Portico™ 2-Step Professional System
Portico™ 2-Step Professional System
Contractor-scale concrete paver stain kit for 1,000 sq ft — 5 gallons Portico™ Paver Stain + 5 gallons matched sealer.
Product Details
Product Details
The Portico™ 2-Step Professional System is the contractor-scale paver stain kit for large jobs: full residential driveways, large patios, commercial hardscape projects, hospitality venues, and any concrete paver project covering up to 1,000 square feet. It includes 5 gallons of Portico™ Paver Stain in your color choice and 5 gallons of matched concrete sealer — the same chemicals as the 200 sq ft kits, scaled up for jobs that need contractor quantities.This is the system Direct Colors recommends for working hardscape contractors, decorative concrete professionals, landscape companies, property management firms, and serious DIYers tackling large-scale paver projects. The 5-gallon container size delivers the lowest per-square-foot cost in the Portico™ lineup and ensures color consistency across the entire job — critical for large paver installations where multiple smaller batches risk visible color variation between sections.
Why Contractors Buy the Professional System
Lowest per-square-foot cost — Buying Portico™ in 5-gallon containers cuts the per-gallon price significantly compared to single-gallon orders.
Color consistency across the entire job — Portico™ pigment can vary slightly from production lot to production lot. A 5-gallon container is one consistent batch, which means a 1,000 sq ft paver driveway stained from one container will have uniform color across the entire surface. Mixing multiple 1-gallon containers risks visible color shift between sections — especially noticeable on long driveways and large patios where the customer sees the whole surface at once.
One delivery, one job — Contractors don't have time to wait on backordered components mid-project. The Professional System ships every chemical needed for a 1,000 sq ft paver stain in one shipment.
The right sealer at the right scale — The sealer is matched to Portico™ and shipped in the same 5-gallon format. No mismatched products, no guessing how much sealer to order.
Why Sealer Is Required Even at Contractor Scale
The 2-step requirement isn't a feature of the small kits — it's a feature of how Portico™ chemistry works. The pigment is bonded to the pavers by the sealer, period. This is true at every scale, from a 200 sq ft DIY project to a 10,000 sq ft commercial paver installation. Skipping or under-applying sealer is the fastest way to turn a beautiful paver job into a callback from an unhappy client three months later when the color starts wearing off.This is why the Professional System ships matched 5-gallon quantities of sealer alongside the Portico™. You're getting the right product, in the right amount, paired to your color choice — no contractor decision-making required.
The 8-Hour Rule Still Applies at Contractor Scale
Portico™ must dry for at least 8 hours after staining and before sealer is applied so the solvent carrier can fully off-gas. This is critical at every scale. On large paver jobs, plan your project schedule with the 8-hour minimum in mind — staining one day, sealing the next morning is the standard contractor approach. In cool or humid weather, allow longer than 8 hours. Sealing too soon causes sealer bonding problems or turns the sealer cloudy white, and the only fix is to strip the failed sealer and start over.
Don't Over-Apply at Scale Either
The "less is more" rule applies at every scale. Even experienced contractors sometimes get pressure from clients who want "more color" and respond by applying multiple heavy coats — which causes the same sealer bonding failures as DIY over-application, just on a much larger and more expensive scale.
One even coat of Portico™, then 8 hours of off-gas time, then sealer.
If a client wants deeper color than a single coat of a particular Portico™ shade delivers, the right answer is to use a darker Portico™ color on the next project — not to keep adding stain to the current one. Apply test patches in inconspicuous areas before committing the full job to a color choice.What This System Does Not IncludeThe Professional System is chemicals only — it does not include application tools, surface prep, or PPE. Most contractors and pros already have:
- Plastic pump sprayers (need at least 2 — one for stain, one for sealer)
- Spiked shoes for walking on wet stain and sealer
- ProClean Degreaser for surface prep
- Destiny™ Stripper for removing existing sealer or coatings (if needed)
- Safety glasses, gloves, and respirator
If you need any of these, they're sold individually:
- ProClean Degreaser™
- Spiked Sandals
- Plastic pump sprayers
Pricing for Larger Projects
Need more than 1,000 sq ft of coverage? Order multiple Professional Systems, or contact Direct Colors for a contractor quote on bulk orders. Direct Colors offers wholesale pricing for working contractors and has been supplying decorative concrete and hardscape pros for over 25 years.
