Explore the Beauty of Black Acid Stained Concrete in Our Photo Gallery
Welcome to our customer project gallery featuring black acid stain! While the name may suggest a true black color, it’s important to note that black acid stains tend to produce more of a dark brown hue on concrete surfaces. This is due to the chemical reaction that occurs between the acid in the stain and the minerals present in the concrete. If you are seeking a true black finish, we recommend exploring our Onyx Black ColorWave water-based stain or Black Vibrance dye colors as alternative options. In the meantime, please enjoy browsing through our collection of projects featuring beautiful blackish to dark brown hues achieved with Black EverStain acid stain.
Ditching the Carpet for Black Acid Stained Concrete: A DIY Success Story
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. 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 a week of scrubbing and using an angle grinder to remove the stubborn lines around the walls, the floor was ready for staining.
The homeowner applied the black acid stain in overlapping circles, using about 1.5 gallons in total. After letting the stain turn a milky, clouded color, the floor was flooded and scrubbed to remove any residue. 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. 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.
Carpet Begone! Black Acid Stain Concrete Flooring in the Man Cave
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. 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. After allowing the acid to etch for eight hours, they neutralized the surface and allowed it to dry overnight.
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.
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. They also stressed the importance of doing a test patch to determine the desired level of stain and the appropriate amount of time for etching.
In the end, their hard work paid off, resulting in a durable and attractive black acid stained concrete floor in their basement.
Industrial Chic: A Black and Coffee Brown Acid Stained Concrete Floor
Get the industrial look you crave with this stunning black and coffee brown acid stained concrete floor. 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, low-maintenance, and a unique alternative to traditional flooring materials.
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 from Direct Colors. 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.
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. It’s also important to be flexible and go with the flow, as imperfections can add character and make the project your own.
In addition to the EverStain Black Acid Stain and Seal Kit, this customer used Satin ProWax Polish to give their floor a polished finish. They also utilized a floor adhesive remover called Klean Strip to tackle stubborn stains that the degreaser couldn’t remove.
Overall, their hard work paid off with a beautiful and durable black acid stained concrete floor in their basement.
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. 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. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro, the mottled black acid staining technique is a great way to add a touch of style to any space.
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.
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 Green, and Black. I tested a small area under the island to see how the colors would look together.
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. 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. 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.
Once the floor was dry (I waited a couple more days to be sure), I applied two coats of Direct Colors High Gloss Acrylic Sealer using a sprayer for the first coat and a paint roller with a long handle for the second. 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.
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 Green 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.
- When applying the high gloss acrylic sealer, I found it easier to use a regular paint roller rather than a sprayer. Just 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.
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.
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.
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.
- Don’t use a sprayer for the sealer. We learned this the hard way after clogging up two different sprayers while trying to apply the sealer. A 3/8 inch nap roller is definitely the way to go.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
I used Direct Colors Concrete 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!
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!
Black Coffee Veining Technique
Acid Staining Outdoors in the Summer
NOTE: Each stain color has a different activation time to fully color the concrete. Read Acid Stain Activation Times before starting your project
Family Fun Garage Floor Makeover
This Direct Colors monthly contest winner used a concrete veining technique for their basement. Can you believe that toilet paper is involved in this technique to give acid stain that marbled look?!
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
It is important to note that when using azure blue acid stain on concrete surfaces, the patina effect may occur due to the presence of copper in the stain. This natural process can add character and depth to the finished surface, but it is something to be aware of and consider when choosing a concrete stain for outdoor projects. It is always a good idea to test a small area before committing to a full project, as the patina effect may not be desired in all cases.
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.
