Light Charcoal Concrete Stain Photo Gallery
Browse project galleries by color and find Charcoal inspiration for your next concrete stain project. Discover all the possibilities with Direct Colors
DIY Patio Dream






Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 3 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Outdoor patio needed a major make over. We contacted a few professional companies in our area quotes came in around 3,000!!! that made us think perhaps we can do it ourselves! it can’t look any worse than it does now.
After researching online for about a month hubby and I opted to purchase from Direct Colors because of the simple easy to understand instructions, along with the ” how to videos ” available on the website.
I must admit we both were feeling a bit apprehensive at first to take on such a massive project. We are both in our mid 50″s with zero previous experience.
After contacting the wonderful customer support service team at Direct Colors we took the plunge and ordered. The customer service team is professional, knowledgeable and was patient with our questions explaining in layman’s terms our questions.
It’ was comforting to know professional assistance was just a phone call away 3 days later our patio was finished, looks amazingly well done saved literally thousands of dollars and had the feeling of accomplishment.
Thank you Direct Colors!
- Personal Tips:
Pre- preparation is 90% the key to success. A clean, grease free surface is a must!
Check weather forecast partly cloudy/ no rain in the forecast for 3 days, green flag to begin
Make sure you have all equipment ( brushes, tarps, rollers, trays, etc.) required gathered in one handy space
Create a checklist of materials needed prior to starting.
Read then re-read the directions/ instructions
Jot down any questions you may have, then contact Direct Colors customer support … the team is fabulous!
Direct Colors Products Used:
Antiquing stain Light Charcoal and Gray
Satin sealant.
Light Charcoal Color


Concrete Stain Color Duo
The only thing better than one concrete stain color is two colors of stain! After this faded stamped concrete patio lost all of its original color, this DC customer was looking to bring the color back. Light charcoal concrete stain spruced up the base, while gorgeous auburn livened up the design.




- Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 770 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
We had a front walkway and back yard patio poured about 12 years ago. Both had worn badly and lost all color.
The front walkway we wanted darker, so we decided on charcoal for the color. The walkway is approx. 260 sq. ft.
We power washed, applied one coat of light charcoal antiquing stain, then went over it with dark charcoal for the second coat, followed by two coats of the acrylic satin sealer.
Total labor time was about 8 hours.
For the back patio, it was just as worn as our walkway, but we had put in a small paver walkway this year leading to it and the pavers had a mix of grey and auburn, so we decided to match the pattern.
The patio is about 510 sq. ft. We first power washed, then took a foam brush and stained random sets of blocks with the auburn antiquing stain. When that was complete I sprayed the entire patio in light charcoal, trying to not overspray the auburn blocks. The Auburn only needed 1 coat because we didn’t want it too dark.
The light charcoal we did 2 coats and finished off with two coats of the satin acrylic sealer.
Total labor for the patio was approx. 10 hours. - Personal Tips:
When using a sprayer for the sealer, it’s good to go over with a foam roller, if you are covering stamped concrete.
The sealer will pool in the seams and if there is too much can bubble. Also find a good way to clean out the sprayer, because after the 2nd coat, our sprayers wouldn’t work. - Direct Colors Products Used:
Charcoal Antiquing Stain & Seal Kit
Light Charcoal Antiquing Stain & Seal Kit
Auburn Antiquing Stain & Seal Kit - Other Products Used:
Two pump sprayers
Make-Your-Own Outdoor BBQ Area








Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 2 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 10 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
BBQ outdoor dining area. We wanted to add on an additional patio for outdoor dining.
We contacted a few local companies and was quoted 4K for labor and materials!! After recovering from sticker shock, we decided ” we got this”..
We opted on pavers & Direct Colors stain / sealant.
The entire cost doing it ourselves .. less than 1k. After allowing the time in between installation of pavers and staining,/ sealant. We purchased Antiquing silver gray, tweed and charcoal gray.
I stained each paver individually using sponge brushes. I applied 2 coats allowing dry time between. I waited 24 hours before applying the satin sealant ( also allowing dry time between coats).
We couldn’t be more satisfied with the end results!! We took the money we saved and spent a getaway weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire .. win win!.
Thank you Direct Colors for creating a professional, high quality product with expert results that 1st timer DIY’s can easily master.
- Personal Tips:
Read the instructions ( simple, easy to understand)
Pre prep .. we can’t empathize this enough ! It’s 90% the key to expert results.
Shake the stain .. Shake the stain .. did I mention not to forget to Shake the stain during application??
Check the weather forecast prior to beginning .. 3 days of partly cloudy/ no rain is ideal!
Contact Direct Colors customer care team if you have any questions .. they are friendly professional and knowledgeable
Direct Colors Products Used:
Antiquing stain Silver Gray, Tweed and Charcoal Gray
Satin Finish Sealant
Natural Stone Firepit Patio Upgrade










Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 600 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
My natural stone firepit needed an upgrade. After contacting several local contractors and receiving estimates averaging around 4,000. I decided to tackle this project on my own. Luckily, I found Direct Colors online. I appreciated the helpful tutorials, other customers tips/ experience and ideas along with Direct Colors knowledgeable and friendly staff. My firepit went from tired/ drab to a major focal point with the wow factor I wanted.
After cleaning and preparing the natural stones by using a stone cleaner/ degreaser, garden hose, and scrub brush. I allowed the firepit and stones to dry. I then hand painted each rock individually … 3 coats … drying into coats before applying the next. I finished with 3 coats of satin finish sealant. I am most pleased with the end result.
Personal Tips:
Have all materials and equipment necessary on hand prior to starting.
Take your time. If I can get professional results like this … anyone can!
Observe the weather forecast before beginning project. partly cloudy and no rain for the next 3 days … is a green flag to begin!
Concrete Walkway Color Change With Tinted Sealer






Paver Stain For The Win








Driveway Design
Design your concrete driveway the way YOU want! This DC customer used a lighter gray and medium gray concrete dye to make lines on their driveway.
Step Up Your Style
What a nice, clean way of integrating these two concrete dye colors! These concrete steps look awesome.
Beautifully Broomed Look
Give your concrete patio a dignified look with Antiquing™ Stain. You can give even a newer concrete surface that antique look. It’s an easy way to level up an outdoor area, and it’s an easy product to apply!
Driveway Makeover
Your driveway is the first thing that visitors see. Why not give it some color and protect it from the harsh outdoor elements? This textured concrete driveway with stain and sealer applied provides a facelift for the front of the house.

Hand Poured Squares Faux Stamped Slate






Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 3 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 550 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
individual 36″ hand poured squares stamped to look like slate - Personal Tips:
follow the youtube directions - Direct Colors Products Used:
EasyTint Silver Gray
Other Products Used:
rubber stamp and edge mold