The Difference Between Concrete Dye and Stains

There are two basic types of colorants to color a concrete surface — dye and stains

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 polished concrete look 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 & CONS OF CONCRETE DYE 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.

Concrete Stains

Concrete stains are classified into three types: film-forming, penetrating and acid stains. All three types of stains come in a variety of colors, tints, shades and textures. Film-forming stains simply coat or lay on top of a cement based surface to add color to a concrete floor or countertop. Unlike other concrete stains and dyes, there is no need to seal film-forming concrete stains. The stain sits on top of the existing concrete, and includes the sealer in the solution. However, as a result, film-forming concrete stains are less permanent than other concrete colorants. As you would reapply a concrete sealer every 3-5 years, you may need to reapply film-forming stains depending on foot traffic. Direct Colors’ AcquaTint™ is our all-in-one stain & seal product for indoor concrete concrete floors. PROS & CONS OF FILM FORMING STAINS 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.

Direct Colors’ EasyTint™ is our all-in-one stain & seal product for outdoor concrete A more permanent alternative to film-forming stains are penetrating stains, which literally penetrate deep into the pores of concrete and bond to the concrete itself. As penetrating stains fill the pores of the concrete rather than sit on top, these stains offer a much more permanent solution for high traffic and outdoor applications. 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 & CONS OF PENETRATING STAINS 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.

Water-Based Stains are non hazardous, penetrating-type stains available in many colors. They can be applied solid or translucent. They 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. 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.

Direct Colors’ ColorWave™ is our Eco-friendly water-based concrete stain. Penetrating stains – When applying penetrating stains, the concrete surface must be void of any paint, stain, coatings or sealers and be thoroughly cleaned. Before applying the stain, prepare the surface with a cleaner, degreaser, and etcher. The etcher is used to ensure that the concrete surface is clean and porous enough to accept the penetrating stain. If the surface is too smooth or is covered by residue or paint, the stain cannot penetrate, and the color will not take. An easy test to determine if the concrete will accept penetrating stain is to pour a small amount of water on the surface. If it absorbs the water, it will accept the stain. If not, it’s being prevented by paint, stain, coating or sealer, which must be removed. Like film-forming stains, rinse the cleaned surface and allow it to dry before applying the penetrating stain with a plastic sprayer, roller or brush, following the same technique and taking the same precautions for best results. While both film-forming and penetrating stains rely on pigments to alter the color of concrete, acid stains chemically react with the minerals in concrete to create a natural marbling appearance by etching the surface. Acid staining requires more safety precautions and experience to apply than the film-forming and penetrating stains. However, the products are relatively simple to prepare and apply, and the resulting patterns are vibrant and unique to your indoor or outdoor space. For these projects, we recommend Direct Colors’ EverStain™ Acid Stain. For vertical surface staining such as retaining walls or detailed color stenciled work, we recommend Direct Colors’ DecoGel™ Acid Stain. Acid stains — Cleaning a surface before applying acid stain is very important, but it should be done without the use of chemicals that could prematurely trigger a reaction with minerals in the concrete. If that happens, the acid stains won’t etch the concrete or create the visual appearance expected when it’s applied to the surface. Sealer must be applied on acid stained concrete surfaces to fully develop the desired marbling effect. PROS & CONS OF ACID STAINS 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.

For more information, read our guide on “How to Apply Concrete Acid Stain.” 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.