CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLORS GUIDE
Taking the first step toward colored concrete begins with a “colorful” understanding of which concrete acid stain colors are available, as well as a general appreciation of how the basic acid stain colors can be layered and combined for endless variety and depth.
The following descriptions of Direct Colors concrete acid stain colors are meant as a guide and may be used as a reference in the planning or application processes. Please note that every acid stain project will differ in outcome … that’s part of the fun!
MALAYAN BUFF ACID STAIN COLOR
Malayan Buff acid stain color is a top color choice for many contractors due to its neutral hue and simple application. The lightness of the acid stain makes it ideal for indoor themes and capable of matching many styles of decor.
Malayan Buff acid stain sealed with Penetrating Concrete Sealer Outdoor Concrete Kitchen Pizza Oven by Steve Sutherland Design
Concrete walkway stained with Malayan Buff acid stain, sealed with a Solvent-based Exterior Concrete Sealer and Anti-Slip Sealer Additive
Gray based concrete swatch with stained with two even coats of Malayan Buff and sealed with a satin finish acrylic concrete sealer
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Black
Final Appearance: Golden Tan with Warm Orange Tones
Minimum Activation Time: 8 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
What is the Best Sealer for Acid Stained Floors?
The best sealer to use to protect acid stains in exterior floor projects such as patios and driveways, a solvent-based, satin finish, acrylic concrete sealer. For interior acid stain projects, it is recommended to use a Low VOC water-based, satin finish acrylic sealer. High gloss finishes are not recommended to use on floors due to slip hazard conditions.
BLACK CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
Black acid stain color is commonly used as an accent color to help create interesting looking marbled surfaces. Our black stain is translucent and may layered to create varying degrees of ashy, brownish-black color hues.
For solid black concrete color, try Direct Colors Black Concrete Dye
Stone Age acid stained black concrete ping pong table.
Black acid stained interior concrete kitchen floor sealed with water-based, satin acrylic concrete sealer.
Gray based concrete swatch stained with three coats of Black acid stain color, and sealed with a solvent-based acrylic concrete sealer
First Appearance of Color: Dark Brown
Final Appearance: Black
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours for Darkest Black Color
COFFEE BROWN CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
Similar to Black, Brown acid stain color is mainly used as an accent color to create interesting looking marbled surfaces. Brown contrasts nicely with lighter acid stains and can be used to develop the look of “movement” in acid stain.
Coffee Brown acid stained concrete bathroom vanity sealed with solvent-based polyurethane sealer
Black and Coffee Brown acid stained concrete floors sealed with a water-based, acrylic concrete sealer
Concrete stained with three coats of Coffee Brown acid stain color
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Medium to Dark Brown
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
COLA ACID STAIN COLOR
Cola acid stain color remains one of the most popular choices among DIY’ers for the relative ease with which it helps make every outdoor project look professional-grade. Cola’s earthy orange tones go on easy to create lasting looks that prompt compliments for years to come.
Concrete garage floor colored with Cola Acid Stain, sealed with a satin finish, solvent-based acrylic concrete sealer and anti-slip additive for safety
Gray based concrete swatch with stained with two even coats of Cola acid stain and sealed with a satin finish acrylic concrete sealer
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Straw Color with Warm Orange Tones
Minimum Activation Time: 8 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
ENGLISH RED CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
English Red acid stain color is commonly used in outdoor projects, especially when a red border or theme is desired. Because English Red can be very dominant in the overall design, many users opt to use Deco Gel, which allows for greater control and finer detail. Consider diluting with water for a lighter shade of red.
Concrete patio pavers stained with English Red acid stain sealed with a solvent-based, satin finish acrylic sealer
Concrete patio floor design using Desert Amber, English Red, Black and Malayan Buff acid stains sealed with a solvent-based satin acrylic concrete sealer
Gray based concrete swatch with stained with two even coats of English Red acid stain color and sealed with a solvent-based acrylic concrete sealer
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Reddish Brown
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
DESERT AMBER CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
Desert Amber acid stain color provides some of the most crucial hues necessary for mimicking the look of natural stone like Marble. Desert Amber compliments many warm color themes, but also helps blues and yellows really pop!
