facebook
twitter
pinterest
linkedin
water based concrete stain before and after photo gallery banner

Beautiful Transformations with Water-Based Stain: Before and After Gallery

Are you looking for a way to add some color and personality to your concrete surfaces? Water based concrete stains might be just what you need! These stains are easy to apply and produce vibrant, long-lasting colors, making them a popular choice for staining concrete. They are also environmentally friendly and non-toxic, which makes them a safe choice for both the user and the surrounding environment. Check out these before and after examples to see the transformative power of water-based concrete stains!

DIY Concrete Floor Remodel: Transform Your Space with ColorWave Stain

Before and after photos of stained concrete floor with water based ColorWave stains

If you’re looking to give your concrete floors a complete makeover, a DIY remodel may be just what you need. That’s exactly what one DIYer did, taking their kitchen, family, and laundry room floors down to the studs and revealing the concrete beneath. The end result is a stunning, multi color concrete stain floor design that adds character and interest to the space.

Prepped and Clean Concrete Floor Ready for Staining
Prepped and Clean Concrete Floor Ready for Staining

This project took 5+ days to complete, covering an estimated 500 square feet. The DIYer started by using an angle grinder with a diamond blade to remove the old flooring, and then used a rotating sander to smooth out the surface. They cleaned the floors with Simple Green degreaser and a wet/dry shop vacuum to ensure a clean surface for the new stain.

Dry Concrete Floor After Silver and White ColorWave Application
Dry Concrete Floor After Silver and White ColorWave Application

To add color and interest to the floors, the DIYer used  ColorWave water-based concrete stain in a variety of shades, including white, silver, stone gray, and iron gray. They particularly liked the Silver color, which looked like a baby blue and blended with the Iron Gray to create a dark navy effect.

Second Coat of Silver and White with Stone Gray Wet-on-Wet Application on Concrete Floor
Second Coat of Silver and White with Stone Gray Wet-on-Wet Application on Concrete Floor

They applied the stain in a wet-on-wet technique, similar to acid staining, and used multiple layers to achieve the desired effect.

Iron Gray Accents Over Silver, White, and Stone Gray ColorWave on Concrete Floor
Iron Gray Accents Over Silver, White, and Stone Gray ColorWave on Concrete Floor
Dry Coats of Silver and Stone Gray ColorWave on Concrete Floor
Dry Coats of Silver and Stone Gray ColorWave on Concrete Floor

Once the stain was dry, the DIYer applied a coat of EasySeal satin sealer as a base, followed by two coats of EasySeal gloss sealer for a durable and long-lasting finish. They finished off the project with two coats of high gloss ProWax Polish for added shine and protection.

Iron Gray, Silver, Stone Gray, and White ColorWave Sealed with One Coat of EasySeal on Concrete Floor
Iron Gray, Silver, Stone Gray, and White ColorWave Sealed with One Coat of EasySeal on Concrete Floor
Concrete Floor After Two Coats of EasySeal High Gloss and ProWax Polish High Gloss
Concrete Floor After Two Coats of EasySeal Gloss and ProWax Polish Gloss
Water based stained concrete floors
Beautiful marble like design with water based stains
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ColorWave Iron Gray
ColorWave® Iron Gray
Stone Gray ColorWave Swatch
ColorWave® Stone Gray
White ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch
ColorWave® White
Silver ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch
ColorWave® Silver
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish
ProWax™ Polish Gloss

DIY Marbled Concrete Floors: Achieving a Stunning Look With ColorWave Water-Based Stain Using the Puddling Method

Before and after photos of stained concrete floor with water based ColorWave stains

If you’re looking to add some personality to your concrete floors, why not try out a fun and modern look like this? With a little bit of creativity and the right products, you can transform your space into something truly unique.

