Exterior Concrete Stains

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.

Concrete Acid Stain

Acid staining is a reactive coloring process that penetrates into the porous concrete surface changing its color permanently. Acid-based staining is the most permanent of all coloring options but is limited to ten colors. Now, these colors 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.
• 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 floors.
• Limited colors, with some turning black from exposure to moisture (green and blue stain colors).
• Can create waves, swirls, marbling and other visual effects with minimal work.
• Will not cover imperfections in your floor.
• Must be neutralized before sealing.
• Stain contains chemical irritants that require care when handling.
• Must be sealed.

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. The main difference from acid stains is that no chemical reaction takes place, so the color is more consistent. They can be applied directly on top of existing sealers and begin coloring concrete immediately. Antiquing Stains are ideal for stamped concrete and Portico Stains are specially formulated for concrete pavers or very porous outdoor concrete floors. 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.
• 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 your floor.
• Surface must be completely dry after cleaning and before staining
• Requires shaking during application
• Must be sealed.

Concrete Dye

Concrete Dyes are a great way to color existing slabs of concrete and offer 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 create a multi-dimensional looks or to apply solid colors to concrete surfaces.
The raw form of the dye is a super fine powder that is dispersed in a solvent such as acetone or water. Learn more about how to prepare and apply concrete dyes in our guide. 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)
• Most inexpensive coloring option
• Easiest 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
• Surface must be completely dry after cleaning and before staining
• Requires vigorous shaking during application
• Must be sealed.

Water Based Concrete Stain

This is a non hazardous, penetrating-type stain available in many colors. It can be applied solid or translucent. It contains no acid, no acrylic and no VOCs. These stains are non-reactive and produce color by bonding with the concrete surface. Water-based stains are available in a wider variety of colors. Water-based stains are not as durable in exterior applications as other stains. PROS

• The age and composition of the concrete will not impact the outcome of this product.
• Very user-friendly. Nontoxic.
• Easier to build up or add color to color than other stain forms.
• No residue to clean up between staining and sealing.

CONS

• Not as durable in outdoor applications as other stain forms.
• Previously colored concrete must be stripped of all sealer and coatings before acid staining.
• More expensive.
• Surface must be completely dry after cleaning and before staining
• 24 hour drying time before sealing.
• Must be sealed.

Colored Concrete Sealer

Both water-based and Solvent-Based Tinted Sealers are available but the solvent-based are best for outdoor concrete. 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. 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

CONS

• Solvent-based Tinted Sealer has strong fumes.
• Will not cover imperfections in your floor.
• Surface must be completely dry after cleaning and before staining.
• Requires sealer maintenance.

Regardless of your staining product choice, none will cover cracks or chips. Concrete needs to be free of grime, glues and coatings that prevent the stain from soaking in and/or adhering to the surface. Pre existing stains may still be visible, although in a different final color. Prestained concrete must be unsealed (except when using Antiquing and Portico Stains). Be sure to pressure-wash the outdoor surfaces so that pores are open and stain-ready. All outdoor stains must be sealed. For added safety, add a Direct Colors’ Non Slip Additive to the final coat of sealer. New concrete should also have been left to cure for a minimum of 28-30 days before staining.