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Black Acid Stain Concrete Projects

Explore our gallery of black acid-stained concrete. While labeled “black,” it often appears dark brown due to acid and concrete reactions. Seeking a true black? Consider our other black colorants.

By Justin Richardson

Ditching the Carpet for Black Acid Stained Concrete

If you’re considering tackling a concrete staining project, be sure to read about this homeowner’s experience using black acid stain from Direct Colors.

Concrete floor after removing carpet
Concrete floor after removing carpet

It all started with the decision to rip up the carpets in the front room and hallway, revealing a floor covered in mess left behind by the contractors who built the house.

After cleaning and grinding concrete floor
After cleaning and grinding carpet residue from concrete floor

After a week of scrubbing and using an angle grinder to remove the stubborn lines around the walls, the floor was ready for staining.

Black acid stain application
Black acid stain application

The homeowner applied the black acid stain in overlapping circles, using about 1.5 gallons in total.

Allowing black acid stain to react
Allowing black acid stain to react

After letting the stain turn a milky, clouded color, the floor was flooded and scrubbed to remove any residue.

Neutralized and rinsed black acid stain
Neutralized and rinsed black acid stain

The homeowner then waited for the floor to dry completely before starting the sealing process, applying two coats of sealer in opposite directions for the best coverage.

After letting the sealer fully cure, the plastic was stripped off to reveal a beautiful, finished floor.

 

EverStain black acid stained concrete floor after carpet removal
EverStain black acid stained concrete floor after carpet removal

The homeowner’s tips? Make sure to prep well and follow the instructions closely, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Direct Colors customer service team for help throughout the process.

 

CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

Please be aware that each photo in this gallery showcases projects accomplished with our Black EverStain™ Acid Stain and is provided by actual customers, serving as a source of inspiration. However, since EverStain™ is semi-transparent, the final appearance of your project will be influenced by the initial color and condition of your concrete surface, and thus, your final results might vary. For the best results, we strongly recommend performing a small test on your specific surface before applying the stain to the entire project to ensure the final look aligns with your expectations.

Mechanical Marvel: Black Beauty Begins

The heart of the home, our mechanical room, gets a sophisticated touch with a black acid stain, sealed in satin solvent brilliance. While it dazzles in dark, the rest of the house eagerly awaits its EverStain transformation. Quick tip: Rollers to the rescue when sprayers fall short, but keep that low-pressure sprayer handy for larger spaces!

The renovated mechanical room with a black acid-stained floor exhibiting brown hues, sealed with a satin finish
Subtle Sophistication: A mechanical room, transformed with a black acid stain revealing hints of brown, radiates with a refined allure

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 60 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    First room finished is our mechanical room (for hvac air handler, water heater, water softener, and well pressure tank). We finished this room in black acid stain with satin solvent sealer. The balance of the house will be in coffee brown and will be next.
  • Personal Tips:
    Only challenge we experienced was with the sealer application. Sealer was too thick to spray properly from the garden sprayer so we used a roller for this room. We’re going to purchaser a low pressure sprayer for the house portion.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    EverStain™ Acid Stain Trial Kit (Black, Coffee Brown & Malayan Buff)
    1 Gal. Black DIY EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Satin Kit
    1 Gal. ProWax™ Polish: Satin
    Patch-Rx™ Concrete Patching Compound: Base Gray: 2.5 Pound
Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

Carpet Begone! Black Acid Stain Concrete Flooring in the Man Cave

Man Cave Stained Concrete Floors Before and After Photos

If you’re looking to upgrade your basement flooring, consider following in the footsteps of this customer and using black acid stain from Direct Colors.

Carpeted Basement
Carpeted Basement

After removing the existing carpet and preparing the concrete surface, they applied the stain using a pump sprayer and a circular motion, following up with a light scrubbing of the stain.

Black Acid Stain Application
During Application

After allowing the acid to etch for eight hours, they neutralized the surface and allowed it to dry overnight.

Black acid stained concrete floor

Next, they applied a coat of acrylic sealer with a roller, waiting 24 hours before adding a second coat. Finally, they finished off the project by waxing the floor three times.

Polished black acid stained concrete floor

While this customer had a successful project overall, they did recommend using a higher quality concrete patching compound that is closer in color and will take the stain better.

CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

From Flood-Prone to Fabulous: A Black Acid Stain Concrete Basement Makeover

If you’re looking to give your basement floor a fresh start, consider following in the footsteps of this customer and using EverStain™  Acid Stain in black.