Prepped and Clean Concrete Floor Ready for Staining
Prepped and Clean Concrete Floor Ready for Staining

This project took 3 days to complete, covering an estimated 430 square feet. The DIYer started by using ColorWave water based concrete stain in black, stone gray, and iron gray, using the “puddling method” to achieve a layered, marbled effect. Once the stain was dry, the DIYer applied a coat of AcquaSeal gloss sealer to protect the floors and give them a shiny finish. They finished off the project with two coats of concrete floor wax for added shine and protection.

ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray Applied Using Puddling Method on Concrete Floor
ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray Applied Using Puddling Method on Concrete Floor
Dry ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray on Concrete Floor
Dry ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray on Concrete Floor

And don’t forget to use Direct Colors’ ColorWave stain and AcquaSeal gloss sealer for a professional finish. So, go ahead and embrace your inner designer and give your concrete floors the makeover they deserve!

Sealed and polished Stone Gray, Iron Gray and Black stained concrete floor
Exceptional craftsmanship: polished basement floor reveals a striking stone-like finish with a vibrant blend of three colors
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Black ColorWave Swatch
ColorWave® Black
Stone Gray ColorWave Swatch
ColorWave® Stone Gray
ColorWave Iron Gray
ColorWave® Iron Gray
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish
ProWax™ Polish Gloss

DIY Concrete Floor Makeover: Achieving a Natural Stone Effect with ColorWave White and Blue Stain

Before and after photos of stained concrete floor with water based ColorWave stains

If you’re looking to add some character to your concrete floors, a DIY color makeover may be just what you need! That’s exactly what we did in our slab on grade home, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.

Slab on grade home concrete floor
Slab on Grade Home Concrete Floor

The process was actually quite simple. First, we power washed and wet vacuumed the floors on Friday to ensure a clean canvas for the new color.

Half of Room Stained with White ColorWave on Concrete Floor
Half of Room Stained with White ColorWave on Concrete Floor

On Saturday morning, we applied a white stain color to the entire floor using a hand held pump sprayer, and then dry mopped it using circular motions to achieve a cloudy, natural stone effect. We also added some blue color to the laundry and walk-in shower areas for a pop of contrast.

White Stain Applied to Concrete Floor Using Handheld Pump Sprayer and Dry Mopped
White Stain Applied to Concrete Floor Using Handheld Pump Sprayer and Dry Mopped
Dry Blue ColorWave Stains Over White on Concrete Floor
Dry Blue ColorWave Stains Over White on Concrete Floor

Once the colors were dry, we applied the first coat of sealer in the afternoon, and then added a second coat of high-gloss sealer on Sunday afternoon to give the floors a shiny, durable finish.

Concrete Floor After First Coat of Sealer (Still Wet)
Concrete Floor After First Coat of Sealer (Still Wet)

Overall, this DIY project was a great way to add some personality and interest to our concrete floors. If you’re looking to do the same in your own home, we recommend using the dry mop method for a more natural look, and don’t forget to use circular motions when applying the color.

Stained and Sealed Concrete Floor After ProWax Polish
Stained and Sealed Concrete Floor After ProWax Polish
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
White ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch
ColorWave® White
BLUE ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch-High-Quality
ColorWave® Blue
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish
ProWax™ Polish Gloss

DIY Custom Concrete Countertop: Layered ColorWave Stains and Topical Sealer for Durable Finish

Cured Poured-in-Place Concrete Countertop
Cured Poured-in-Place Concrete Countertop

If you’re in need of a new countertop and want to try something a little different, a custom concrete countertop may be just the thing for you! That’s exactly what our customers did, and the result is absolutely stunning.

Concrete Countertop Stained with Iron Gray and Steel Gray ColorWave
Concrete Countertop Stained with Iron Gray and Steel Gray ColorWave

This project took four days to complete, and covered an estimated 23 square feet. To achieve the desired look, our customers worked in layers using ColorWave white, steel gray, and iron gray from Direct Colors. They also used water to help the colors blend together for a unique finish.

