Azure Blue Visions: Brilliant Blue Concrete Stain Ideas

Welcome to our “Azure Blue Visions” gallery! It’s a showcase of beautiful projects done with blue concrete stain. To bring out the deep blue color, we suggest using CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher before staining. Our gallery is full of different projects, from patios to countertops, all dyed a stunning azure. Explore these ideas and find inspiration for your own home project!

By Justin Richardson

In this project, an ordinary boat storage garage morphs into a maritime masterpiece, thanks to Azure Blue and Shifting Sand acid stains. The process began with CitrusEtch™ to prepare the concrete, ensuring optimal reaction of the acid stain. Miracle-Gro was then applied to intensify the oceanic blue hues. Paired with warm brown tones mimicking sandy shores, this transformed space is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves as an efficient spot for boat storage and maintenance.

Curious about achieving a deeper blue hue on your concrete projects? Explore our blog post, ‘Using Miracle Gro To Enhance The Blue Hues Of Acid Stain On Concrete,’ to learn the tips and tricks of harnessing this garden essential for your staining process

Vintage Slab Revival: A Beginner’s Journey in Acid Staining

A delightful bonding project for a husband and wife duo, this transformation showcases how beginners can navigate the world of acid staining. The interior room, founded on a slab poured back in 1967, came to life with Azure Blue, Shifting Sand, and the unexpected addition of Miracle Gro granules. Despite life’s interruptions, the couple found good stopping points and completed the project at their own pace. The success can be credited to thorough surface prep, smart sprayer techniques, and the strategic use of water to enhance color variations and absorption. With this simple but transformative makeover, the 1967 slab foundation gets a modern and vibrant revival.

Porch Resurgence: From Carpeted Space to Stained Masterpiece

This project tells the tale of a porch that had been carpeted for 25 years, transforming into a beautiful stained concrete oasis. The challenge began with removing the persistent carpet glue, a task that required a cement grinder and plenty of patience. Despite this hurdle, the remaining glue spots were creatively incorporated into the design. After comprehensive prep work, Azure Blue, Seagrass, and English Red EverStain™ Acid Stains were applied, with MiracleGrow sprinkled in to deepen the blue color. Acrylic paints added additional charm, and unexpected flaws were cleverly turned into design elements. With the finishing touch of EasySeal™ Gloss Sealer and High Gloss ProWax Polish™ , the porch emerged from its dated carpeting into a visually captivating retreat. If this 65-year-old homeowner could do it, she assures, anyone can!

Elevating the Everyday: A Dual-Toned Laundry and Workout Space

On their second DIY foray into the world of acid staining, this homeowner created an impressive dual-toned floor in their soon-to-be laundry and workout area. Leveraging the striking combination of Azure Blue and Coffee Brown EverStain, the area was transformed from a simple concrete slab into a vibrant, inviting space. Their thorough cleaning and etching process ensured the concrete absorbed the rich, undiluted colors, resulting in a floor with depth and character. Despite the floor’s hard troweled finish requiring extra etching time, the process proved smoother than their initial project, with fewer rinses needed for clean-up. The finished look is sealed and polished to perfection, creating an aesthetic that truly ‘pops’. As the homeowner insightfully shared, remember to wear spiked shoes throughout the process for an even smoother staining experience. Whether it’s laundry time or workout time, this area now inspires with its eye-catching appeal.

Emerald Elegance: An Azure Blue and Green Living Room Transformation

Experience the unpredictability and beauty of Azure Blue Acid Stain with the ‘Emerald Elegance’ project. As a true testament to DIY spirit, this transformation showcases how unexpected elements like moisture evaporation can result in stunning color evolution, adding depth and character to an initially uniform azure hue. Dive in to discover how a beginner managed to create a unique, stunning living room floor that’s not just visually appealing, but also durable and easy to maintain

