Exterior Concrete Stains & Sealers

What Is The Best Outdoor Concrete Stain?

As you may have noticed, there are many options available, which makes choosing one coloring product a bit confusing. Let’s take a look at what’s available for exterior staining and the pros and cons of each. After all is said, you will need to determine what is the best stain for you.

Penetrating Concrete Stain

Antiquing™ and Portico™ Stains are film-forming, penetrating products that fill the pores of the concrete surface to produce a colored film or coating. There is no chemical reaction, so the color is more consistent than staining with acid stains.
The main advantage of Antiquing and Portico concrete stains is that these concrete stains can be applied directly on top of masonry surfaces that have been previously sealed or stained to begin coloring concrete immediately.
Antiquing Stains are ideal for Stamped Concrete and Portico Stains are specially formulated for Concrete Pavers or very porous concrete.
Direct Colors’ Antiquing™ Stain is our recommended product for medium porosity outdoor concrete projects, such as stamped concrete patios, pool decks, and driveways.
Direct Colors’ Portico™ Stain is our recommended product for outdoor porous concrete, such as concrete pavers. PROS

• The age and composition of the concrete will not impact the outcome of this product
• Can be applied over previously sealed concrete
• Can be applied over previously stained concrete
• Gives a translucent appearance to the concrete surface, unlike paint
• It does not peel or chip, unlike paint
• No residue to clean up between staining and sealing
• Natural color variations bring dimension and character to each project
• 8 hour drying time before sealing

CONS

• Will not cover imperfections in the surface
• Requires shaking during application
• Must be sealed

Tinted Concrete Sealer

EasyTint™ is a durable and easy to use solvent-based colored concrete sealer. Many color options can be achieved, from translucent to solid. This coloring process is fairly simple because you are combining the coloring and sealing into one step. For outdoor surfaces, a top clear coat is highly recommended to protect color and minimize maintenance.
Direct Colors’ EasyTint™ is a quick solution to recoloring faded stains, adding new color and even offsetting unwanted undertones on patio, driveway, walkway and pool deck stamped concrete and paver floors. PROS

• The age and composition of the concrete will not impact the outcome of this product
• Many colors to choose from, and the stain can be built up to a solid color
• Can be applied over previously solvent-based sealed concrete
• Can be applied over previously stained concrete
• Gives a translucent appearance to the concrete surface, unlike paint
• It does not peel or chip, unlike paint

CONS

• Will not cover imperfections in the surface
• Requires sealer maintenance

Concrete Dye

Vibrance™ Dye is a great stain for coloring existing slabs of concrete and it offers a wide range of color options. Colors can be used to cover previous dyes or concrete stains, or to create something entirely new. Concrete dyes can be used to camouflage or conceal imperfections, create a multi-dimensional look or to apply solid colors to concrete surfaces.
Direct Colors’ Vibrant™ Dye come in vivid colors and are UV stable, meaning the colors won’t fade under direct sunlight. PROS

• The age and composition of the concrete will not impact the outcome of this product
• Easy to transport (comes in powder form)
• Easier to build up or add color to color than other stain forms
• No residue to clean up between staining and sealing
• Dries in seconds for additional coat application
• 4-6 hour drying time before sealing

CONS

• Acetone solvent must be purchased separately
• Requires vigorous shaking during application
• Must be sealed

Water Based Concrete Stain

ColorWave™ Stain is a non hazardous, durable, penetrating-type stain available in many colors. It can be applied opaque or translucent. It contains no acid, no acrylic and no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These stains are non-reactive and produce color by bonding with the concrete surface. Water-based stains are available in a wide variety of colors. PROS

• The age and composition of the concrete will not impact the outcome of this product
• Non-toxic
• Easier to build up or add color to color
• No residue to clean up between staining and sealing

CONS

• More expensive
• 24-hour drying time before sealing
• Must be sealed

Concrete Acid Stain

Acid staining is a reactive coloring process that penetrates the porous concrete surface changing its color permanently. EverStain™ is the most permanent of all coloring options but is limited to ten colors, which can be layered, blended or diluted to create one-of-a kind, stunning results. The acid stains will react differently to each slab of concrete. In other words, you will not get the exact color from the color charts. If you are creative, patient, and adventurous, then acid staining is for you. PROS

• Long-lasting and resistant to fading
• Will not chip off or peel away
• Gives a translucent appearance to the concrete surface, unlike paint
• Can create waves, swirls, marbling, and other visual effects with minimal work
• Natural color variations bring dimension and character to each project
• Minimal maintenance after work is finished
• Surface does not have to be completely dry after cleaning and before staining

CONS

• The age and composition of the concrete will impact the outcome of this product
• Previously colored concrete must be stripped of all sealer and coatings before acid staining
• The results are unpredictable, even on brand-new concrete floors
• Limited colors, with some turning black from exposure to moisture (green and blue stain colors)
• Will not cover imperfections the surface
• Must be neutralized before sealing
• Stain contains chemical irritants that require care when handling
• Must be sealed

DecoGel™ is an acid-based gel of minerals and acid designed to adhere without drips or runs to concrete walls, borders, columns, or other similar projects.
Popular applications for DecoGel™ include stenciling, countertops, borders, vertical walls, concrete masonry, floor design decor, concrete bird baths, and freehand art. PROS

• Long-lasting and resistant to fading
• Will not chip off or peel away
• Gives a translucent appearance to the concrete surface, unlike paint
• Can be used on vertical surface
• Can create waves, swirls, marbling, and other visual effects with minimal work
• Can be used for stenciling designs onto concrete surfaces
• Natural color variations bring dimension and character to each project
• Minimal maintenance after work is finished.
• Surface does not have to be completely dry after cleaning and before staining

CONS

• The age and composition of the concrete will impact the outcome of this product
• Previously colored concrete must be stripped of all sealer and coatings before acid staining
• The results are unpredictable, even on brand-new concrete
• Limited colors, with some turning black from exposure to moisture (green and blue stain colors)
• Will not cover imperfections the surface
• Must be neutralized before sealing
• Stain contains chemical irritants that require care when handling
• Must be sealed

Regardless of your staining product choice, none of the stains will completely cover cracks or imperfections. If you would like to completely cover imperfections, you should probably use masonry paint. However, keep in mind that concrete paint will chip and peel over time. Before starting any staining project choice, make sure your concrete is free of grime, glues or coatings that will prevent the stain from soaking in and/or adhering to the surface. New poured concrete must have been left to cure for a minimum of 30 days before staining.