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Using Miracle Gro to Enhance the Blue Hues of Acid Stain on Concrete

by Justin Richardson

If you want to make the blue tones in your acid-stained concrete pop, Miracle Gro might be the trick. This plant food has a lot of copper, which can boost the blue and green shades in acid stains. In this blog, we’ll show you how to use Miracle Gro to enhance the color of your azure blue or seagrass acid stain and share tips for the best results. We’ll also cover how Miracle Gro can affect the color differently and why it’s important to test it on a small spot first before using it on a bigger area.

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Amp Up Your Acid Stain with Miracle Gro!

Use Miracle Gro to intensify the blue hues of acid stain
Use Miracle Gro to intensify the blue hues of acid stain

Miracle Gro can be used in several ways during the acid staining process on concrete. Here are three options to try:

  • Granules on Surface: Spread Miracle Gro granules on the concrete in your desired pattern. Then, spray the azure blue or seagrass acid stain over the granules to dissolve them. Let the stain react for at least 4-6 hours before neutralizing and rinsing as you would with any acid stain.
Concrete floor with Miracle Gro granules spread in a pattern, with blue acid stain reacting on the surface, creating vibrant blue areas
Miracle Gro granules are spread on the concrete, then sprayed with azure blue acid stain
Concrete floor in a house with veining patterns created using azure blue acid stain and Miracle Gro, with cola and black stains filling the spaces between the veins.
House concrete floor stained with a veining technique using azure blue and Miracle Gro, accented with cola and black in the spaces between the veins for a striking, custom look.
  • Granules After Acid Stain: Generously apply the azure blue or seagrass acid stain to the concrete. While the stain is still wet, sprinkle the Miracle Gro granules in your desired pattern. Allow it to react for 4-6 hours, then neutralize and rinse thoroughly.
Close-up of a concrete surface with vibrant blue and green patterns created by the reaction of acid stain and Miracle Gro granules.
Apply the azure blue or seagrass acid stain, then sprinkle Miracle Gro granules while the stain is wet.
Farmhouse concrete floor with swirling patterns of EverStain Malayan Buff, Coffee Brown highlights, and seagrass acid stain enhanced with Miracle Gro granules.
Concrete floor stained with EverStain Malayan Buff and Coffee Brown highlights, accented with seagrass and a Miracle Gro pattern for a unique, rustic finish.
  • Diluted in Acid Stain: Mix the Miracle Gro granules into the acid stain solution in a spray bottle (as granules might clog a pump-up sprayer). Apply the mixture to the concrete, allowing it to react for at least 4-6 hours before neutralizing and rinsing.
A person spraying an acid stain solution on a concrete surface outdoors, with swirling blue-green patterns forming on the ground.
Mix Miracle Gro granules into the acid stain solution and apply with a pump up sprayer or spray bottle.
Outdoor concrete patio with swirling patterns created by spraying a mix of azure blue and Miracle Gro, followed by Malayan Buff stain in the spaces between the blue areas.
Concrete patio floor with vibrant patterns created by spraying a mix of azure blue and Miracle Gro, followed by Malayan Buff stain filling the spaces for a unique, eye-catching design.
Concrete bathroom floor with an artistic design featuring a central burst of azure blue and white, surrounded by shades of brown and orange, created using Miracle Gro and EverStain acid stain.
An artistic concrete bathroom floor design featuring a striking azure blue burst, accented with Miracle Gro and English Red EverStain acid stain for a vibrant, textured finish.

No matter which technique you choose, using Miracle Gro during the acid staining process will deliver unique and stunning results every time. Keep in mind that the outcome will vary based on the composition of your concrete, adding an element of surprise to each project. Remember, proper surface preparation is the most crucial step in any acid staining project. Make sure to thoroughly clean and neutralize the surface, removing all residue to ensure the sealer adheres perfectly. A well-applied sealer is essential to protecting your masterpiece and bringing out the full depth of your colors.

Projects That Pop: Creative Uses of Miracle Gro to Amplify Blue Hues in Concrete Staining

This project transformed a plain concrete floor in a rustic room into a vibrant, textured masterpiece using Seagrass enhanced with Miracle Gro, alongside Malayan Buff and Coffee Brown highlights. The result is a unique, visually striking floor that perfectly complements the wooden walls and overall aesthetic of the space.

A room with rustic wooden walls and a plain, smooth concrete floor before staining, with tools and hunting bows visible on the walls.
Before staining: The etched concrete floor in this rustic room is ready for a vibrant transformation
A room with rustic wooden walls and a concrete floor stained with swirling patterns of Seagrass, Malayan Buff, and Coffee Brown, creating a rich, textured look
After staining: The concrete floor in this rustic room comes to life with Seagrass enhanced by Miracle Gro, combined with Malayan Buff and Coffee Brown highlights, creating a beautifully textured finish.

This project is all about turning a walk-out basement into an awesome mancave using Direct Colors products. The customer was inspired by the Malayan Buff and Seagrass looks and decided to mix in some Miracle Gro for a cool, textured effect. It was their first time staining, and the results turned out amazing!