Breathing New Life into a Concrete Bathroom Floor with Azure Blue Acid Staining

This bathroom renovation project involved the application of Azure Blue acid staining to the concrete floor in order to update its appearance. The blue tones created by the acid staining process add a touch of color to the space and help to give the bathroom a more modern look. While the acid staining technique is known for its durability and ease of maintenance, it’s important to keep in mind that the final result may vary and may not always be as striking as desired. Regardless, this project has helped to give the bathroom a refreshed and updated appearance

Updating a 1950s Concrete Basement Floor with Azure Blue Acid Staining

In this basement renovation project, one person tackled the task of updating the concrete floor, which had been poured in the 1950s. The project took three days to complete and covered an estimated 400 square feet of space across two rooms. The goal was to give the floor a fresh and modern look using Azure Blue acid staining from Direct Colors, as well as Simple Green cleaner to prepare the surface. One tip learned during the project was the importance of using a hard trowel surface prep to ensure better absorption of the stain, as the concrete in this case was not porous enough and resulted in a very light blue finish. Despite this challenge, the project was a success in giving the basement a more updated and refreshed appearance.”

Transforming a Barndominium into an Office with Wet-on-Dry Acid Staining

In this home renovation project, our customer transformed a barndominium into an office space by staining the concrete floors using the wet-on-dry method of acid stain layering. The colors chosen for this project were azure blue as a base and coffee brown, which were applied to create a unique marbled effect.

Guest House Floor Upgrade: Acid Staining Brings Color and Character to Concrete

It was time for a special floor in our gameroom/guesthouse, and we wanted something different with a pop of color. After some research, we decided to try the veining technique using toilet paper and adding Miracle Gro to Azure Blue for a brighter color.

We followed the how-to videos and guides on the site and made sure to fully neutralize the Citrus etch and scrub it off our tools. To make the cleanup process easier, we followed a helpful tip and scrubbed the CitrusEtch into one area before vacuuming it up. This minimized the amount of mopping we needed to do.

The project was completed in just four days and covered an estimated 1250 square feet. In addition to the veining technique and Azure Blue, we also used an orbital polisher with scrubbing pads, mops, and plastic for the walls.

Our personal tip for anyone tackling a similar project is to have fun with it and don’t stress too much. Mistakes can always be fixed, so be creative and enjoy the process.

To prepare the floor, our customer first removed the carpet and glue, then sanded and cleaned the surface well using a degreaser. They then applied the acid using sprayers, leaving it to sit overnight and neutralizing it the following day. After allowing the floor to dry for 24 hours, they applied the first coat of sealant and let it sit for another 24 hours before applying a second coat. Finally, they painted the walls, replaced the baseboards, and returned the furniture to the room.

One tip from our customer was to cover the walls with plastic if using sprayers, as the acid can get all over the walls no matter how careful you are. In the end, our customer was pleased with the final result of this project, which transformed their sunroom into a bright and welcoming space with a beautiful and durable acid-stained floor.

DIY Acid Staining: How I Transformed My Office’s Floors on a Tight Budget and Timeline

As the operations manager and project estimator at Valtex, LLC, a subcontractor specializing in full shell construction, I recently had the opportunity to take on a new project: the flooring for our company’s headquarters office. In an effort to save costs, I proposed leaving the slab raw and staining it. While the idea was well received, I found that quotes for the project were almost as expensive as other flooring options. That’s when I discovered Direct Colors and the possibility of doing the project myself.

At just $0.50 per square foot, it was a no-brainer. The only catch? The project covered approximately 3,500 square feet and I had never worked with acid stain before. To make matters more challenging, I only had 3 days to complete the project from start to finish. Despite my lack of experience, I was able to complete the project thanks to the wealth of resources on the Direct Colors website, including videos, testimonials, and helpful customer service.

The process was straightforward, and all of the products worked as described. My biggest tip for anyone considering a similar project is to prepare as much as possible before you start. This includes digging into all of the resources on the website, giving yourself plenty of time based on the size of your project, and being patient. Prep work is key, and it’s important to take your time to ensure a high-quality end result.

