Malayan Buff Concrete Stain Gallery
It’s hard to pinpoint precisely what color Malayan Buff is. Similar to a light brown concrete stain with a hint of yellow or gold, it’s a nice, neutral hue.
Use this versatile color anywhere inside or outside your home for that earthy tone.
Note: All project images on our website have been provided by actual customers using EverStain acid stain.
Use our project photos for inspiration as results will vary. Always test a small area before you embark on a full project to make sure your slab develops in the desired manner.
Heavenly Chapel Floor
Imagine cleaning 120 years’ worth of dirt from a concrete floor! That’s precisely what volunteers did to acid stain the floor of the Armour Chapel (built in 1902). They even had to transport water by gallon jug since the chapel has no running water – talk about a project!
Their hard work with surface prep, sanding the concrete by hand, and staining with Malayan Buff really brought this floor back to life.
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 10 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 1500 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
The Armour Chapel was built in 1902 in memory of Kirkland B Armour of the Armour meat packing company by his wife Annie. The concrete floor was in sad shape & had about 120 years of dirt on it! The color was a sort of blackened gray & not at all attractive. We cleaned the floor thoroughly, sanded the concrete by hand and then used Direct Colors Malayan Buff to stain the floor. This was quite an endeavor because there is no running water available at the chapel! All water was transported in gallon jugs. We then sealed the floor with the satin finish sealer. This project was completed by Elmwood volunteers who donated their time & effort to bring the floor back to life. - Personal Tips:
Take your time & be sure to mask off areas you don’t want stained! - Direct Colors Products Used:
Malayan Buff stain
Direct Colors neutralizer
Direct Colors satin finish sealer
Other Products Used:
Lots of sandpaper!
Rustic Farmhouse Barndominium Floors
What a charming farmhouse aesthetic this DC customer has created for their barndo! Earthy browns and amber acid stain really make this living space look homier. From bathroom floors to kitchen floors, it’s a look that works throughout the whole house.
Just Malayan Buff
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 26 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 600 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
New floor for our home. Brand new concrete pour. Waited 30 days for cure and then applied the stain. Determined we needed a bit more color so ordered more stain. Applied the color, then the sealer and finally the wax.
Personal Tips:
In our experience, the neutralizing scrub and rinse took several hours to complete. People need to be aware this is a significant part of the process.
So Much Car Storage
Wow. 3000 square feet of acid stained floors! This roomy space will be used for old, restored cars. A great backdrop to go with classic cars!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 7 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 3000 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Transformed this beautiful 3000 sq ft garage for our customer to put his restored old cars
Personal Tips:
Make sure you prep surface correctly and make sure you follow drying times
New Construction Cabin Log
Numerous acid stain colors may be layered, blended or applied to the same concrete slab to produce an array of effects, ranging from a dreamy “washed” appearance to a mottled psychedelic finish. Layering malayan buff, black and seagrass EverStain acid stains
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 7 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 800 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Hi! I couldn’t be more pleased with your products.
My project is our new construction log cabin. The photos I’m sending are of the kitchen/dining room area.
We took over construction and the slab is about 10 years old.
After cleaning it thoroughly I bought the test kit of the 3 colors I was interested in, (Malayan Buff, Seagrass, and Black), and tested an area that would be under the island.
With sprayers and my fashionable spiked shoes, I first put down the Malayan buff, then followed with the green, then sparingly with the black.
I did this all wet on wet so the colors would mottle together.
I did a second coat over the first, trying to keep over the same colors with each.
I figured that since I was doing random patterns it wouldn’t be a problem to me if I screwed up. It was fun!
After it dried, ( it was a couple of days before I could get to the neutralizing),
I mixed baking soda with water (1-2 tablespoons to each gallon.
Then I walked around with spikes on and just dumped gallons and gallons of the baking soda all over the floor and let it sit for a bit.
Then I got out the wet vac, put plastic bags over my feet, and wet-vacuumed it all up.
Then I rinsed with plain water 3 more times, and vacuumed up the water each time.
When dry, (I waited a couple days), with Direct Colors high gloss acrylic sealer, I sealed it using a sprayer. I sealed it with 2 coats. I used a paint roller for the second coat, as a I feel it went on more evenly.
The floor came out beautifully and when the other half of the downstairs is finished I will be doing another 800 square feet in the living room area. For this I will be adding some of the Cola color, to the other 3 colors I used and can’t wait to do it again! - Personal Tips:
1st Tip: Don’t be afraid to use lots of the stain, I feel like I went too light with the first coat. I ended up really liking how the green was coming out, so I went crazy with it on the second coat.