Looking for a Water-Based Contractor-Scale Paver Stain System?
The Portico™ 2-Step Professional System uses solvent-based Portico™ Paver Stain. If your project requires a water-based paver stain — for low-VOC commercial requirements, occupied building applications, HOA or municipal restrictions on solvent products, or environmental compliance — Direct Colors offers the PaveWave™ 2-Step Professional System as the water-based alternative. PaveWave™ uses nano-pigment technology for slightly richer color saturation at a higher price point. Both Professional Systems cover 1,000 sq ft with matched stain + sealer in 5-gallon containers.
Direct Colors: Made in the USA Since 1997
Direct Colors has supplied professional contractors with paver stain in contractor quantities for over 25 years. The Portico™ Professional System uses the same Portico™ and sealer formulations specified by working hardscape contractors on commercial paver projects across the country.
Specifications
Specifications
| Application Tools | Best applied using a pump sprayer (filter removed). |
|---|---|
| Location | Suitable for exterior applications. |
| Dry Time | Requires 8 hours drying before sealer application. Dry times vary with environmental conditions. |
| Re-Coat Time | Additional coats can be applied without waiting. |
| Cleanup | Use xylene. |
| Coverage | Approximately 200 sq. ft. per gallon for two thin coats. It is recommended to apply two coats for optimal performance; coverage may vary depending on surface conditions. |
| Recommended Sealers | Compatible with AcquaSeal™ & HydroCryl™ Water-based Acrylic Sealers or EasySeal™ Solvent-based Acrylic Sealer. |
| Application Temperature | Best between 40°F–95°F (4°C–35°C). |
| Recommended Uses | Ideal for paved concrete driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways, and other outdoor concrete areas. |
| Important Note | Requires proper ventilation due to strong fumes. |
Items Included
Items Included
| Choice of Stain Color | Portico™ Paver Stain - 5 Gallons. Coverage for about 1000 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| Choice of Sealer* | EasySeal™ Solvent-base or AcquaSeal™ Water-based Sealer (Satin or Gloss finish) - 5 Gallon. Yields coverage for about 1000 sq. ft. |
* Customers can choose between a satin or gloss finish for the EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™ sealer to tailor the final look to their preference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Portico concrete stain work?
How does Portico concrete stain work?
Portico Paver Stain is formulated using pigments. When sprayed onto a concrete surface, the liquid remains wet for an extended period, allowing pigments to travel and nest into the surface. Since paver stain is a pigment-based colorant, the pigments require sealing to hold them in place.
Where can I apply Portico Paver Stain?
Where can I apply Portico Paver Stain?
Portico Paver Stain is typically intended for outdoor surfaces like concrete pavers. In most cases, Portico can also be applied to brushed concrete, extremely porous, or weathered and degraded surfaces due to its heavier pigmentation. If your concrete surface or pavers aren’t very porous, you might consider using Antiquing Stain. Uncertain about how porous the surface is? Consider an Antiquing Stain Trial Kit or Portico Paver Stain Trial Kit to confirm results before purchasing for your entire project.
I’ve just applied Portico stain to my concrete and after it dried, it barely has any color. What happened?
I’ve just applied Portico stain to my concrete and after it dried, it barely has any color. What happened?
The good news is that concrete pigments don’t disappear! Assuming your concrete surface is in relatively decent condition and isn’t extremely deteriorated, the pigments you sprayed down are still in place. Once Portico is sprayed on the surface and dries for several hours, the dried pigment only appears faded. When you apply the recommended two thin coats of concrete sealer, the color will “pop” to life, transforming your space! Be mindful of a decision you’ll need to make between solvent-based or water-based sealers. While both are great options, the difference is that solvent-based sealers will “pop” color much more intensely than water-based sealers. Water-based sealers will tend to soften in color as they cure.