Flooded concrete basement
Before

The key to a successful project, according to this customer, is proper prep work. They recommend taking the time to thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, as the parts of the floor that turned out the best were the ones that received the most attention to detail.

Despite taking a few days longer than expected, the end result was worth it and the customer is already planning to use Direct Colors for their next project.

Developing black EverStain acid stain
Developing black EverStain acid stain

It’s also important to be flexible and go with the flow, as imperfections can add character and make the project your own.

Neutralized black acid stain
Neutralized black acid stain

In addition to the EverStain™ Black Stain and Seal Kit, this customer used Satin ProWax Polish™  to give their floor a polished finish.

Polished black acid stained concrete basement floor
Polished black acid stained concrete basement floor

They also utilized a floor adhesive remover called Klean Strip to tackle stubborn stains that the degreaser couldn’t remove.

CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

The Mottled Black Acid Staining Technique: Achieving a Beautiful, Random Pattern on Concrete Surfaces

The mottled black acid staining technique is a popular way to add a unique, modern touch to concrete surfaces. It involves applying the stain in a random, mottled pattern, creating a beautiful, natural-looking finish.

Mottled black acid stained concrete floor
Mottled black acid stained concrete floor

This technique is easy to do and can be achieved with just a few simple tools, making it a great option for DIYers looking to transform their floors, countertops, or other concrete surfaces.

Mottled black acid stained concrete floor
Mottled black acid stained concrete floor

Cracked Patio Transformation: From Eyesore to Elegant!

Turned a problematic patio crack into a delightful faux flagstone design using Black Acid Stain. A simple sprayer and careful taping led to a stunning outcome. Say goodbye to unsightly cracks and hello to stylish flagstone!

A cracked patio surface with a cement repair visible across it before black everstain acid stain
Initial state: A prominent crack, even after cement repairs
The transformed patio featuring the faux flagstone design, furnished with outdoor chairs and tables
Patio Perfection: From cracked concrete to chic outdoor lounge space.
Patio floor marked with masking tape to outline faux flagstone design
Laying the groundwork: Taping the patio in a faux flagstone design
The taped concrete patio floor immediately after being sprayed with Black EverStain acid stain.
Application in Progress: Freshly sprayed with Black EverStain
The patio surface showing a deepened color, 6 hours after black EverStain acid stain application
Patience Pays Off: 6 hours in, and the stain reveals its true shade
Patio surface post black EverStain acid stain neutralization, wash, and sealing
A gleaming patio surface post acid stain neutralization, wash, and sealing.

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 2 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    My patio had a crack right across it. I tried repairing it by filling it. Then by cementing over it. No matter what it looked ugly. I saw the faux flagstone idea on your web site. Taped the design. Used black acid stain. Looks better!
  • Personal Tips:
    Using sprayer is very easy. Make sure that you tape all around. It gets everywhere!
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Black DIY EverStain™ & AcquaSeal™ Gloss Kit
  • Other Products Used:
    None. Water to rinse. Sprayer. Masking tape.
Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss

Patio Pizzazz: A Touch of Black Magic!

Enhanced a stamped and black antiqued patio by introducing select tiles with a splash of Black Acid Stain. A subtle touch that adds depth and intrigue to the design.

A black antiqued stamped concrete patio without border detailing or sealer
Before the Upgrade: The stamped concrete patio
Stamped concrete patio with distinct tiles accentuated by the added Black EverStain Acid Stain
Subtle Transformation: A touch of Black Acid Stain on select tiles brings a delightful contrast

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 1 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 50 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    Added color to a stamped and antiqued patio.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Qt. Black  EverStain™ acid stain
  • Other Products Used:
    Super clear sealer
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

Retaining Wall Revival: From Blotchy to Bold

Our once-blotched retaining wall gets a facelift! After pressure washing, I played with sample blocks to perfect the color. Settled on a bold black stain, sealed it for longevity, and now? A naturally varied, eye-catching wall that proudly stands beside our brick home.

