EverStain3-Step Trial System(3 colors to test)
Test 3 colors on your own concrete before you commit.
Antiquing™ Auburn + Yukon Gold + Khaki + Terracotta
Acid stain, water-based stain, concrete dye and Tinted Sealers for concrete floors, patios, pavers and walls.
24 products
Every 3-Step system pairs EverStain™ with ProClean Neutralizer™ and a sealer.
Test 3 colors on your own concrete before you commit.
Everything to acid stain and seal about 200 sq ft, tools included.
Est. $0.66/sq ft200 sq ft · full tool retail value excluded
View optionsViewContractor-scale stain, sealer and neutralizer for up to 1,000 sq ft.
Matched stain, sealer and neutralizer for one 200 sq ft job.
Every 2-Step system pairs Antiquing™ Stain with its sealer.
Test 3 colors, stained and sealed, on your own stamped concrete.
Everything to stain and seal 200 sq ft of stamped concrete, tools included.
Est. $0.58/sq ft200 sq ft · full tool retail value excluded
View optionsViewContractor-scale color and protection for up to 1,000 sq ft of stamped concrete.
Matched stain and sealer for 200 sq ft of stamped concrete, in one order.
Every 2-Step system pairs ColorWave® with its sealer.
Test 3 colors, stained and sealed, on your own concrete.
Everything to stain and seal 200 sq ft, tools included.
Est. $0.60/sq ft200 sq ft · full tool retail value excluded
View optionsViewContractor-scale color and protection for up to 1,000 sq ft.
Matched stain and sealer for 200 sq ft, in one order.
Every 2-Step system pairs Portico™ Paver Stain with its sealer.
Test 3 colors, stained and sealed, on your own pavers.
Everything to stain and seal 200 sq ft of pavers, tools included.
Est. $0.59/sq ft200 sq ft · full tool retail value excluded
View optionsViewContractor-scale color and protection for up to 1,000 sq ft of pavers.
Matched stain and sealer for 200 sq ft of pavers, in one order.
EasyTint™ is solvent-based, for outdoor jobs; AcquaTint™ is water-based.
Test 3 tinted sealer colors on your own concrete before you commit.
Test 3 colors on your own concrete before you commit.
Color and seal in one step, with solvent-based durability.
Long-lasting color and protection in one water-based product.
Vibrance™ mixes with acetone (sold separately at hardware stores) and needs a sealer.
Test 3 dye colors, sealed, on your own concrete. Acetone not included.
Dye and matched sealer for about 150 sq ft. Acetone sold separately.
Est. $0.75/sq ft150 sq ft · + full 4 oz cleaner · acetone not included
View optionsViewContractor-scale dye and sealer for up to 750 sq ft. Acetone sold separately.
Est. $0.57/sq ft750 sq ft · + full 1 qt cleaner · acetone not included
View optionsViewVivid color carried in acetone (sold separately). Sealer required.
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
Reacts with minerals in concrete to create permanent, translucent, marbled color. Every slab develops a one-of-a-kind result.
Water-based stain
Nano-pigments penetrate for rich, translucent color in 20 colors. Suitable for interior or exterior projects.
Concrete dye
Acetone-carried pigment creates bold, modern color on smooth concrete. It dries quickly and can be layered before sealing.
Stamped & paver stain
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 stainSealing 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 sealerFive 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 concreteBrowse 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.
Acid stain
Concrete dye
Color
Technique
Basement
Garage
Pool deck
Choose your project, then pick the finish you love. We’ll match you to the right trial kit.
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.
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, choose Portico™ Paver Stain.
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 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.
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.
Use the project-first quiz for a quick match, or ask a project coach to review your surface.
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.
Start your free consultation
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®, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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™.