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Stamped concrete patio stained with Antiquing™ Auburn, Yukon Gold, Khaki and Terracotta, with a fire table and outdoor seating

Antiquing™ Auburn + Yukon Gold + Khaki + Terracotta

Concrete stains and dyes

Acid stain, water-based stain, concrete dye and Tinted Sealers for concrete floors, patios, pavers and walls.

Choose your stain or dye

24 products

Acid stains

4 products

Every 3-Step system pairs EverStain™ with ProClean Neutralizer™ and a sealer.

Stamped concrete stains

4 products

Every 2-Step system pairs Antiquing™ Stain with its sealer.

Water-based stains

4 products

Every 2-Step system pairs ColorWave® with its sealer.

Paver stains

4 products

Every 2-Step system pairs Portico™ Paver Stain with its sealer.

Tinted Sealers

4 products

EasyTint™ is solvent-based, for outdoor jobs; AcquaTint™ is water-based.

Concrete dyes

4 products

Vibrance™ mixes with acetone (sold separately at hardware stores) and needs a sealer.

Which concrete stain is right for your project?

Choose by surface first, then by the finished look you want. These four stain types cover poured concrete, stamped concrete, pavers and vertical surfaces.

Acid stain

EverStain™ & DecoGel™

Reacts with minerals in concrete to create permanent, translucent, marbled color. Every slab develops a one-of-a-kind result.

Water-based stain

ColorWave®

Nano-pigments penetrate for rich, translucent color in 20 colors. Suitable for interior or exterior projects.

Concrete dye

Vibrance™

Acetone-carried pigment creates bold, modern color on smooth concrete. It dries quickly and can be layered before sealing.

Stamped & paver stain

Antiquing™ & Portico™

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.

Find my concrete stain

How to seal stained concrete

Sealing locks in the color, adds protection, and lets you choose the final sheen. Start with the guide that fits your project.

Browse the full lineup: acrylic concrete sealers

Concrete staining guides for every project

Step-by-step instructions for acid stain, concrete dye, basements, garages, patios and pool decks, written by the Direct Colors team.

Which concrete stain is right for me?

Choose your project, then pick the finish you love. We’ll match you to the right trial kit.

Question 1

Compare concrete stain types

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™ on concrete pavers; and DecoGel™ on vertical concrete.

Which stain works on your concrete surface?

Start here. Surface compatibility removes the wrong products before you compare color, application method or finished appearance.

Poured concrete

For floors, basements, garages, patios, driveways and countertops, compare EverStain™, ColorWave® and Vibrance™.

Stamped concrete

For patterned patios, pool decks and walkways, choose Antiquing™ Stain to emphasize texture and relief.

Concrete pavers

For interlocking paver patios, driveways and pool surrounds, choose Portico™ Paver Stain.

Walls and vertical concrete

For fireplaces, columns, retaining walls and vertical faces, choose DecoGel™ Acid Stain.

Stains for poured concrete floors, patios, driveways & countertops

These three products create different looks on absorbent poured concrete.

Reactive acid concrete stain

EverStain™ Acid Stain

Best for: Porous poured concrete when you want permanent, translucent marbling and natural variation.

Finished look
Marbled and variegated
Location
Interior and exterior
Coverage
About 200 sq. ft./gal.
Timing
5–12 hour reaction

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

ColorWave® Stain

Best for: Poured concrete when you want controlled, semi-transparent color from a broad palette.

Finished look
Rich and translucent
Location
Interior and exterior
Coverage
About 200 sq. ft./gal.
Timing
4–12 hours before sealer

Choose ColorWave if: You prefer more control over color placement and intensity. The water-based stain must be sealed.

Acetone-based concrete dye

Vibrance™ Concrete Dye

Best for: Concrete floors and architectural surfaces when bold, saturated color and fast drying matter.

Finished look
Vivid and modern
Location
Interior and exterior
Coverage
About 150 sq. ft./gal.
Timing
About 2 hours dry time

Choose Vibrance if: You want intense color with a short drying window. Acetone is purchased separately and a sealer is required.

Stains for stamped concrete, pavers and vertical surfaces

These formulas are designed for surfaces that standard poured-concrete stains do not address as well.

Solvent-based stamped concrete stain

Antiquing™ Stain

Best for: Exterior stamped concrete patios, driveways, pool decks and walkways.

Finished look
Antiqued and dimensional
Location
Exterior
Coverage
About 200 sq. ft./gal.
Timing
8 hours before sealer

Choose Antiquing if: You want to emphasize stamped texture and indentations rather than visually flatten them. Sealing is required.

Solvent-based concrete paver stain

Portico™ Paver Stain

Best for: Rough, porous exterior concrete pavers when maximum color depth is the priority.

Finished look
Rich and saturated
Location
Exterior pavers
Coverage
About 200 sq. ft./gal.
Timing
8 hours before sealer

Choose Portico if: You want a solvent-based paver formula with deep color. Use proper ventilation; sealing is required.

Gel acid stain for vertical concrete

DecoGel™ Acid Stain

Best for: Concrete walls, columns, fireplaces and vertical architectural surfaces.

Finished look
Marbled and variegated
Location
Interior and exterior
Coverage
150–200 sq. ft./gal.
Timing
5–12 hour reaction

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.

Still deciding between concrete stains?

Use the project-first quiz for a quick match, or ask a project coach to review your surface.

Talk through your project with a project coach

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.

  1. Tell us about your spaceSurface, current condition, and the look you're after.
  2. Get a tailored planThe right prep, stain, sealer, and how much you'll need.
  3. Start with a trial kitTest your exact color before you commit, shipped free.

A coach replies within one business day · includes 15% off and free trial-kit shipping.

Start your free consultation

Concrete stain questions, answered

Straight answers about choosing, applying, sealing, and maintaining stained concrete.

What’s the difference between acid stain, water-based stain, and concrete dye?

Acid stains, including EverStain™ and DecoGel™, react with minerals in concrete to create permanent, translucent marbled color. Water-based stains, including ColorWave®, use fine pigments for rich, translucent color in a water-based formula. Concrete dyes, including Vibrance™, carry vibrant pigment in acetone for bold color on smooth concrete and must be sealed.

Can I stain old or existing concrete?

Yes. Concrete can be stained when it is clean, sound, and able to absorb liquid. Surfaces that are already sealed usually need to be stripped first.

Will concrete stain hold up outdoors?

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.

Do I need to seal stained concrete?

Every Direct Colors stain and dye must be sealed. A sealer locks in color, protects against wear and weather, and lets you choose your final sheen from satin to high gloss.

How much does it cost to stain concrete?

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.

Can I stain concrete myself?

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.

How long does stained concrete last?

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.

I’m not sure which stain to choose. What should I do?

Take the stain quiz on this page for a recommendation based on your surface and desired look, or request a free project consultation for help choosing the right system.

Before You Checkout

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.

Before You Checkout

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™.