Colored concrete corn-hole game design. Azure Blue and Desert Amber acid stains
Concrete stained like marble. Azure Blue and Dessert Amber acid stains as base. Black and Cola acid stain accents. Sealed with a solvent-based high gloss acrylic sealer
Concrete stained with two coats of Desert Amber acid stain color
First Appearance of Color: Greenish Brown
Final Appearance: Straw Color with Warm Orange Tones
Minimum Activation Time: 8 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
SEA GRASS CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
Sea Grass acid stain color is a great workhorse acid stain because its hues blend naturally with other colors and can take on lighter or darker notes depending on your chosen color theme. Unlike the dominance of red or brown, the green of Sea Grass can be used more broadly indoors or out.
Sea Grass acid stained basement floor sealed with water-based high gloss acrylic concrete sealer
Concrete stained with two coats of Seagrass acid stain color
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
SHIFTING SAND CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
Named for the color of sand that has broken away from larger mineral deposits, Shifting Sand acid stain color easily blends with stains on the more dominant side of the spectrum, think browns and reds.
Concrete stained with three coats of Shifting Sand acid stain color
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
AZURE BLUE CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
Easily the most striking of the acid stain colors, Azure Blue delivers an aqua-topaz mineral finish that wows all who walk in its presence. When used in complement to brown and red, Azure Blue provides a stunning look to faux-marble. Blue acid stain should never be applied to a wet or damp surface, as this results in a black and brown spotting on the stain’s surface.
Azure Blue is recommended for indoor projects only.
Acid stain Azure Blue marbling effect interior concrete floor
Salvatore A. Leo Studio – Azure Blue acid stained concrete floor design
Concrete stained with two coats of Azure Blue acid stain color
First Appearance of Color: Light Blue
Final Appearance: Medium Blue
Minimum Activation Time: 4-6 Hours
Maximum Activation Time: 12 Hours
AVOCADO CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLOR
Avocado acid stain color can be used widely and to great effect, delivering hues that range from tropical moss to lush forest—this versatile stain can be applied with most other acid stain colors. Avocado acid stain should never be applied to a wet or damp surface, as this results in a black and brown spotting on the stain’s surface.
Avocado is recommended for indoor projects only.
Concrete fire table stained with coffee brown and avocado acid stain, sealed with a high gloss, water-based acrylic concrete sealer and polished with Natural Countertop Wax.
Outdoor marbled concrete kitchen – Avocado, Cola and Shifting Sand acid stains sealed with a solvent-based polyurethane sealer
Concrete stained with two coats of Avocado 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
NOTE: Each stain color has a different activation time to fully color the concrete. Read Acid Stain Activation Times before starting your project
HOW TO TEST CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLORS?
Direct Colors recommends you always begin an acid stain project by Cleaning and Testing Concrete in a small, out of the way area. Using a Concrete Acid Stain Trial Kit, sample your choice of 5oz acid stain colors and sealers, and see for yourself what the process will entail.
The final color of your acid stain will vary from each piece of concrete, due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the age of the existing slab, mix design, finishing techniques, concrete base colors and surface permeability.
Concrete Acid Stain Trial Kit for color testing
WHAT CONCRETE ACID STAIN COLORS ARE AVAILABLE?
Direct Colors Acid Stains come in 10 rich earth tones that are known for a variegated, natural-looking finish when combined, but they can also be used as primary colors for transforming gray or white base concrete. Applying concrete acid stain colors individually, such as for White Concrete or Black Concrete, yields a high-end, translucent look popular in contemporary home design. Yet, mixing and layering multiple concrete colors is a sure way to transform interior Countertops or Floors into your home’s centerpiece. Further, acid stain really shows off it’s “colors” on exterior Patios, Walkways and Driveways—when highlighted with the proper Concrete Sealer, your acid stain will have a natural, attractive glow.
Direct Colors Concrete Acid Stain Kit has everything you need to complete a 200 sq. ft. floor staining project
