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Decorative concrete · Since 1997
Concrete Stains for Floors, Patios, Driveways & Pavers
Explore real stained concrete projects, compare finishes, and find the right stain for your floor, patio, driveway, pool deck, or pavers.
A free consultation gets you 15% off + free trial shipping.
Real Direct Colors Projects
Find your stain
Which Concrete Stain Is Right for Me?
Choose your project, then pick the finish you love. We’ll match you to the right trial kit.
Question 1
Project gallery
More Real Projects
Every one of these is a real Direct Colors project. Tap any photo to explore more floors, patios, driveways, pool decks and pavers.
Free project consultation
Not sure which stain is right for your space?
Get a free expert consult. We'll match your surface to the right system, send your 15% off code, and ship your trial kit free.
Concrete stain types
Which Concrete Stain Is Right for Your Project?
Choose by surface first, then by the finished look you want. These four stain types cover poured concrete, polished floors, stamped concrete, pavers, and vertical surfaces.
Acid stain
EverStain™ & DecoGel™
Reacts with minerals in concrete to create permanent, translucent, marbled color. Every slab develops a one-of-a-kind result.
Water-based stain
ColorWave® & PaveWave™
Nano-pigments penetrate for rich, more predictable color across a broad palette. Low odor and suitable for interior or exterior projects.
Concrete dye
Vibrance™
Acetone-carried pigment creates bold, modern color on smooth or polished concrete. It dries quickly and can be layered before sealing.
Stamped & paver stain
Antiquing™ & Portico™
Surface-specific stains color textured stamped concrete and porous pavers. Antiquing emphasizes relief; Portico restores faded pavers.
One manufacturer, one system. Every Direct Colors stain works with the matching prep, sealer, and maintenance products, so you know what belongs together.
Concrete staining process
How to Stain Concrete: A 4-Step Process
Test your color, prepare the concrete, apply the stain, and seal the finished surface. Using one compatible system removes the guesswork between steps.
Test Your Color
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Try the color on a test area or trial sample to confirm how it looks on your concrete before committing to the full project.
Prepare the Concrete
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Clean the surface and etch or strip it when required so the concrete is porous enough to accept the selected stain.
Apply the Stain
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Apply even coats. Acid stain reacts to create variation, while water-based stain builds more controlled and predictable color.
Seal and Protect
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Seal the surface to lock in color, improve durability, and select the final appearance—from a natural matte finish to gloss.
Concrete staining guides
Concrete Staining Guides for Every Project
Step-by-step instructions for acid stain, concrete dye, basements, garages, patios and pool decks—written by the Direct Colors team.
Acid stainHow to Apply Acid Stain to ConcreteRead the guide →
Concrete dyeHow to Apply Concrete DyeRead the guide →
ColorAcid Stain Colors GuideRead the guide →
TechniqueHow to Get a Marble LookRead the guide →
BasementHow to Stain Basement FloorsRead the guide →
GarageHow to Stain Garage FloorsRead the guide →
PatioHow to Stain a Concrete PatioRead the guide →
Pool deckStaining Concrete Pool DecksRead the guide →
Need help planning your project?
Talk Through Your Project With a Project Coach
Share your surface, its current condition, and the finish you want. We'll help you identify the right preparation, stain, sealer, and quantity before you begin.
- Tell us about your spaceSurface, current condition, and the look you're after.
- Get a tailored planThe right prep, stain, sealer, and how much you'll need.
- Start with a trial kitTest your exact color before you commit — shipped free.
A coach replies within one business day · includes 15% off and free trial-kit shipping.
Start your free consultation
The final step
How to Seal Stained Concrete
Sealing locks in the color, adds protection, and lets you choose the final sheen. Start with the guide that fits your project.
How to Seal Freshly Stained Concrete
Five checks before the sealer goes on—including why you should never re-etch a stained slab and how to clear residue first.
Seal Freshly Stained Concrete →Browse the full lineup: acrylic concrete sealers →
Concrete Stain Questions, Answered
Straight answers about choosing, applying, sealing, and maintaining stained concrete.
What’s the difference between acid stain, water-based stain, and concrete dye?
Acid stains, including EverStain™ and DecoGel™, react with minerals in concrete to create permanent, translucent marbled color. Water-based stains, including ColorWave® and PaveWave™, use fine pigments for rich, even, more predictable color with low odor and low VOCs. Concrete dyes, including Vibrance™, carry vibrant pigment in acetone for bold color on smooth or polished concrete and must be sealed.
Can I stain old or existing concrete?
Yes. Concrete can be stained when it is clean, sound, and able to absorb liquid. Surfaces that are already sealed or previously stained usually need to be stripped and etched first.
Will concrete stain hold up outdoors?
Yes. The right stain system can be used on patios, driveways, pool decks, and walkways. Exterior projects should be finished with a quality sealer to protect the color and extend its life.
Do I need to seal stained concrete?
Sealing is recommended for nearly every project and required for concrete dye. A sealer locks in color, protects against wear and weather, and lets you choose your final sheen from matte to high gloss.
How much does it cost to stain concrete?