2nd Tip: Rinse with lots of water after neutralizing. At least 3 times. I feel this was key to a great seal when dry.
3rd Tip: I’m not using a sprayer for the high gloss acrylic sealer on the half of the house, I’m using a regular paint roller, (which I bought a long handle for).
Just make sure you buy good ones that say they won’t shed.
It was much easier and more even. - Direct Colors Products Used:
Acid Stains: Malayan Buff, Seafoam Green, and Black
High Gloss Acrylic Sealer
Other Products Used:
Simple plastic lawn/garden sprayers
Spiked shoes
Protective paper for walls,
Painters tape
Baking soda
Paint roller with long handle
Lakehouse Basement Floor Facelift
Whether you’re inspired to replicate a marble effect or match concrete stain colors with your existing home decor, testing your intended slab before committing to a fully-scaled project is essential. If you’re anything like this DC customer, you might find yourself addicted to the process of acid staining. Before you know it, your whole house and yard will be covered!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 300 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
I stained a basement floor of our newly constructed lake house. The concrete was finished with a smooth service but, nothing beyond that. I used Malayan Buff, Black and Sea Grass to create a marbled effect with a high gloss acrylic sealer. I took my time and allowed a lot of drying time between layers of sealer which is why it took 5 days. I absolutely love the end results! As a matter of fact I already have my next project planned (outdoor concrete slab patio).I love the process and am thinking of ways to use the product beyond the customary floor treatments! I’m thinking concrete statutes, figurines, stepping stones, etc. The possibilities are endless! - Personal Tips:
I used a lot of water to blend the three colors to make them look seamless. I used tank sprayers for the stain and had one just for water. I’d spray the stain. Then ‘feather’ any lines with water. When I applied the next color I would use the water to blend the two stains.Knowing the results were unpredictable depending on type of concrete, finish, etc. made me a little nervous to begin with. Once I started the motions just seemed to flow. Again, I absolutely love the results! - Direct Colors Products Used:
Concrete Acid Stain in Malayan Buff, Black and Seagrass. Acrylic sealer in high gloss.
Other Products Used:
Roller pad (paint roller) with a long broom type handle, acid appropriate sprayers, Scotch brand tape/plastic around baseboard & up part of wall, mop and mop bucket and Cat Track shoe covers (spiked).
No More Carpet!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 900 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
My wife and I had carpet that we were tired of, and wanted to replace it with something more modern that would be durable for 10+ years. We removed all the carpet we had in our living room and hallway and our vinyl in the kitchen to replace it with a marble style concrete acid stain. The acid stain was something we hadn’t seen in a lot of homes in our area but we’re impressed after doing more research so we felt it was the best option! - Personal Tips:
If your concrete is older and has paint/carpet adhesive rent a good floor polisher with a coating removal blade.Give the acid plenty of time to react to the concrete.A good shop vac was the biggest help. Especially when cleaning up after the neutralizing of the acid. With a squeegee to pull water.Take your time and allow the sealer to go through its entire process before waxing.
Don’t use a sprayer for the sealer. The 3/8 roller is definitely the best option after having clogged two different sprayers trying to spray the sealer on. (Yes I removed the filters)
- Direct Colors Products Used:
174072
Other Products Used:
Floor polisher with coating removal tool
Shop vac
Angle grinder with diamond floor grinder blade (for the edges)
Squeegee (HUGE help with neutralizing)
Floor brush
Trim pad
Spike shoes
3/8 nap roller
Lovely Living Quarters
Our DC customer used two colors of acid stain to put the finishing touches on their casita’s master bedroom. Their barndo includes the main house on one side, and a casita (“cottage” or little house) on the other.
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Building a barndominium that consists of a casita on one side and the main house on the opposite side, this is the floor in the Master of the casita. - Personal Tips:
When it comes to the sealer, I found it best to spray on with a pump sprayer and then go over it with a moist paint roller with a light touch, to even it all out. - Direct Colors Products Used:
Malayan Buff acid stain and Seagrass Acid stain
Other Products Used:
Cleaner/degreaser to prep floor and then the acrylic sealer in Satin.
Layering Concrete Stain Colors
Layer, blend, or apply acid stain colors to the same concrete slab to produce an array of effects, ranging from a dreamy “washed” appearance to a mottled psychedelic finish.
Stunning Stained Outdoor Space
If you want a concrete patio that you, your friends, and your family can enjoy, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll give you all the materials, steps, and tips you need to create the concrete patio of your dreams. Let’s get started.
