The EverStain™ 3-Step Acid Stain System is a complete concrete acid stain kit that includes the three essential products needed to acid stain concrete from start to finish: 1 gallon of EverStain Acid Stain in your color choice, 1 gallon of matched sealer, and 4 oz of ProClean™ Neutralizer concentrate. Together, these cover approximately 200 square feet of standard interior or exterior concrete.

This is the most popular way to buy EverStain. Acid staining concrete requires three chemically distinct products in matched quantities — and figuring out which sealer pairs with which stain, how much neutralizer you need, and what coverage to expect from each is a barrier that keeps a lot of first-time users from getting professional results. The 3-Step System eliminates the guesswork. Pick your color, place one order, and you have everything you need to acid stain a concrete floor, patio, or other 200 sq ft project.

Coverage: approximately 200 square feet of standard interior or exterior concrete. For larger projects, see the EverStain™ 3-Step Professional System (5 gallons / 1,000 sq ft) or order multiple kits.

Why Buy a Concrete Acid Stain Kit Instead of Individual Products

Matched quantities, no guesswork — One gallon of EverStain covers about 200 sq ft. One gallon of sealer covers the same 200 sq ft. The 4 oz neutralizer concentrate is sized to match. Buy them separately and you'll either over-buy or run out mid-project.

The right sealer paired with the right stain — Direct Colors has tested every EverStain color with every compatible sealer to make sure the result is uniform color saturation and long-term protection. The 3-Step System ships you the sealer that's been validated to work best with EverStain.

One order, one shipment, one delivery date — Acid staining is a sequential process. You can't seal until you've neutralized, and you can't neutralize until you've stained. Getting all three products in one shipment means you can plan your project window without waiting on backordered components.

Save vs. buying individually — The 3-Step System is priced lower than buying 1 gallon of stain, 1 gallon of sealer, and 4 oz of neutralizer separately.

Why Sealer Is Non-Negotiable for Acid-Stained Concrete

Acid stain creates permanent color through chemical reaction — but until that color is sealed, it looks faint, dusty, and washed-out. Sealer is what makes the color "pop." It deepens the saturation, brings out the marbled variegation, and reveals the rich tones the EverStain reaction has created underneath. Without sealer, you'll see maybe 30% of the color your acid stain is capable of producing.

The sealer also protects the concrete surface from water damage, staining, foot traffic, UV exposure, and abrasion. For interior floors, the sealer is what makes acid-stained concrete a low-maintenance, high-traffic surface that lasts for decades. For exterior patios and driveways, sealing locks in color and protects against weathering.

This is why Direct Colors sells EverStain as a 3-Step System. The sealer isn't an upsell — it's a required step that determines whether your project looks like a magazine spread or a missed opportunity.

What This System Does Not Include

The 3-Step Acid Stain System is the chemicals only — stain, sealer, and neutralizer. It does not include application tools, surface prep cleaner, or safety equipment. If you don't already have a sprayer, brush, spiked shoes, and degreaser on hand, the EverStain™ 3-Step Application System bundles all of those tools with the same chemicals at a small upcharge.

Surface Prep: Required Before You Start

The 3-Step System assumes your concrete is clean, unsealed, and ready to accept acid stain. If your concrete is sealed, painted, oily, or contaminated, you'll need surface prep products before applying EverStain:

• ProClean Degreaser™ — Removes oil, grease, and surface contamination
• CitrusEtch™ — Opens pores in sealed or polished concrete so the acid stain can react

Need to verify your concrete is ready for acid stain? A simple water test: sprinkle water on the surface. If it absorbs within a few seconds, your concrete is open and ready. If it beads up or sits on the surface, you need to etch first.

How to Use the 3-Step Acid Stain System

1. Prep the surface. Concrete must be clean, unsealed, and porous. Degrease with ProClean Degreaser and etch with CitrusEtch if needed (sold separately).
2. Apply EverStain Acid Stain with a plastic pump sprayer. Work into the surface with a soft-bristle brush for even coverage. Allow the reaction to develop for 4–24 hours depending on temperature (See reaction times).
3. Neutralize with ProClean Neutralizer (mix 4 oz concentrate with water per the included instructions). Apply, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly until the rinse water runs clear.
4. Allow to dry completely — usually 24 hours.
5. Seal with the included concrete sealer. Apply per the sealer instructions for your specific product. This is when the color "pops."
6. Optional: For interior floors, finish with ProWax Polish™ for a low-maintenance, high-traffic surface.

Full step-by-step instructions are included with the system, and the Acid Stain How-To Guide walks through the process with photos and troubleshooting..

Direct Colors: Made in the USA Since 1997

Direct Colors has manufactured professional-grade concrete acid stain kits in the USA for over 25 years. The EverStain 3-Step System uses the same EverStain Acid Stain, the same sealers, and the same ProClean Neutralizer that contractors specify on commercial decorative concrete projects.

Choose EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™ in satin or gloss to get the finish you want for your project.