Installed Concrete Countertop Stained with Iron Gray and Steel Gray ColorWave
Installed Concrete Countertop Stained with Iron Gray and Steel Gray ColorWave
STEEL GRAY ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch-High-Quality
ColorWave® Steel
White ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch
ColorWave® White
ColorWave Iron Gray
ColorWave® Iron Gray
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss

Once they were happy with the look, they sealed the countertop with a Trinic topical sealer to give it a durable and long-lasting finish.

If you’re considering a custom concrete countertop for your own home, our customers recommend working in layers and using water to help the colors blend together. And don’t forget to seal it with a high-quality product for lasting results. Happy DIY-ing!

DIY Heated Concrete Driveway: Adding Color with ColorWave and Finishing with Wet Look Seale

Before and after photos of stained concrete floor with water based ColorWave stains

If you live in an area with harsh winter weather, a heated concrete driveway may be the solution you’ve been looking for. That’s exactly what one DIYer did, and the result is both functional and beautiful.

Radiant Heating for Concrete Driveway
Radiant Heating for Concrete Driveway

This project took 15 days to complete, covering an estimated 360 square feet. The concrete mix used was a 7000 psi mix with integral Green color, ensuring a strong and durable surface.

Heated Driveway
Heated Driveway

To add some visual interest to the heated driveway, the DIYer used Colorwave colors from Direct Colors to add a splash of color. Once the colors were dry, a wet look finish was applied for a glossy and professional finish.

Water-based stained concrete patio
Almond, amber and olive ColorWave water-based stains
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ColorWave® Amber
ColorWave® Amber
ALMOND ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch-High-Quality
ColorWave®Almond
ColorWave® Olive
ColorWave® Olive
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss

If you’re considering a heated concrete driveway for your own home, be sure to use a high-quality concrete mix and consider adding some color for a personalized touch. And don’t forget to finish it with a wet look sealer for lasting results.

DIY Concrete Sunroom Makeover: Adding Character with ColorWave Gold Stain

Before and after photos of stained concrete floor with water based ColorWave stains

If you’re looking to add some character to your outdoor space, a concrete patio makeover may be just the thing you need! That’s exactly what one DIYer did with their small 8×20 sunroom patio, and the result is stunning.

Concrete patio
Before
Stained concrete patio with ColorWave gold water-based stain
Stained concrete patio with ColorWave gold water-based stain

This project took just five days to complete, covering approximately 160 square feet. To add some color and interest to the patio, the DIYer used ColorWave water based stain in Gold from Direct Colors. They applied the stain using a one-gallon handpump sprayer and allowed it to dry before adding a coat of EasySeal in satin for a durable and long-lasting finish.

Sunroom concrete floor stained with Colorwave water-based gold stain
Sunroom concrete floor stained with Colorwave water-based gold stain
Sunroom concrete floor stained with Colorwave water-based gold stain
Sunroom concrete floor stained with Colorwave water-based gold stain

If you’re considering a concrete patio makeover for your own home, we recommend using a water based stain for ease of application and a satin finish sealer for a subtle shine.

ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ColorWave® Gold
ColorWave® Gold
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin

DIY Day Room Floor Makeover

Are you tired of looking at dull, plain concrete floors in your day room? Give them a fresh new look with a DIY makeover! That’s exactly what one DIYer did, and the results are stunning.

Sunroom concrete floor
Before
ColorWave application

To add some color and interest to the floor, the DIYer used Cool Wave stain in emerald green and black forest from Direct Colors. They applied the stains using a brush and roller, and allowed them to dry before adding a coat of acrylic sealer in solvent base satin for a durable and long-lasting finish.

ColorWave application
ColorWave application

This project took four days to complete, covering an estimated 420 square feet. The DIYer began by prepping the floor, which included sanding or grinding down any old or stained areas and power washing to remove any debris. They allowed the floor to dry for a couple of days before starting the coloring process.

ColorWave application

If you’re considering a concrete floor makeover for your own home, we recommend taking the time to properly prep the floor and using a high quality acrylic sealer for a professional finish.

