Interior Concrete Stains | Floors, Basements & More

Interior Concrete Colorant Buying Guide 

Choosing the right interior concrete stain or sealer comes down to three things: where you’re staining, the look you want, and how hands-on you’d like to get. Use this quick guide to match your project to our top four colorant systems—whether you’re updating a basement hangout, refinishing a garage workshop, or styling a modern living room.
Note: EverStain™, Vibrance™, and ColorWave® stains must be sealed after application—and for best longevity, topped with a clear floor wax in high-traffic areas.

EverStain™ Concrete Acid Stain

Why you'll love it

Chemically reacts with your slab to create a rich, variegated finish that can’t be duplicated.

Best for

Bold one-of-a-kind marbleized effects

Seal & Wax

Requires a concrete sealer plus clear wax for optimal protection.

Skill Level

Intermediate–advanced; involves neutralizing and sealing.

Concrete floor with a textured, multicolored finish

ColorWave® Water-Based Stain

Why you'll love it

Water-based, low-VOC formula that bonds evenly—achieve mottled and veined looks similar to acid stain with fewer steps and predictable color results.

Best for

Safe, low-VOC staining with uniform coverage

Seal & Wax

Needs a topcoat sealer and an optional wax layer for maximum durability.

Skill Level

All levels; easy cleanup.

Vibrance™ Concrete Dye

Why you'll love it

Acetone-based dyes penetrate deep for vibrant, long-lasting hues—ideal for camouflaging cracks or building layered, multi-tonal floors.

Best for

Bright, consistent color and industrial-style depth

Seal & Wax

Must be sealed and waxed to lock in color and resist wear.

Skill Level

Beginner–intermediate; fast drying and straightforward acetone application.

Basement with gray concrete floor and white walls

AcquaTint™ Water-Based Tinted Sealer

Why you'll love it

Combines pigment and sealer in a single coat—cut your project time in half and lock in color with one pass.

Best for

All-in-one color + protection on smooth surfaces

Seal & Wax

Self-sealing; optional wax recommended in busy areas.

Skill Level

Beginner

	EverStain™ Acid Stain Shop	ColorWave® Stain Shop	Vibrance™ Concrete Dye Shop	AcquaTint™ Colored Concrete Sealer Shop
Look	Marbled, variegated effects—one-of-a-kind but less predictable	Versatile marbled & veined looks—predictable, water-based control	Industrial, multi-tonal finish—fast-drying for easy diffusion	Even, uniform tone—no additional sealer required
Prep	Concrete must absorb water; etch with CitrusEtch™ if needed	Concrete must absorb water; etch with CitrusEtch™ if needed	Concrete must absorb water; etch with CitrusEtch™ if needed	Concrete must absorb water; etch with CitrusEtch™ if needed
Seal & Wax	EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™; ProWax Polish™ highly recommended	EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™; ProWax Polish™ highly recommended	EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™; ProWax Polish™ highly recommended	Self-sealing; for extra protection use AcquaSeal™ (only compatible option); ProWax Polish™ highly recommended
Skill Level	Intermediate–Advanced	All levels	Beginner–Intermediate	Beginner
Gallery	View Gallery	View Gallery	View Gallery	View Gallery

Calculator for Direct Colors Concrete Stains vs SQ FT

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

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.

Dimensions of concrete to be stained:

feet long by

feet wide

Amounts of coats:

Amount of stain to use:

0.000

Collection: Interior Concrete Stains

Interior Concrete Colorant Buying Guide

EverStain™ Concrete Acid Stain

Why you'll love it

Best for

Seal & Wax

Skill Level

ColorWave® Water-Based Stain

Why you'll love it

Best for

Seal & Wax

Skill Level

Vibrance™ Concrete Dye

Why you'll love it

Best for

Seal & Wax

Skill Level

AcquaTint™ Water-Based Tinted Sealer

Why you'll love it

Best for

Seal & Wax

Skill Level

Which Interior Stain Is Right for You?

EverStain™ Acid Stain

ColorWave® Stain

Vibrance™ Concrete Dye

AcquaTint™ Colored Concrete Sealer

Calculator for Direct Colors Concrete Stains vs SQ FT

How much stain to buy:

Dimensions of concrete to be stained:

Amounts of coats:

Amount of stain to use:

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Interior Concrete Colorant Buying Guide 

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