Cost depends on square footage, the stain system, and the number of coats. A Trial Kit is the lowest-risk way to test color on your own concrete before buying for the whole project. Use the Coverage Calculator to estimate product quantities.
Can I stain concrete myself?
Yes. Direct Colors products are designed for DIY projects and supported with step-by-step guides, how-to videos, and free project consultation. Use a compatible prep, stain, sealer, and maintenance system so the products work together.
How long does stained concrete last?
Properly sealed and maintained, stained concrete can look great for many years. Acid stain becomes a permanent part of the slab; water-based stains and dyes stay vibrant when protected by quality sealer and periodic maintenance.
I’m not sure which stain to choose. What should I do?
Take the stain quiz at the top of this page for a recommendation based on your surface and desired look, or request a free project consultation for help choosing the right system.
Concrete stain comparison guide
Compare Concrete Stain Types
The best concrete stain depends first on the surface, then on the finish you want. Use EverStain™, ColorWave® or Vibrance™ on poured concrete; Antiquing™ on stamped concrete; Portico™ or PaveWave™ on concrete pavers; and DecoGel™ on vertical concrete.
Which stain works on your concrete surface?
Start here. Surface compatibility removes the wrong products before you compare color, application method or finished appearance.
Poured concrete
For floors, basements, garages, patios, driveways and countertops, compare EverStain™, ColorWave® and Vibrance™.
Stamped concrete
For patterned patios, pool decks and walkways, choose Antiquing™ Stain to emphasize texture and relief.
Concrete pavers
For interlocking paver patios, driveways and pool surrounds, compare Portico™ and PaveWave™.
Walls and vertical concrete
For fireplaces, columns, retaining walls and vertical faces, choose DecoGel™ Acid Stain.
Stains for poured concrete floors, patios, driveways & countertops
These three products create different looks on absorbent poured concrete.
Reactive acid concrete stain
EverStain™ Acid Stain
Best for: Porous poured concrete when you want permanent, translucent marbling and natural variation.
- Finished look
- Marbled and variegated
- Location
- Interior and exterior
- Coverage
- About 200 sq. ft./gal.
- Timing
- 5–12 hour reaction
Choose EverStain if: You want each slab to develop a one-of-a-kind result. It must be neutralized and sealed.
Water-based concrete stain
ColorWave® Stain
Best for: Poured concrete when you want controlled, semi-transparent color from a broad palette.
- Finished look
- Rich and more consistent
- Location
- Interior and exterior
- Coverage
- About 200 sq. ft./gal.
- Timing
- 12–24 hours before sealer
Choose ColorWave if: You prefer more control over color placement and intensity. The zero-VOC water-based stain must be sealed.
Acetone-based concrete dye
Vibrance™ Concrete Dye
Best for: Concrete floors and architectural surfaces when bold, saturated color and fast drying matter.
- Finished look
- Vivid and modern
- Location
- Interior and exterior
- Coverage
- About 150 sq. ft./gal.
- Timing
- About 2 hours dry time
Choose Vibrance if: You want intense color with a short drying window. Acetone is purchased separately and a sealer is required.
Stains for stamped concrete, pavers and vertical surfaces
These formulas are designed for surfaces that standard poured-concrete stains do not address as well.
Solvent-based stamped concrete stain
Antiquing™ Stain
Best for: Exterior stamped concrete patios, driveways, pool decks and walkways.
- Finished look
- Antiqued and dimensional
- Location
- Exterior
- Coverage
- About 200 sq. ft./gal.
- Timing
- 8 hours before sealer
Choose Antiquing if: You want to emphasize stamped texture and indentations rather than visually flatten them. Sealing is required.
Solvent-based concrete paver stain
Portico™ Paver Stain
Best for: Rough, porous exterior concrete pavers when maximum color depth is the priority.
- Finished look
- Rich and saturated
- Location
- Exterior pavers
- Coverage
- About 200 sq. ft./gal.
- Timing
- 8 hours before sealer
Choose Portico if: You want a solvent-based paver formula with deep color. Use proper ventilation; sealing is required.
Water-based concrete paver stain
PaveWave™ Paver Stain
Best for: Exterior concrete pavers when a water-based application and water cleanup are preferred.
- Finished look
- Even and saturated
- Location
- Exterior pavers
- Coverage
- About 200 sq. ft./gal.
- Timing
- 4–12 hours before sealer
Choose PaveWave if: You want a paver-specific water-based alternative. Protect it from freezing and seal the finished color.
Gel acid stain for vertical concrete
DecoGel™ Acid Stain
Best for: Concrete walls, columns, fireplaces and vertical architectural surfaces.
- Finished look
- Bright and variegated
- Location
- Interior and exterior
- Coverage
- 150–200 sq. ft./gal.
- Timing
- 5–12 hour reaction
Choose DecoGel if: You want an acid-stain effect on vertical concrete without a thin liquid running or dripping. Sealing is required.
Coverage and timing are approximate and vary with surface porosity, texture, temperature and application method. Always review the current product instructions and test on your own concrete before beginning the full project.