DIY Driveway Paver Re-Staining: Water Based Concrete Stains Before & After

Are your concrete pavers looking faded and dull? Give them a fresh new look with a DIY re-staining project! That’s exactly what one DIYer did, and the results are impressive.

Faded Driveway Concrete Pavers
Faded driveway concrete pavers
Faded driveway concrete pavers
Faded driveway concrete pavers

This project took 15 days to complete, and the DIYer started by researching products to re-stain their faded pavers. They ultimately decided on a ColorWave trial kit from Direct Colors, and were pleased with the results. They then ordered more product and set to work, applying it according to the directions.

Rust ColorWave on Concrete Pavers Driveway
Rust ColorWave on Concrete Pavers Driveway

To add some color and interest to the pavers, the DIYer used Direct Colors’ Rust ColorWave concrete stain. They applied it using an old Wagner spray gun, which made the job easier and faster. Once the stain was dry, they applied a coat of acrylic sealer in high gloss water base for a durable and long-lasting finish.

Restored Stamped Concrete Paver Driveway
Restored concrete paver driveway with Rust ColorWave stain
ColorWave Rust
ColorWave Rust
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss

The end result? The DIYer’s pavers were restored to their former glory, and their neighbors were in shock at the transformation. If you’re considering a DIY concrete paver re-staining project for your own home, we recommend following the directions carefully and using a spray gun for ease of application. And don’t forget to use Direct Colors’ ColorWave stain and acrylic sealer for professional results.

DIY Driveway Transformation with Water-Based Concrete Stain

Are you tired of looking at a faded and dull concrete driveway? With a little bit of elbow grease and the right materials, you can transform it into a beautiful, refreshed space. That’s exactly what one DIYer did, and the results are excellent.

Discolored concrete driveway
Discolored concrete driveway
Revitalize your outdoor space with a pop of color! This scored concrete driveway was transformed with Tangerine ColorWave water-based stain, adding a touch of eco-friendly vibrancy
Revitalize your outdoor space with a pop of color! This scored concrete driveway was transformed with Tangerine ColorWave water-based stain, adding a touch of eco-friendly vibrancy

This project took 5 days to complete, covering an estimated 1000 square feet. The DIYer started by thoroughly power washing the driveway and using an ecological based stripper to prepare the surface for the new stain and sealer. They then applied two coats of Tangerine ColorWave stain from Direct Colors, followed by two coats of EasySeal solvent based sealer.

Breathing new life into a dull scored concrete driveway with the vibrant Tangerine ColorWave water-based stain.
Breathing new life into a dull scored concrete driveway with the vibrant Tangerine ColorWave water-based stain.
TANGERINE ColorWave Concrete Stain Color Swatch-High-Quality
ColorWave Tangerine
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

The end result? A stunning, rejuvenated concrete driveway that looks as good as new!

A Tribute to Prince

Faded Black Concrete
Before
Onyx Black ColorWave Stain
Black ColorWave Stain and Satin Acrylic Sealer
Before image showing a faded line design on a concrete patio floor leading towards a monument dedicated to Prince.
Our "Purple Reign Revival" journey starts with a faded line design on a concrete patio floor, subtly guiding the way towards the monument dedicated to Prince. The muted design whispers of potential ready to be unleashed.
After image showcasing a revitalized line design on a concrete patio floor, stained with black ColorWave, leading to the Prince monument.
The path to music royalty is now clearly marked in our "Purple Reign Revival" project. The concrete patio lines, refreshed with black ColorWave, create a striking pathway leading to the now vibrant monument dedicated to Prince. This design truly hits the high note!
Black ColorWave Swatch
ColorWave® Black
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
Stained concrete brick grill
Stained Concrete Brick with Silver Gray ColorWave
Steel gray ColorWave stained concrete basement
Steel gray ColorWave stained concrete basement
Colorwave stained concrete floor
Montly DIY contest