A blotchy buff-colored retaining wall with visible mold/mildew marks and red clay stains
The Original State: A once-pristine retaining wall marred by time and elements
A rejuvenated retaining wall, uniformly stained in black, showcasing a fresh and cohesive appearance
A Remarkable Revival: The wall, now donning a bold black shade, stands as a testament to transformation

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 1000 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    When our home was built in 2014, a retaining wall was installed in the front of the house using buff colored retaining wall blocks. As time progressed, these blocks became blotchy with mold/mildew and also stained with red clay from the soil behind the wall seeping through. It looked pretty bad. I started by pressure washing the wall. I bought several buff colored retaining wall blocks from Home Depot (about $3 each) and ordered a trial kit from Direct Colors. I prepare two sample blocks- one with half black and half coffee, curing for 4 hours. The other block I used to test the difference in color using the black stain, applying 4 stripe at one hour intervals so that at the end, I had a stripe at one hour of curing, 2 hours, three hours and 4 hours. I used the sample blocks to check for color compatibility with the brick exterior of our home. I selected black stain at 1.5 hours for the final job. I did one more test, staining one block in the actual wall just to make sure that tha color there would not stray too far from the color on the test blocks. That was a success, so I proceeded to stain the entire wall using a pump sprayer, the kind used for deck stain. I neutralzed at one hour using the same sprayer. I let the entire job dry for 2 days, then applied the solvent based sealer again with a plastic pump sprayer. I had to work fast with the sealer because it starter gumming up the sprayer. But I did finish and rather than try to clean up the sprayer, I just threw it away, It was pretty inexpensive at about $15 and I would have easily spent that on a can of solvent to try to clean it up. In the end, I found that individual blocks reacted in different ways apparently due to variable in the contents of the concrete in each block. I did anticipate thias and just accepted that the wall would not likely have a perfectly uniform color. This in my view makes the wall look more natural.
  • Personal Tips:
    1. Do get the trial kit and test the stain on the actual surfaces which you will be staining.
    2. Test the stain colors at different curing times to see what the final colors could be. Then you can choose the right curing time for your project.
    3. Use the solvent based sealer since it will have a longer life. You may have to sacrifice a pump sprayer but it is worth it.
    4. For a textured surface wall like this, where the absorption rate is likely to be higher than smooth concrete, I recommend ordering about 25% more product that the coverage guidelines on the label would dictate. This proved to be a good rule of thumb on my project.
    5. For a retaining wall, don’t forget to estimate for the course of capstones on top of the wall. It’s easy to miss that.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    3 x 1 Gal. Black EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Satin Kit
  • Other Products Used:
    Super clear sealer
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

Industrial Chic: A Black and Coffee Brown Acid Stained Concrete Floor

Get the industrial look you crave with this stunning black and coffee brown EverStain™ acid stained concrete floor.

Before Staining
Before

By diluting the acid stain at different strengths, you can achieve a layered, multi-tonal finish that adds depth and character to your space. Perfect for a residential setting, this flooring option is durable and low-maintenance.

developing black and coffee brown acid stains
Developing acid stains
Black and Coffee Brown Acid Stained Floor
After staining with diluted coffee brown and full strength black and coffee brown EverStain acid stains
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Coffee Brown EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Coffee Brown
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

Blending Ages: A Patio’s Dual-Toned Dance

On a quaint round patio, old meets new as 25-year-old concrete harmoniously blends with its 6-month-old counterpart, thanks to the magic of Coffee Brown and Black EverStain™. With a central fire pit casting cozy vibes, this patio is a testament to timeless transformations. Pro-tip: Sun’s out? Work swiftly, and don’t forget those spikes!

A round patio showcasing the contrast between the newer, fresh concrete and the adjacent aged, weathered concrete
Past Meets Present: The visible age gap between the 6-month and 25-year-old concrete sections
The patio, post-staining, with a harmonized blend of Coffee Brown and Black Everstain, diminishing the distinction between the old and new concrete
A Harmonious Hues Merge: The age distinction fades, replaced by a uniform blend of warm Coffee Brown and deep Black EverStain

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 250 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    Sun dries the stain out fast
    Use the spikes
  • Personal Tips:
    Small patio with 6 month old add on concrete and 25 year old concrete.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    Antiquing™ Stain Trial Kit (Black, Eagle Gray & Charcoal)
    EverStain™ Acid Stain Trial Kit (Black, Coffee Brown & Seagrass)
    1 Gal. Black DIY EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Satin Kit
    1 Gal. Black EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Satin Kit
    1 Gal. Coffee Brown EverStain™
  • Other Products Used:
    None. Water to rinse. Sprayer. Masking tape.
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Coffee Brown EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Coffee Brown
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

Log Cabin Floor Makeover: 7 Days to a Stunning Acid Stained Finish

I recently completed a stunning flooring project in my new construction log cabin and I couldn’t be happier with the results! The kitchen and dining room area is about 800 sq. ft. and it took me just 7 days to finish.