Game Room
My Personal Chef
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 575 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
I used your acid stain for my commercial kitchen for my personal chef service. We have a newly constructed building with a concrete slab. We had the concrete ground down professionally first and then wanted to add color. We chose Direct Colors DIY acid stain with sealer. The process went smoothly and didn’t take long. The product was also reasonably priced. Shane was a great help in explaining what to purchase and how to apply each item. We love the final outcome and so glad we went this route with Direct Colors DIY acid stain and sealer! - Personal Tips:
1. Invest in multiple sprayers to avoid having to clean out the sprayer and save time.
2. Use respirator with appropriate filters. The smell is extremely strong.
3. Spiked shoes work great too.
Instant Room Brightener
Can you see the difference with the sun shining on the concrete floor in this space? The two different colors of acid stain give it great depth, and also make the room look warmer.
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:
I used the direct colors acid stain in cola and Malayan buff.
Other Products Used:
I use ammonia and water to stop the acid process. It cleans up easier than baking soda.
Trust The Process
This DC customer dressed up their back patio and concrete front porch with acid stain. Since the home was a new construction less than two years old, they made it a point to seal their concrete afterward. Amazing things can happen when you trust the DIY process!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 3 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 300 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
We stained our back patio plus front porch in one project. Our house was a new construction built less than 2 years ago and concrete was not sealed. Concrete blankets were used during curing process which left some marks on concrete that we didn’t like but they took stain nicely.
Personal Tips:
Make sure you use sprayer with plastic nozzle, acid reacts with metal.
Cover rocks in your landscape as they may have lime in them and can get stained.
Plastic will not stain but wipe it off right away so it is easier to clean up.
Have a bucket close to you sprayer so you can put a nozzle in it as those things tend yo drip or spray after you stopped the trigger.
Trust the process, concrete will look dull and patchy until washing step.
You can still scrub some finish with the broom and baking soda water at that point.
Then let it dry f or a day before sealing.
- Direct Colors Products Used:
Malayan buff and Azure, wet on wet on the patio. Then Cola wet on dry, slightly diluted with water and ‘broomed’ over.
Porch was done with Malayan buff and then diluted Cola, wet on dry, Cola was also spread out with a broom for a mottled look. Both neutralized after about 22 hours, washed and left to dry for a day before sealer.
Other Products Used:
Foundation Armor ax25 pool deck and patio sealer (high gloss, with wet look).
Unique Extended Driveway Design
Not wanting to have a traditional driveway extension like their neighbors, our customers chose acid stain and acrylic sealer. The extension actually sat unstained for about a year after installation before they decided to stain it! Finally, they were able to achieve the neutral look that they were aiming for with two acid stain colors.
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
My husband designed and installed a full concrete extension to the driveway because we did not want to go the traditional paver extension route that many of our neighbors do. It sat in its finished but unstained state for over a year before we finally decided to stain it! We knew we wanted a neutral look that wouldn’t argue with the exterior colors of the house, but that also wouldn’t clash with the cool-toned “blue” of the driveway pavers.
After two rounds of trial kits to find the best color for our project, we originally decided that we would want to lay an all-over stain of Malayan Buff, with accents of Coffee Brown. Once things began to dry, however, we thought it needed to be darker. So we went through with another (heavier) coat of Coffee Brown to achieve the look we were hoping for!
Finally after a few days of coating and dry time, we were able to seal and use! - Personal Tips:
1. Definitely take the time and money to invest in a trial kit. You will want to see the colors in person and in their final state, and how the colors will compliment the surroundings.
2. When using a pump-deck sprayer, be sure to begin each spray/trigger-pull off your project to avoid splatter marks. And use small circular motions to help diffuse any areas that appear too concentrated as you are applying.
3. Use a two-man team if you can! Depending on your project, or look, it will be a lot easier to have one person laying down the base color while the second person is following with an accent color. - Direct Colors Products Used:
1 Gal. Malayan Buff EverStain Acid Stain x 2
1 Gal. Coffee Brown EverStain Acid Stain x 1
1 Qt. Cleaner & Degreaser Concentrate x 1
1 Gal. Solvent Based Acrylic Satin Concrete Sealer and Paver Sealer x 4
Scrub Brush x 1
Pump-up deck sprayer x 2
Other Products Used:
Gloves
Respirator mask
Eye protection
Backyard Patio
Malayan Back Porch
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 3 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 350 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
We stained our back porch area with malayan buff stain - Personal Tips:
Don’t be afraid to spray generously and it is such an easy process!
