

Exterior Concrete Stains & Sealers
Welcome to our selection of outdoor concrete stains and sealers! If you're looking to add a touch of color and shine to your concrete patio, driveway, or pool deck, you've come to the right place. Our high-quality products are specifically designed to enhance the natural beauty of exterior concrete surfaces while also providing long-lasting protection from the elements. Whether you're looking to refresh an existing surface or are working on a new construction project, we have a variety of products to choose from to suit your needs. Take a look through our selection and find the perfect solution for your outdoor concrete project.
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Exterior Concrete Colorant Buying Guide
There are a few things to consider when purchasing an outdoor concrete colorant: project location, desired look, and skill level. In this buying guide, we'll give our recommendations to make sure you find the perfect concrete stain or sealer for you.Concrete Acid Stain

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. Since acid stain reacts differently to each concrete surface, you will not get the exact color you see on our color charts. If you're creative, patient, and adventurous, then acid staining is for you!
Pros of EverStain™
- 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 of EverStain™
- 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, columns, or other similar projects. Popular applications include stenciling, countertops, borders, retaining walls, concrete masonry, concrete bird baths, and freehand art.
Pros of DecoGel™
- 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 of DecoGel™
- 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
Concrete Dye

Vibrance™ Dye is suited for coloring most concrete surfaces and offers a wide range of color options. These vivid colors are UV stable, meaning the color won’t fade under direct sunlight. Often used to camouflage or conceal imperfections, concrete dye can also create a multi-dimensional look.
Pros of Vibrance™
- 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 sealings
Cons of Vibrance™
- Acetone solvent must be purchased separately
- Requires vigorous shaking during application
- Must be sealed
Water Based Stain

ColorWave® concrete stain is a non-hazardous, durable, penetrating-type stain that can be applied opaque or translucent. It contains no acid, no acrylic, and no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This stain is non-reactive and produces color by bonding with the concrete surface.
Pros of ColorWave®
- 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 of ColorWave®
- More expensive
- 24-hour drying time before sealing
- 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. Since you're combining the coloring and sealing into one step, the process is fairly simple! A top clear coat is highly recommended to protect color and minimize maintenance.
Pros of EasyTint™
- 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 of EasyTint™
- Will not cover imperfections in the surface
- Requires sealer maintenance
Penetrating Concrete Stain
Antiquing™ and Portico™ concrete 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 stain.

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
- 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