up on the surface, as with paint. This results in a longer-lasting color that won’t fade as quickly as paint.
Does stained concrete scratch easily?
Concrete floors that are stained and sealed don’t just look beautiful but are also very durable. But this does not mean they are invincible. If you don’t take good care of them, they can develop scratch marks, become dull, and wear out over time. This happens much faster if the seal isn’t applied properly.
How often should you seal stained concrete?
Sealing your concrete isn’t really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
Which is better epoxy or stain concrete?
Both stained concrete and Nature Stone flooring will last for years with proper care, but stone epoxy tends to be slightly more durable than stained concrete. The reason for this is because the sealant used on top of stained concrete wears down faster than stone epoxy.
Is it cheaper to stain concrete or epoxy?
Affordability. Applying an epoxy floor coating will cost between $3 and $10 per square foot, which is quite affordable than the $5- $12 price tag that a high-end concrete staining will cost you.
Is staining concrete cheaper than tile?
Is Stained Concrete Expensive? Starting at just $2 per square foot, a stained concrete floor is less expensive than tile, wood, or natural stone flooring.
What is the best concrete stain and sealer?
What Are Some of the Best Concrete Stains?
- VIVID Acid Stain. Regarded as one of the best acid-based stains both for indoor and outdoor use, the VIVID brand is highly regarded as a universally great choice.
- Kemiko Stone Tone.
- Concrete Resurrection.
- Surecrete Ecostain.
Should concrete be sealed before staining?
New, unsealed concrete is porous and subject to surface wear and staining if not properly sealed and maintained.