The solvent works much better in my opinion. - Direct Colors Products Used:
We got the malayan buff acid stain kit
A Veteran’s Concrete Acid Stain Design
We’re made in the USA! That’s why Direct Colors loves its veterans and their DIY projects. This customer used acid stain to dress up their driveway – and even incorporated an eagle and American flag design into the concrete!
Acid Stained Concrete Patio Expansion
The More Acid Stain Colors, The Merrier
This customer spruced up their indoor porch with four different acid stain colors. What a brilliant combo! Although the porch view before was a great one, this really leveled up the space.
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 7 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 350 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Enclosed back patio. Slab was dirty and was not sealed. Had to power wash first. Started with Malayan buff and decided to add coffee brown, Azure blue and avocado. - Personal Tips:
I started with small spray bottles which was difficult. Moved to pouring the acid and spreading with a broom. I used a pump sprayer for the sealant. - Direct Colors Products Used:
Malayan buff, coffee, Azure blue, and avocado.
Other Products Used:
Face mask, eye protection, gloves, protective shoes, broom, bottle sprayers, pump sprayer.
Patio Makeover
Whoa. This default gray patio floor transformed into an acid stain dream! The shifting sand, azure blue and malayan buff stain add depth and visual focus to the space.
-
- Project Completed In: 14 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 568 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
New construction pool house. - Personal Tips:
Go for it!! I was so nervous but it’s really a fun project once you get started. The videos on the website are very informative. - Direct Colors Products Used:
Azure Blue, Malayan Buff, Shifting Sand, Light Charcoal EasyTint with regular sealer.
Other Products Used:
Miracle grow and a touch of glitter
Pizza Parlor
Concrete dye and acid stain brought even more personality to this pizza parlor’s concrete floor. The neutral beige concrete stain really complements the exposed brick wall!
In this case, the concrete was over 30 years old and contained problem areas that would not take the stain at all. So it was Vibrance™ concrete dye to the rescue!
Gym Floor Upgrade
Acid stain is low-maintenance, easy to clean, and the perfect choice for a concrete gym floor! Three acid stain colors added depth and dimension to this space, and the concrete veining application method produced great results.
Animal Hospital
Acid stain livened up this animal hospital floor with an interesting combination of colors. Even with normal wear and tear from the animals, this stained concrete floor should hold up nicely! The sealer further ensures that it will retain its durability and protection.
Two Stall Boat Storage Garage
Our DC customer was intimidated by acid stain, even having been in construction for 28 years! They were surprised by how much less technical this boat garage storage project ended up being. We agree that this acid stained garage floor completes the look of the space. What a big, beautiful backdrop for that boat!
- Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 0.00900 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
Two stall garage for boat storage with an office and reloading loft above the office. I’ve been in and around construction for 28 years, but have never been involved with an acid stain project. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated tackling this project by myself; however it was easier than installing the wood paneling and metal siding. Not as technical with measurements and fitting. The floor just finishes the space. - Personal Tips:
Watch as many YouTube videos as possible.Spend as much time as needed to ensure your prep work is complete. I sanded the entire floor area with 40 grit sandpaper for the mechanical etching process to ensure a uniform finish.Wash and clean floor at least 3 times to remove all dust from the etching process.I used carpet drying fans to aid in the drying process after the initial wash, neutralization wash and during the sealing process. Fans during the sealing process helped ventilate the room since I used an acrylic sealer.Use a high quality respiratory if you use an acrylic sealer. - Direct Colors Products Used:
Mayalayan buff and shifting sands
Acrylic sealer
Other Products Used:
Hitachi palm sander
Wet/dry vac
Floor squeegee
Carpet fans
Spray bottle
Garden sprayer
Tattoo Shop Floor Renovation
‘Til Death Tattoo in Springfield, Missouri understands the value of thorough prep work! After removing the carpet in this commercial space, this brand new tattoo shop got crackin’ on their first-ever DIY project.
It wasn’t easy, but by the end, they were pretty proud of their artistry skills – and the results! We love how they used two acid stain colors to create a marbled look with vintage vibes. The colored concrete floor brings so much charm and personality to the space!