Other tips I learned along the way include wearing spiked shoes or cleats to avoid footprints, using paper rather than plastic to mask off areas where you don’t want stain, wearing a mask or respirator in low-ventilated areas, applying light colors first, and checking the activation time for your specific colors. I also recommend pouring water on a test spot after applying the acid to check the progress of the activation.

Overall, I had a great experience with Direct Colors and I’m actually considering starting a sub-company doing acid staining. The process was enjoyable and the end result is stunning. If you’re considering a similar project, don’t hesitate to give Direct Colors a try. Your masterpiece is just an order away!

Animal Hospital Floor Makeover with Azure Blue and Malayan Buff Acid Stains

See the transformation of this animal hospital’s concrete floor with the use of Azure Blue and Malayan Buff acid stains. The once dull and uninviting space is now bright and welcoming, perfectly suited for the furry patients that visit.

Updating a Restaurant Floor with Acid Staining

In this restaurant renovation project, our customer set out to update the existing floor by covering it with a cement overpayment and dividing it into sections. The project took seven days to complete and covered an estimated 3,000 square feet of space, with an additional eight days spent on the project overall.

One tip from our customer was that they found it necessary to use twice as much of the blue acid stain in order to achieve the desired effect because they did not etch the concrete floor.  It’s worth noting that etching the concrete can help the acid stain to absorb more deeply and create a more vibrant finish.

Consider the Patina Effect: Using Azure Blue Acid Stain for Outdoor Concrete Surfaces

We recently completed a sunroom transformation that took just 7 days to complete. The space was an enclosed back patio sunroom, measuring approximately 350 square feet. When we first started the project, the slab was dirty and had not been sealed. We knew that power washing would be the first step in preparing the surface for the new treatment.

After the power washing was complete, we decided to use a wet on wet technique with Malayan buff, Coffee Brown, Azure blue, and Avocado acid stains. This gave the sunroom a vibrant and unique look, adding depth and character to the space.

One tip we learned during the process was the importance of using the right tools. We started with small spray bottles for the acid stains, but found it difficult to achieve the desired coverage. For future projects of this size, we will definitely invest in a pump sprayer to make the process easier. We also found that pouring the acid and spreading it with a broom worked better than using the spray bottles. For the sealant, we used a pump sprayer which made the application much smoother.

Overall, we are thrilled with the end result of this sunroom makeover. It’s hard to believe that such a dramatic transformation could be achieved in just 7 days! If you’re considering a similar project, we highly recommend giving acid staining a try. It’s a simple and effective way to completely transform the look of a space.

Cooking Up a Storm: A Guide to Creating a Marbled Concrete Cookhouse Floor with EverStain Acid Stain

In this outdoor home renovation project, our customer built a cookhouse in their backyard and used acid staining to transform the concrete floor into a beautiful, marbled surface. After waiting 60 days for the fiber reinforced concrete to cure, they washed the floor with a mild etching solution and let it dry overnight. They then applied two coats of English Red acid stain, with the second coat applied undiluted to create a marbling effect. They let the stain dry for six hours, then neutralized and rinsed it before applying a coat of Azure Blue acid stain using a spray bottle. They added a touch of Miracle Gro powder to a small amount of the Azure Blue to create a deeper blue color, which they used to add veining and deepen certain areas of the floor. After letting the floor dry for another six hours, they applied a neutralizing solution and rinsed it again before applying two coats of EasySeal sealer.

Our customer had several tips to share based on their experience with this project. They recommended following the directions closely and not skipping any steps, as well as allowing sufficient drying time between steps to ensure a good reaction. They also suggested using undiluted acid for the second coat when trying to achieve a marbling effect, and emphasized the importance of neutralizing and thoroughly rinsing the floor before applying sealer. They also recommended rolling on the sealer in opposite directions for each coat to ensure even coverage. Finally, they noted the importance of protecting the floor from direct sunlight during the acid staining process to prevent premature drying.

A Unique and Creative Concrete Staining Project in 3 Days

(Note: Azure Blue EverStain will patina on exterior concrete surfaces)

I wanted to add something unique and creative to my freshly poured 12’x24′ concrete slab for a future backyard screen enclosure, so I turned to Direct Colors Acid Staining. All of my neighbors had boring patio pavers, and I wanted something different.