New construction lo cabin concrete floor
New construction lo cabin concrete floor

Before I began, I made sure to clean the slab thoroughly. It’s about 10 years old, but with a little elbow grease it was ready for the transformation. I then purchased a test kit of three colors I was interested in using: Malayan Buff, Seagrass, and Black. I tested a small area under the island to see how the colors would look together.

Remember to wear spiked shoes

To apply the stain, I put on my fashionable spiked shoes and grabbed some sprayers. I started with the Malayan Buff and then followed with the Seagrass Green, adding in a little bit of Black here and there. I applied the colors wet on wet so they would mottle together and create a beautiful, random pattern.

Malayan buff application
Malayan buff application

I did a second coat over the first, trying to keep the colors in the same areas as before. I figured that since I was going for a random pattern, it wouldn’t matter if I made any mistakes. It was actually a lot of fun!

After the stain had dried for a couple of days, I mixed together some baking soda and water (1-2 tablespoons per gallon) and used it to neutralize the floor.

Random patterns of seagrass and very little black
Random patterns of seagrass and very little black acid stain

I walked around with my spiked shoes and dumped gallons of the mixture all over the floor, letting it sit for a bit before wet-vacuuming it all up with plastic bags on my feet. I then rinsed the floor with plain water three more times, vacuuming up the water each time.

Sealed acid stained concrete floor
After AcquaSeal gloss application

Once the floor was dry (I waited a couple more days to be sure), I applied two coats of EasySeal™ Gloss using a sprayer and back rolling with a dry paint roller with a long handle right after.

The paint roller made it much easier to get an even coat and the results were fantastic! The floor came out beautifully and I can’t wait to do the same thing in the living room area, where I plan on adding a little bit of Cola color to the mix.

Acid stained log cabin concrete floors
Malayan buff, seagrass and black EverStain acid stains sealed with AcquaSeal and ProWax Polish gloss

Here are a few personal tips I learned along the way:

  • Don’t be afraid to use lots of stain. I actually wished I had used more on the first coat, especially since I really liked how the Seagrass was coming out. So I went crazy with it on the second coat and I’m glad I did.
  • Make sure to rinse with lots of water after neutralizing. I found that at least three rinses was key to getting a great seal when the floor was dry.
  • Make sure to buy good quality rollers that won’t shed.

Overall, I had a great experience using Direct Colors products and I’m looking forward to using them again on the rest of my cabin.

CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Seagrass EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Seagrass
Malayan Buff EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Malayan Buff
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

The Modern and Durable Flooring Solution: Our Experience with Acid Staining Concrete

My wife and I recently gave our home a major upgrade by replacing the old carpet and vinyl flooring with a stunning marble style concrete acid stain. The project took about 5 days to complete and covered around 900 sq. ft. of our living room, hallway, and kitchen.

Clean concrete floor
Clean concrete floor

We chose to go with an acid stain because we were looking for something modern and durable that would last for more than a decade. After doing some research, we were convinced that an acid stain was the way to go and we’re so glad we made the decision.

Black, malayan buff and seagrass acid stain application
Black, malayan buff and seagrass acid stain application
After two coats of AcquaSeal concrete sealer
After two coats of AcquaSeal concrete sealer
Neutralized and cleaned acid stain
Neutralized and cleaned acid stain

Here are a few tips we learned along the way that might be helpful for anyone thinking about doing a similar project:

  • If your concrete is older and has paint or carpet adhesive on it, it might be a good idea to rent a good floor polisher with a coating removal blade. This will make it much easier to get the surface ready for the acid stain.
  • Give the acid plenty of time to react to the concrete. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product and let the acid work its magic before neutralizing and rinsing.
  • A good shop vac is a lifesaver, especially when it comes to cleaning up after the neutralizing process. Use a squeegee to pull water and make the job go much faster.
  • Take your time and allow the sealer to go through its entire process before waxing. It’s important to be patient and let the sealer do its job properly in order to achieve the best possible results.
  • Remove the filter from the sprayer for the sealer. We learned this the hard way after clogging up two different sprayers while trying to apply the sealer. Back-rolling with a dry 3/8 inch nap roller is definitely the way to go.
After waxing with ProWax Polish
After waxing with ProWax Polish

We also used a floor polisher with a coating removal tool, a shop vac, an angle grinder with a diamond floor grinder blade (for the edges), a squeegee, a floor brush, a trim pad, spiked shoes, and a 3/8 inch nap roller.