Why didn’t Portico work on my concrete?
Why didn’t Portico work on my concrete?
It would be unusual if Portico Paver Stain didn’t color your pavers or concrete surface successfully. Remember, this product is made of pigment, and pigments don’t disappear! If Portico didn’t add any color to your concrete, it could potentially be one of two issues: 1. The pigments became trapped or blocked in the sprayer. This can make it seem as if you sprayed liquid with no color. Make sure that you have removed all of the filters on the stain sprayer and that the O-rings are seated correctly in the sprayer head. 2. The concrete that you’re applying Portico to is too damaged. When concrete has significantly deteriorated, the pigments will fall deeper into the concrete surface - causing the color to diminish. This is not a sign of a faulty product, but unfortunately, you may have selected the wrong product for your particular project.
How much surface preparation is required before applying Portico Paver Stain?
How much surface preparation is required before applying Portico Paver Stain?
Surface preparation is often the most critical factor in any successful decorative concrete project. In order to achieve the best results, the concrete surface should be free of cure and seal, sealer, paint, dirt, grime, and grease. If the concrete was previously stained and the original sealer has worn away, go ahead and apply Portico over that previous stain. What you would particularly want to avoid is applying Portico over a previously sealed surface. This could cause the still intact sealer to repel the new stain you’ve applied. Scrub the surface using ProClean Degreaser, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry before applying Portico.
What should I use to apply Portico stain?
What should I use to apply Portico stain?
The best application tool is a pump up sprayer for fences and decks. When using a sprayer to apply Portico, don’t forget to remove any filters. These are normally found at the top or bottom of the straw in the canister. If the filter isn’t removed, you would only spray the clear liquid onto your surface - the filter would prevent the pigment from being sprayed out. For closer applications or a slightly different look, use a sponge or foam brush.
When can I apply concrete sealer over my Portico?
When can I apply concrete sealer over my Portico?
Allow the Portico stain to dry and off-gas for 6-8 hours before applying a solvent-based acrylic sealer or water-based sealer.
Can I use multiple paver stain colors, and can they be mixed?
Can I use multiple paver stain colors, and can they be mixed?
We strongly advise against mixing one Portico stain with another. Instead, consider layering separate colors on top of one another to achieve your desired look. We recommend starting with your lightest color of Portico and then building up to a darker color.
What’s the difference between Antiquing Stain and Portico Paver Stain?
What’s the difference between Antiquing Stain and Portico Paver Stain?
Time to settle any confusion once and for all! While these two outdoor concrete stains are quite similar, Antiquing Stain is intended for textured and stamped concrete and Portico stain is intended for flatter, more porous surfaces such as concrete pavers.
I purchased the amount of product your concrete stain calculator recommended based on my square footage, and still needed more. What happened?
I purchased the amount of product your concrete stain calculator recommended based on my square footage, and still needed more. What happened?
Depending on your concrete surface and chosen application methods, coverage rates can vary. We follow industry standards of approximately 200 square feet per gallon, which commonly applies to lower viscosity products like colorants and concrete sealers. First, it’s always good to double-check your calculation of square footage. From there, a few variables come into play. How porous, weathered, or worn is your concrete? How heavily are you applying the product? On smoother, less porous concrete, you may find you’re getting a bit more coverage than anticipated. For stamped, textured, or more weathered, porous concrete, you may get a bit less coverage. These variables aren’t calculation errors, but more of a common indefinite. When in doubt, follow the general construction rule of rounding up for your supply needs.
How to Apply Portico™ PaverStain
Explore our full range of Portico™ Paver Stain translucent colors and find the perfect tone for your project.
- Preparation
- Application
- Drying Times & Protection
- Maintenance & Safety
Product Videos
Portico™ Stain
Explore the complete Portico™ Stain palette and discover the perfect shade for your concrete project.
- Semi-transparent colors designed for porous concrete pavers
- Enhances the natural texture of brick and concrete surfaces
- Restores faded or weathered outdoor concrete areas
- Designed for driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks