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Cola EverStain™ in Action: See Our Customers’ Projects

Take a look at our gallery of cool projects where our customers used Cola EverStain™ concrete acid stain. See how this warm, orange-brown color can spice up any concrete space. And don’t forget, the final color can change based on your concrete, so try it out first!

By Justin Richardson

Earthy Elegance: Front Porch Makeover with Cola EverStain™

The front porch of a stunning estate home was transformed with Cola EverStain™. Harmonizing beautifully with the earthy brick tones of the house, the porch now exudes an inviting warmth, further accentuated by its elegant columns.

A finished front porch of an earthy brick estate home, enhanced by the warm hues of Cola EverStain™
A harmonious blend: The completed front porch, its warm Cola EverStain™ perfectly complementing the earthy brick of the estate home
A concrete driveway with edging stained by Cola EverStain™, matching the earthy tones of the estate home
Uniform elegance: The driveway's edges, stained with Cola EverStain™, perfectly echoing the warmth of the estate home's front porch
The completed front porch steps of an estate home, displaying the warm, rich tones of Cola EverStain
Step up in style: The front porch steps transformed with the inviting tones of Cola EverStain™
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

Outside Kitchen Revamp with Cola Stain

This outdoor kitchen, located in a California room, was effortlessly enhanced using the easy-to-apply Cola  EverStain™ acid stain.

Unstained, broomed concrete of an outdoor kitchen ready for application of Cola stain
The outdoor kitchen space before staining: a clean, broomed concrete canvas ready for transformation with Cola stain
Outdoor kitchen featuring a gazebo, with the concrete enhanced by the warm hues of Cola stain
Post-transformation: the outdoor kitchen showcasing the inviting, rich tones of Cola stain, complete with a gazebo

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 2 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 400 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    Outside kitchen ..California room
  •  Personal Tips:
    Follow the instructions. Very easy to apply the stain
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Cola DIY EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Satin Kit
    1 Gal. Cola EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Satin Kit
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

One-Day Courtyard Transformation

In just a day, this 200 sq. ft. courtyard was revitalized using Cola acid stain. Key tip: always wear goggles and gloves for safety while following the product’s instructions.

Clean, unstained 200 sq. ft. courtyard ready for application of Cola acid stain
Ready to transform: our 200 sq. ft. courtyard before the Cola acid stain application
Revitalized 200 sq. ft. courtyard, displaying the warm, orange-brown hues of the applied Cola acid stain
Cola EverStain on broom finish concrete courtyard patio

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 1 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    Courtyard
  • Personal Tips:
    Follow the instructions. Goggles and gloves highly recommended
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Cola DIY EverStain™ & EasySeal™ Satin Kit
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

The BBQ Porch Makeover: A Stamped Concrete Revival

Check out this project where a plain concrete porch becomes a cozy BBQ spot using EverStain™ Cola. The warm color brings the space to life, making it a welcoming place for family gatherings and outdoor cookouts.

A photo showing a newly stained concrete porch with a BBQ area, stained with EverStain Cola
The Porch Makeover: An inviting BBQ spot born from a simple porch, enriched with the warm tones of EverStain Cola.
An image of a concrete porch, highlighting the BBQ area and the depth of the stain color
Another Perspective: An alternative view of the EverStain Cola-colored porch, showcasing the subtle nuances of the stain color and the BBQ spot
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

Cozy Cabin Addition with Cola and Malayan Buff Stain

An addition to a charming cabin was brought to life with a blend of Cola and Malayan Buff acid stains. The project incorporated a water-based sealer for less odor, although the creator personally recommends solvent for better results.

Unstained interior room in a cabin addition, prepped and ready for Cola and Malayan Buff acid stain application
Before the transformation: the cabin addition's interior room awaiting its warm, new hues
Finished cabin addition room, showcasing the blended warm tones of Cola and Malayan Buff acid stains
After the transformation: The cabin addition now radiates a cozy, inviting atmosphere with the applied Cola and Malayan Buff acid stains.

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 3 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 304 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    This is an addition on a cabin.

Personal Tips:
I used a water based sealer for the first time. I was trying to keep the odor down as this is an interior room.
The solvent works much better in my opinion.

