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. EasyTint™ is a quick solution to recoloring faded stains, adding new color, and even offsetting unwanted undertones on patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks.

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. The main advantage of Antiquing™ and Portico™ is that they can be applied directly on top of masonry surfaces that have been previously sealed or stained to begin coloring concrete immediately
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

Exterior Concrete Colorant Buying Guide

Antiquing™ Stain:

For the best results on outdoor broomed concrete and stamped concrete, we recommend Antiquing™ Stain. It’ll also do a decent job on smooth, or lightly textured surfaces. This concrete stain is great at restoring color to your faded exterior concrete.

ColorWave® water based stain:

Low VOC and nearly odorless, Direct Colors’ ColorWave™ semi transparent stain is easy to apply, and safe to use on exterior concrete. It’s best for machine troweled, smooth, and lightly textured surfaces, and also works on stamped concrete.

DecoGel™ acid stain:

This gel based acid stain works best for machine troweled/smooth surfaces, but also thrives on lightly textured concrete. If you’re looking for that marbled look, DecoGel™ can achieve it!

EasySeal™ Solvent Based Sealer:

This sealer is durable, non-slip, and highly resistant to UV rays. Extreme amounts of direct sunlight can yellow some concrete sealers. However, solvent based sealers are UV resistant, keeping your underlying concrete stain clear and vibrant. More importantly, these concrete sealers don't allow moisture to penetrate. For outdoor concrete surfaces, especially patios and pool decks, this feature is essential to the quality of your concrete stain and the longevity of your sealer. Available in high gloss and satin finishes.

EasyTint™ Tinted Sealer:

A stain and sealer in one, EasyTint™ cuts the time it takes to complete your project in half! Use it on outdoor surfaces that are machine troweled, smooth, or lightly textured. You can also use it on pavers or stamped concrete.

EverStain™ acid stain:

This reactive stain works best for machine troweled/smooth, lightly textured, and stamped surfaces, but also works for broomed concrete. If you’re looking for that marbled look, EverStain™ can achieve it!

Portico™ Paver Stain:

For concrete pavers, broomed concrete, rough surfaces, and stamped concrete, we recommend Portico™. This concrete stain doesn’t just restore color to your faded outdoor concrete - it can also withstand heavy foot traffic, UV rays, and other environmental factors once sealed.

Vibrance™ concrete dye:

Concrete dye powder is mixed with acetone to create a solid, sleek color for your outdoor concrete surfaces. Modern and timeless all at once, this colorant is ideal for machine troweled/smooth or lightly textured surfaces.

Calculator for Direct Colors Concrete Stains vs SQ FT

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This calculator is for these Direct Colors interior and exterior concrete stains: AcquaTint™, Antiquing™, ColorWave®, DecoGel™, EasyTint™, EverStain™, and Portico™

Stain Coverage Calculator

How much stain to buy:

Coverage depends on the square footage of your application.

The coverage rate is 200 square feet per gallon (2 coats) depending on concrete porosity. At least 2 coats are required.

1. Dimensions of concrete to be stained: Enter the length in feet feet long by Enter the width in feet feet wide.
2. Amounts of coats: 1 Coat 2 Coats (Recommended) 3 Coats (Very Porous)

Calculate

Amount of stain to use: Your answer will appear here after entering your dimensions.