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 14 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 1000 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
This was our first DIY project; and all I have to say is be ready for your prep work! Coming into this we had no idea the amount of labor we were about to put into this project, but nonetheless we are extremely proud of what we created.This is the floor in the tattoo shop we’re opening (‘Til Death Tattoo, in Springfield, Missouri.) Originally the previous owners had carpet in the space. After ripping up the carpet, it appeared to have multiple layers of glue and other adhesives.We literally tried everything to remove this… acetone, adhesive remover pad on a buffer, goo gone… in the end a hand held razorblade scraper from harbor freight with lots of blades and elbow grease was the best removal. We used a diamabrush etching pad on a buffer we rented to open up the pores.After all that was completed, we moved to cleaning. Lots of plain hot water wetmopping, followed up by a good couple rounds of TSP mopping, and then more mopping until the bucket came back clear when we rung out the mop.After all this, it was smooth sailing. Simply follow the guidelines of DirectColors for application. You really can’t go wrong with the stain, this is where you can let your artistry shine. We set our darker tone the day before, and then followed with our light tone early next day and filled in patchy spots with a second coat of light tone a few hours later.Neutralized and cleaned, followed the sealing instructions, and let set for a few days before we came back and laid down the wax.Honestly, wish we had picked commercial high gloss when we did it, but the two gallons of residential got us about 8 coats in total and it turned out just fine! - Personal Tips:
Clean, clean, clean. And then clean again. Your work beforehand and your finishing after your project is sealed makes more of a difference than anything else you will do in the process.
Direct Colors Products Used:
Malaysian Bluff, Shifting Sands, Acid Neutralizer, Sealer, and Residential floor wax. All water based acrylic.
The Concrete Veining Technique Comes Alive
Concrete veining is a unique technique performed using concrete acid stain. The marbled result and vibrant colors are hallmarks of acid stain’s reaction to concrete surfaces.
This DIYer added some concrete veining to their poured concrete, and man, it really gives it such character!
Just a Drab Concrete Slab
This blank concrete slab started out boring. But it was quickly transformed into an earthy-colored garage floor! Three acid stain colors formed the perfect warm blend, and then some sealer added durability and protection.
Garage Turned Workspace
Instead of hiring a contractor, this architect decided to make their new workspace a DIY project! Red and beige acid stain created a modern look for this detached garage turned studio space.
Project Info:
- Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 400 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
I’m an Architect and wanted to convert my detached garage into my work/studio space. The old concrete floor was in very poor condition so I knew I was going to need a new floor slab and I wanted to make the new floor a feature of the new studio space by acid-staining the new slab.
I had seen some very nice acid-stained floors in some of my projects and I had assumed I would have to hire a contractor to do the work, but after reading the information on the Direct Colors website, I decided to do the staining work myself.
I had the old slab removed and replaced with new concrete. I did not put a sealer on the new slab but covered it with plastic film for 30 days to let it cure.
I then did the other renovation work on the old garage space such as installing new wiring, furring, insulation, and plywood on the walls. After the plywood was finished with a clear sealer, I began the work on the floor.
I cleaned the floor with DC Cleaner & Degreaser as recommended and tried a few samples in a corner. I then spoke with a DC rep who was very helpful with some tips on how to work with two different stain colors for the desired effect and ordered all the materials I would need from DC. Ordering the DIY Kits gave me a better price than ordering individual products.
- Personal Tips:
I would go lighter on the first spray application of acid stains as it is possible to get a good idea about the final colors in less than an hour. More spray applications can darken the color if desired, but you can’t get the colors lighter. - Other Products Used:
Plastid film to cure new slab and to protect walls during application of acid stain
Garage Turned Man Cave
Turn your garage into the perfect man cave! That’s exactly what one of our DC contest winners did. Not only did they use three earthy acid stain colors to create a manly vibe – but they also topped the look off with glossy sealer and a floor wax!
Malayan Buff Concrete Garage Floor
Residential Acid Stained Concrete Floor
Garage Turned Game Room
- Project Completed In: 4 day(s)
- Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
- Project Description:
I just finished my front patio that I enclosed. It is my Man Land. I call it the Clipper. Clippers are old sailing ships. I have more finishing touches to do. I would say the hardest part was the prep. 24 year old patio with stains and most likely solvent spilled on it. I didn’t grind it down but took a lot of effort to clean it. I used a good hand bottle sprayer to put down the acid, baking soda, and the sealer. It worked very well. 1 gallon covered 200 square feet of rough broom brushed concrete. Finished of with wax. I love the look. I couldn’t be happier. The look turned out exactly what I was hoping for.Used a carpet cleaner with brushes, scrub brush, vinegar and water solution for prep. A hand bottle sprayer fit nicely onto the quart size bottles of acid stain. Used the same hand bottle sprayer for the acid, sealer, and wax. Just cleaned it out between uses. It worked great.
