Concrete Acid Stain Activation Times
Click on swatch color for customer project images
For the best color results, check your acid stain activation times before stain application. The first and final appearance of acid stain color changes dramatically, and different colors have very different activation ranges.
As the acid stain dries and processes, a residue of alkali and minerals forms on the surface of the concrete. This is completely normal and is part of the reaction process. Each stain has different activation times to fully color the concrete, generally from 4 to 8 hours. Acid stain can be left on the surface longer if desired.
Related: Concrete Acid Stain Colors Guide
Acid Stain activation times listed below are minimum times for Direct Colors listed acid stain color.
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Bluish Green with Brown Accents
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Avocado Images
First Appearance of Color: Light Blue
Final Appearance: Medium Blue
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Azure Blue Images
First Appearance of Color: Dark Brown
Final Appearance: Black
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours for Darkest Black Color
Photo Gallery: Black Photo Images
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Medium to Dark Brown
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Coffee Brown Images
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Reddish Brown with Warm Orange Tones
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Cola Image Images
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Straw Color with Warm Orange Tones
Minimum Activation Time: 8 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Desert Amber Image Gallery
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Reddish Brown
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: English Red Image Gallery
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Golden Tan with Warm Orange Tones
Minimum Activation Time: 8 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Malayan Buff Image Gallery
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Sea Foam with Dark Brown Accents
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Sea Grass Image Gallery
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Olive Green with Reddish Brown Accents
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
Photo Gallery: Shifting Sand Image Gallery
