Choose the Right Concrete Sealer
Indoor or outdoor, moisture or dry, natural or wet look—the 5-factor buyer’s guide matches your slab to the right sealer.
Choose a Concrete Sealer →EverStain™ 3-Step Trial System
Acid Stain · Indoor & Outdoor · Rich, Marbled Finish
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EverStain™ 3-Step Complete Kit - 200 sq ft
Acid Stain - Complete Application System
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EverStain™ 3-Step Contractor System - 1,000 sq ft
Acid Stain - Professional Mega Bundle
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EverStain™ 3-Step Acid Stain Bundle - 200 sq ft
Acid Stain - Stain & Seal Bundle
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Antiquing™ 2-Step Trial System
Stamped Concrete Stain · Restores Faded Color
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Antiquing™ 2-Step Application System
Stamped Concrete Stain - Complete Application System
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Antiquing™ 2-Step Professional System
Stamped Concrete Stain - Professional Mega Bundle
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Antiquing™ 2-Step Stain System
Stamped Concrete Stain - Stain & Seal Bundle
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ColorWave® 2-Step Trial System
Water-based stain · Low odor · Indoor & Outdoor
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ColorWave® 2-Step Application System
Water Based Stain - Complete Application System
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ColorWave® 2-Step Professional System
Water Based Stain - Professional Mega Bundle
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ColorWave® 2-Step Concrete Stain System
Water Based Stain - Stain & Seal Bundle
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Stain for pavers & rough exterior surfaces
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Portico™ 2-Step Application System
Solvent Paver Stain - Complete Application System
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Portico™ 2-Step Professional System
Solvent Paver Stain - Professional Mega Bundle
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Portico™ 2-Step Paver Stain System
Solvent Paver Stain - Stain & Seal Bundle
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Water-based stain built for pavers
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PaveWave™ 2-Step Paver Application System
Water-Based Paver Stain - Complete Application System
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PaveWave™ 2-Step Professional System
Water-Based Paver Stain - Professional Mega Bundle
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PaveWave™ 2-Step Paver Stain System
Water-Based Paver Stain - Stain & Seal Bundle
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Solvent-Based Tinted Sealer · Color + seal · Outdoor
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EasyTint™ Tinted Concrete Sealer
Solvent Based Color & Sealer In One
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Water-Based Tinted Sealer · Color + seal · Indoor & Outdoor
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Water-based Color & Sealer In One
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Vibrance™ Dye 2-Step Trial System
Concrete Dye · More Intense Color · Indoor & Outdoor
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Vibrance™ 2-Step Concrete Dye System
Concrete Dye - Dye & Seal Bundle
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Vibrance™ 2-Step Professional Dye System
Concrete Dye - Professional Mega Bundle
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Concrete Dye - Acetone Dye for Concrete
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Choose by surface first, then by the finished look you want. These four stain types cover poured concrete, polished floors, stamped concrete, pavers, and vertical surfaces.
Reacts with minerals in concrete to create permanent, translucent, marbled color. Every slab develops a one-of-a-kind result.
Nano-pigments penetrate for rich, more predictable color across a broad palette. Low odor and suitable for interior or exterior projects.
Acetone-carried pigment creates bold, modern color on smooth or polished concrete. It dries quickly and can be layered before sealing.
Surface-specific stains color textured stamped concrete and porous pavers. Antiquing emphasizes relief; Portico restores faded pavers.
One manufacturer, one system. Every Direct Colors stain works with the matching prep, sealer, and maintenance products, so you know what belongs together.
Sealing locks in the color, adds protection, and lets you choose the final sheen. Start with the guide that fits your project.
Indoor or outdoor, moisture or dry, natural or wet look—the 5-factor buyer’s guide matches your slab to the right sealer.
Choose a Concrete Sealer →Five checks before the sealer goes on—including why you should never re-etch a stained slab and how to clear residue first.
Seal Freshly Stained Concrete →Browse the full lineup: acrylic concrete sealers →
Step-by-step instructions for acid stain, concrete dye, basements, garages, patios and pool decks—written by the Direct Colors team.
Find your stain
Choose your project, then pick the finish you love. We’ll match you to the right trial kit.
Concrete stain comparison guide
The best concrete stain depends first on the surface, then on the finish you want. Use EverStain™, ColorWave® or Vibrance™ on poured concrete; Antiquing™ on stamped concrete; Portico™ or PaveWave™ on concrete pavers; and DecoGel™ on vertical concrete.
Start here. Surface compatibility removes the wrong products before you compare color, application method or finished appearance.
For floors, basements, garages, patios, driveways and countertops, compare EverStain™, ColorWave® and Vibrance™.
For patterned patios, pool decks and walkways, choose Antiquing™ Stain to emphasize texture and relief.
For interlocking paver patios, driveways and pool surrounds, compare Portico™ and PaveWave™.
For fireplaces, columns, retaining walls and vertical faces, choose DecoGel™ Acid Stain.
These three products create different looks on absorbent poured concrete.
Reactive acid concrete stain
Best for: Porous poured concrete when you want permanent, translucent marbling and natural variation.
Choose EverStain if: You want each slab to develop a one-of-a-kind result. It must be neutralized and sealed.
Water-based concrete stain
Best for: Poured concrete when you want controlled, semi-transparent color from a broad palette.
Choose ColorWave if: You prefer more control over color placement and intensity. The zero-VOC water-based stain must be sealed.
Acetone-based concrete dye
Best for: Concrete floors and architectural surfaces when bold, saturated color and fast drying matter.
Choose Vibrance if: You want intense color with a short drying window. Acetone is purchased separately and a sealer is required.
These formulas are designed for surfaces that standard poured-concrete stains do not address as well.
Solvent-based stamped concrete stain
Best for: Exterior stamped concrete patios, driveways, pool decks and walkways.
Choose Antiquing if: You want to emphasize stamped texture and indentations rather than visually flatten them. Sealing is required.
Solvent-based concrete paver stain
Best for: Rough, porous exterior concrete pavers when maximum color depth is the priority.
Choose Portico if: You want a solvent-based paver formula with deep color. Use proper ventilation; sealing is required.
Water-based concrete paver stain
Best for: Exterior concrete pavers when a water-based application and water cleanup are preferred.
Choose PaveWave if: You want a paver-specific water-based alternative. Protect it from freezing and seal the finished color.
Gel acid stain for vertical concrete
Best for: Concrete walls, columns, fireplaces and vertical architectural surfaces.
Choose DecoGel if: You want an acid-stain effect on vertical concrete without a thin liquid running or dripping. Sealing is required.
Coverage and timing are approximate and vary with surface porosity, texture, temperature and application method. Always review the current product instructions and test on your own concrete before beginning the full project.
Share your surface, its current condition, and the finish you want. We'll help you identify the right preparation, stain, sealer, and quantity before you begin.
A coach replies within one business day · includes 15% off and free trial-kit shipping.
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Straight answers about choosing, applying, sealing, and maintaining stained concrete.
Acid stains, including EverStain™ and DecoGel™, react with minerals in concrete to create permanent, translucent marbled color. Water-based stains, including ColorWave® and PaveWave™, use fine pigments for rich, even, more predictable color with low odor and low VOCs. Concrete dyes, including Vibrance™, carry vibrant pigment in acetone for bold color on smooth or polished concrete and must be sealed.
Yes. Concrete can be stained when it is clean, sound, and able to absorb liquid. Surfaces that are already sealed or previously stained usually need to be stripped and etched first.
Yes. The right stain system can be used on patios, driveways, pool decks, and walkways. Exterior projects should be finished with a quality sealer to protect the color and extend its life.
Sealing is recommended for nearly every project and required for concrete dye. A sealer locks in color, protects against wear and weather, and lets you choose your final sheen from matte to high gloss.
Cost depends on square footage, the stain system, and the number of coats. A Trial Kit is the lowest-risk way to test color on your own concrete before buying for the whole project. Use the Coverage Calculator to estimate product quantities.
Yes. Direct Colors products are designed for DIY projects and supported with step-by-step guides, how-to videos, and free project consultation. Use a compatible prep, stain, sealer, and maintenance system so the products work together.
Properly sealed and maintained, stained concrete can look great for many years. Acid stain becomes a permanent part of the slab; water-based stains and dyes stay vibrant when protected by quality sealer and periodic maintenance.
Take the stain quiz at the top of this page for a recommendation based on your surface and desired look, or request a free project consultation for help choosing the right system.
EasyTint™ and OxiGrip™ are not compatible when used together directly. For slip resistance, use EasyTint™ as the color layer and apply OxiGrip™ only with a clear solvent based sealer as the topcoat.
AcquaTint™ and OxiGrip™ are not compatible when used together directly. If you need added slip resistance, apply AcquaTint™ as your color layer first, then use OxiGrip™ in a clear topcoat with AcquaSeal™ or HydroCryl™.