After waxing with ProWax Polish
After waxing with ProWax Polish

Overall, we’re thrilled with how our new floor turned out and we can’t wait to show it off to our friends and family. If you’re considering giving your home a similar makeover, we hope our tips will be helpful to you!

CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Seagrass EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Seagrass
Malayan Buff EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Malayan Buff
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

Lake House Makeover: A Stunning Concrete Acid Stain Transformation

I recently completed a concrete acid stain project in the basement of our newly constructed lake house and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results! It took about 5 days to finish the project, which covered about 300 sq. ft. of floor space.

Concrete Basement
Before

I used a combination of Malayan Buff, Black, and Seagrass to create a marbled effect and then sealed the floor with a high gloss acrylic sealer. I took my time and allowed plenty of drying time between layers of sealer, which is why it took a little longer than expected. But it was well worth the wait, because the end result is absolutely stunning!

Acid Stained Concrete Floor
After

In fact, I’m already planning my next project: an outdoor concrete slab patio. I’m really enjoying the process of working with concrete acid stains and I’m even thinking about using the product for things beyond traditional floor treatments, like concrete statues, figurines, and stepping stones. The possibilities are endless!

concrete basement floor
Before

Here are a few tips I learned along the way:

  • Use a lot of water to blend the three colors together and make them look seamless. I used tank sprayers for the stain and had one just for water. I would spray the stain and then “feather” any lines or streaks with water. When I applied the next color, I used the water to blend the two stains together.
  • Know that the results will be unpredictable depending on the type of concrete, the finish, etc. I was a little nervous at first, but once I got started, the motions just seemed to flow.
  • Use a roller pad (paint roller) with a long broom handle, acid-appropriate sprayers, Scotch brand tape or plastic around the baseboards and up the walls, a mop and mop bucket, and Cat Track shoe covers (spiked) to protect your feet.
Marbled acid stained concrete basement floor
Blend the three colors together, using a separate tank sprayer just for water

I used Direct Colors Concrete EverStain™ Acid Stain in Malayan Buff, Black, and Seagrass, as well as the AcquaSeal™ in high gloss.

The products worked beautifully and I’m looking forward to using them again in the future.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the way my basement floor turned out. If you’re considering a similar project, I hope these tips will be helpful to you!

CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Seagrass EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Seagrass
Malayan Buff EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Malayan Buff
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

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.

Commercial Concrete Floor
Before

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.

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.

Photo of a clean and prepared concrete floor, ready for the application of acid stain to achieve a stunning transformation.
Cleaning concrete surface

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.

Photo of a concrete floor displaying the subtle Azure Blue base color after applying and allowing the lighter acid stain to activate.
The concrete floor begins its transformation with the application of the lighter Azure Blue acid stain base color, setting the stage for a stunning finish.

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.

Photo of a concrete floor showcasing the striking effect of the Black acid stain veining technique applied as an accent color over the Azure Blue base.
The concrete floor comes to life as the Black acid stain veining technique adds depth and contrast to the Azure Blue base color, creating a unique and eye-catching design.

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.

Sealing Acid Stained Commercial Floor
EasySeal application

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.

Black, Azure Blue Acid Stained Commercial Concrete Floor
Azure Blue & Black EverStain on commercial concrete floor

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!

CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Azure Blue EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Azure Blue
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

Black Coffee Veining Technique

 

Concrete Basement
Before
Black acid stain veining technique application
Black acid stain veining technique application
Coffee brown EverStain acid stain application over black acid stain veins
Coffee brown EverStain acid stain application over black acid stain veins
Acid Stained Concrete Floor
Developing acid stain colors
Sealed acid stained concrete floor
Sealed acid stained concrete floor
Polished acid stained concrete floor
Polished acid stained concrete floor
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
Black Acid Stain Concrete Color
EverStain™ Black
Coffee Brown EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Coffee Brown
AcquaSeal Satin
AcquaSeal™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
Acid Stained Concrete Floors
Black and Coffee Brown Acid Stained Floors Sealed with High Gloss, Water-Based Acrylic Sealer. Polished with Residential Floor Wax
Black Concrete Acid Stained Indoor Basketball Court
Indoor Basketball court stained with Black Acid Stain and sealed with Water-Based, Satin, Acrylic Sealer

NOTE: Each stain color has a different activation time to fully color the concrete. Read Acid Stain Activation Times before starting your project