I spent some time watching the videos provided by Direct Colors and received helpful tips from Samantha and Heather, the sales reps at DC. They recommended applying Miracle Gro blue granules to give a “pop” to my lakes and river and laying out my design with strands of toilet paper.

The project took just three days to complete and covered an estimated 280 square feet. I used three separate combo kits of Ever Stain and High Gloss Sheen, as well as one gallon of Azure Blue and High Gloss Sheen, one gallon of English Red and High Gloss Sheen, and one gallon of Black and High Gloss Sheen, plus 3 oz of non-grip powder.

My personal tip for anyone tackling a similar project is to take the time to watch the videos and follow the advice of the experts at Direct Colors. Their products and guidance made for a smooth and successful staining process.

Concrete Transformation: Adding Color and Style to Our Patio and Porch

(Note: Azure Blue EverStain will patina on exterior concrete surfaces)

In this three-day project, we stained both our back patio and front porch. Our house is a new construction, built less than two years ago, and the concrete had not been sealed. During the curing process, concrete blankets were used which left some marks on the surface that we wanted to cover up.

One tip we have is to use a sprayer with a plastic nozzle, as acid can react with metal. It’s also important to cover any rocks in your landscape as they may contain lime and could get stained. Plastic won’t stain, but be sure to wipe it off right away for easier cleanup. Keep a bucket close to your sprayer to place the nozzle in when you’re not using it, as the nozzle tends to drip or spray after you release the trigger. Trust the process, even if the concrete looks patchy and dull at first. You can still scrub off the finish with a broom and a baking soda water mixture at this point. Then, let it dry for a day before sealing.

For the patio, we used a wet-on-wet technique with Malayan Buff and Azure from Direct Colors. On the porch, we used Malayan Buff and slightly diluted Cola, applied wet-on-dry and spread out with a broom for a mottled look. We neutralized both surfaces after about 22 hours, washed them, and let them dry for a day before sealing.

We used Direct Colors’ Malayan Buff, Azure, and Cola for the staining and a high gloss, wet look sealer from Foundation Armor for the final step. The result was a beautiful and durable finish on both our patio and porch.

Adding Color and Character to a Concrete Porch

(Note: Azure Blue EverStain will patina on exterior concrete surfaces)

In this three-day project, we transformed the look of our concrete porch by adding color and character with acid staining. The porch is about five years old and we had an extension poured in May.

In this three-day project, we transformed the look of our concrete porch by adding color and character with acid staining. The porch is about five years old and we had an extension poured in May.

The project covered an estimated 400 square feet and the result was a beautiful and unique finish on our porch. The acid staining process added both color and character to the concrete surface, giving it a new lease on life.

Adding Style to an Outdoor Kitchen and Fire Pit Area with Acid Staining

(Note: Azure Blue EverStain will patina on exterior concrete surfaces)

In this four-day project, we wanted to add some style and character to the outdoor kitchen and fire pit area we were building. We decided to try the veining technique with Azure Blue and Coffee Brown, using a wet-on-wet method and filling in the spaces between the veins with Cola.

Our personal tip for anyone tackling a similar project is to follow the directions closely and order more sealer than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have a little extra on hand in case of any unforeseen issues or mistakes.

The project covered an estimated 500 square feet and we used Azure Blue, Coffee, and Cola from Direct Colors, as well as a solvent-based sealer. The result was a beautiful and unique finish that added style and character to our outdoor kitchen and fire pit area.

How Concrete Veining Can Add Character to Poured Concrete

Concrete veining is a unique technique that uses concrete acid stain to create a marbled effect and vibrant colors on concrete surfaces. It’s a great way to add character and interest to poured concrete.

This DIYer gave their poured concrete a touch of concrete veining and the result is truly striking. It really adds a lot of character and personality to the surface. If you’re looking to add some visual interest to your concrete, consider giving concrete veining a try. It’s a fun and creative way to transform a plain concrete surface into something special.