  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Cola DIY EverStain™ & AcquaSeal™ Satin Kit
    1 Gal. Malayan Buff EverStain™ & AcquaSeal™ Satin Kit
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
Malayan Buff EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Malayan Buff
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

Multicolor Stencil Magic: Transforming a Screened Porch Floor with EverStain Acid Stains

This project demonstrates the artistic transformation of a 10×12 ft screened porch addition with a unique blend of Azure Blue, Avocado, English Red, and Desert Amber EverStain Acid Stains. Using a Modello stencil, the creator skillfully applied a design to the concrete floor. Lessons from this project include the importance of layout planning, using a sponge for color application on the stencil, and awaiting the sealer’s effect before judging the final outcome. The project culminates in a visually appealing space, which the creator found enjoyable to work on and would replicate in future projects.

Before transformation: A plain, clean concrete floor of a porch
Finished and sealed porch floor showcasing the vibrant stencil design
Modello stencil neatly laid out on the porch floor
The Modello stencil perfectly positioned for the project
Stenciled area covered while applying Amber and Malayan Buff acid stain around it
Stencil still on the floor with different colored acid stains applied over it
The stencil remains in place, with a spectrum of acid stains applied over it, crafting a colorful design
Revealed stencil with acid stains applied over it, showing a pattern

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 120 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    Had an addition to the house and included a covered screen in porch of 10×12 ft. Decided to stain the concrete and add a stencil. Used a Modello stencil on the project and multiple color stains for the overall look.
  • Personal Tips:
    For some reason only the English red had issues with bleeding through the stencil. We also left the inside of the stencil without stain as the contrast was nicer than trying to add another color. I taking the time to lay the stencil out is key. I used a sponge to apply the colors to the stencil and a sprayer to stain the border. Also, do not judge your work until after the sealer is applied as it really helps the colors show. Overall, it was a fun project. I would do it again.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Desert Amber DIY EverStain™ & AcquaSeal™ Satin Kit
    1 Qt. Malayan Buff EverStain™
    1 Gal. Desert Amber EverStain™
    4 Oz. Azure Blue EverStain™
    4 Oz. Avocado EverStain™
    4 Oz. English Red EverStain™
  • Other Products Used:
    Modello Stencil- Bradbury CC101 Custom Carpet & Ceiling Stencil 6x6ft.
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Seagrass EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Seagrass
Malayan Buff EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Malayan Buff
Desert Amber EverStain Acid Stain
EverStain™ Desert Amber
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

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.

Two coats of concrete floor wax all done and fully cured.
Two coats of concrete floor wax all done and fully cured.
Spraying citrus etch residue into one area to be shop vacuumed up, after thoroughly neutralized and scrubbed
Spraying citrus etch residue into one area to be shop vacuumed up, after thoroughly neutralized and scrubbed
Application of azure blue "veins" with miracle grow to bring out blue intensity!
Application of azure blue "veins" with miracle grow to bring out blue intensity!

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.

Blending in the cola against the azure blue veins
Blending in the cola against the azure blue veins
Applying first coat of sealer.
Applying first coat of sealer.

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.

1st coat of sealer all done.
1st coat of sealer all done.
2nd coat of sealer done
2nd coat of sealer done

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.

ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Azure Blue EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Azure Blue
Miracle-Gro
Miracle-Gro
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

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

Sunroom Update: A DIY Project Featuring Acid Staining”

In this home renovation project, our customer set out to transform their sunroom by removing the old carpet, sanding and cleaning the concrete floor, and applying acid staining. The project took four days to complete and covered an estimated 104 square feet of space.

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.

Concrete Floor Sunroom - Before
before
Azure Blue & Cola EverStain on Concrete Floor
Azure Blue & Cola EverStain on Concrete Floor

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.

ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Azure Blue EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Azure Blue
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

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.

Faded Concrete Floor
Before
Acid Stained Restaurant Concrete Floor
After
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Coffee Brown EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Coffee Brown
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
Azure Blue EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Azure Blue
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

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

Patina effect on acid stained concrete
Patina effect on acid stained concrete

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.

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.

Concrete Patio
Azure Blue EverStain
Azure Blue & Cola EverStain Application on Concrete Floor
Azure Blue & Cola EverStain Application on Concrete Floor

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.

Azure Blue & Cola EverStain on Concrete Patio Floor
Azure Blue & Cola EverStain on Concrete Patio Floor
Azure Blue & Coffee Brown EverStain on Concrete Patio
Azure Blue & Cola EverStain on Concrete Patio Floor

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.

ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
Azure Blue EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Azure Blue
Miracle-Gro
Miracle-Gro
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

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.

Concrete Patio
Before
Concrete veining technique on outdoor kitchen floors
Concrete veining technique on outdoor kitchen floors using Azure Blue, Coffee and Cola acid stain colors
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Cola EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Cola
Azure Blue EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Azure Blue
Coffee Brown EverStain Swatch
EverStain™ Coffee Brown
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin