Collection: Concrete Stain Sample Kits

Floors are the most common application for decorative concrete products. But as concrete becomes a more popular building material, more houses now feature concrete countertops, walls, fireplaces, and even decor.

For concrete surfaces that may get hot—such as fireplaces or countertops next to stoves—the type of stain matters less than how the concrete is sealed. Concrete acid stains and water-based stains both work well, as long as the surface is sealed with Direct Colors Penetrating Sealer, which is safe up to 160℉ and won’t bubble or crack like some other sealers.

Now that that’s out of the way, moisture is your next most important consideration. Similar to heat, protection from moisture penetration is often the job of the concrete sealer. But, indoor flooring generally doesn’t see moisture the way a pool deck or patio might. However, countertops are a different story.

Countertops see a lot of moisture and a ton of use from different materials. From pots and pans to knives and hands, your kitchen counter might even see more traffic than your floors do!

For the high traffic of your concrete floor, we recommend acid stain. For DIYers, our EverStain™ Acid Stain Trial Kit makes it easy to get what you need and start your project as soon as possible. Concrete acid stain is particularly good for high-traffic areas such as indoor flooring. This is because of acid stain’s longevity and durability after application.

However, for a concrete coloring option that is easier to apply and has less odor, our ColorWave™ Water-Based Stain Kit is the way to go. This concrete stain, while lacking a bit of the longevity of the acid stain, is much easier to apply, and won’t have the application odor that an acid stain will.

The main difference between indoor and outdoor concrete stain is sunlight and the sheer amount of moisture that an outdoor area will experience.

UV rays can damage or fade concrete coloring projects. Without the right product, your patio or pool deck can go from beauty to bust in a matter of years or months. That goes for moisture content too. Concrete stains penetrate the pores of the concrete to interact with the inner workings of the material, and if water is clogging up those pores, the stain won’t be able to get in, and you’ll be left with a sub-par coloring job.

For the specific and extreme environment of your patio or pool deck, we recommend the Antiquing™ Stain Kit. This stain is durable enough to withstand the beating rain and sunlight, but powerful enough to give your concrete a rich, vibrant color. For DIYers who aren’t sure what they need to get started, we’ve got you covered with our complete DIY kits.