Finished man cave with a concrete floor stained using Seagrass and Malayan Buff, featuring bold blue veining patterns.
The finished man cave features a stunning concrete floor with Seagrass blue veins, accentuated by Malayan Buff, for a bold and personalized look
Bathroom with a concrete floor stained using Seagrass and Malayan Buff, creating a smooth, marbled effect.
The bathroom floor showcases a smooth, marbled finish created with Seagrass and Malayan Buff stains, offering a unique, stylish touch.
Concrete floor with Miracle Gro granules applied in a pattern
Miracle Gro granules are applied to the concrete floor in a custom pattern, setting the stage for a unique staining effect.
Concrete floor with Seagrass acid stain applied over and around the Miracle Gro granules, creating distinct color contrasts.
Seagrass acid stain is applied over and around the Miracle Gro granules, creating striking veining effects and color contrasts.

This multipurpose laundry room and bathroom showcase a stunning concrete floor stained with azure blue and english red using Direct Colors products. The project was easier than expected, with results that exceeded all expectations.

A multipurpose room with an uncolored concrete floor, surrounded by corrugated metal walls, before staining.
Before: The plain concrete floor in this multipurpose room, ready for transformation
A multipurpose room with a stained concrete floor featuring vibrant azure blue and English red patterns, surrounded by corrugated metal walls.
Stunning stained concrete floor in a multipurpose room using azure blue and English red. The project was simple and the results are fantastic.

This project transformed a concrete floor into a vibrant, textured surface using a mix of Coffee Brown, English Red, and Azure Blue stains. By incorporating Miracle Gro granules into the staining process, unique vein-like patterns were created, adding depth and character to the floor. Meticulous etching and thorough scrubbing were key to achieving this stunning finish.

Concrete floor with Miracle Gro granules applied in a vein-like pattern, stained with Azure Blue over the granules and English Red around them.
Miracle Gro granules are applied in a vein-like pattern on the concrete floor, with Azure Blue stain over the granules and English Red stain surrounding them.
Finished concrete floor with a rich blend of Coffee Brown, English Red, and Azure Blue, featuring unique patterns created with Miracle Gro granules.
Finished concrete floor with a rich blend of Coffee Brown, English Red, and Azure Blue, featuring unique patterns created with Miracle Gro granules.

Using azure blue and seagrass mixed with Miracle-Gro, we were able to create an extraordinary look that truly stands out. We added some extra drama with a touch of acrylic paint, and the result is a porch that is both visually stunning and inviting. Take a look at the before and after photos to see the full transformation for yourself.

Old carpeted porch before the transformation process
The porch, trapped under a 25-year-old carpet, awaits its makeover. The dated flooring is a stark contrast to the vibrant transformation ahead.
Porch transformation using a combination of azure blue and seagrass mixed with Miracle-Gro
Porch transformation using a combination of azure blue and seagrass mixed with Miracle-Gro

For more blue staining ideas, check out our Azure Blue Concrete Stain Gallery

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.

See more details and photos of our guesthouse makeover project!

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

When you use blue acid stain on outdoor surfaces, it will change color over time and turn a bronze or brown shade. This change in color is called a patina. The blue acid stain contains copper, which is a metal that can change color due to patination, a chemical process that happens naturally when metal is left outside and exposed to the elements. Patina is a natural way that metal changes color and shows its age and use. If you leave metal outside for a long time, it will develop a patina, which is similar to how an avocado or any other fresh surface turns brown when it is cut and left out in the open.

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

For this project, the customer used a small spray bottle to apply undiluted Azure Blue to create a vein effect and a piece of cardboard with ripped edges as an edge guide. They mixed Miracle-Gro powder into some of the Azure Blue to create a deeper blue mixture and used a small hand sprayer to apply it. They also used English Red to darken lighter areas. After letting the stain dry for six hours, they sprayed on a water mix of the neutralizer and rinsed thoroughly. Miracle-Gro was used to create deeper blues and enhance the overall look of the project.

CookHouse Concrete Floor
Cured concrete floor (30 days)
CookHouse Concrete Floor Stained Azure Blue, English Red EverStain
After

For more acid stain color staining ideas, check out our Concrete Acid Stain Color Guide

For this project, I received helpful tips from the sales reps at Direct Colors, including the use of Miracle-Gro blue granules to add a pop of color to my enclosed patio design. I also learned to lay out the design using strands of toilet paper. I watched all of the available videos on the Direct Colors website to gather more information and ideas for my project. Miracle-Gro played an important role in enhancing the overall look of the patio design.

EEnclosed patio stained using the flowing water-color acid stain veining technique
Enclosed patio stained using the flowing water-color acid stain veining technique
Flowing water-color vein concrete veining technique acid stain with Azure Blue acid stain and Miracle-Gro
Azure blue mixed with MiracleGro, english red and black EverStain acid stain application
Beautiful concrete veining technique design on enclosed patio stained with black, english red and azure blue Everstain enhanced with Miracle Gro
Enclosed patio stained with black, english red and azure blue Everstain enhanced with Miracle Gro

For more sunroom staining ideas, check out our blog Sunroom Floor Ideas: Before & After Stained Concrete Projects With Tips And Tricks

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