What's the difference between concrete stain and concrete dye?

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How are concrete dyes different from stains? Concrete stains chemically react with the concrete, while concrete dyes are nonreactive. Concrete stains are made of hydrochloric acid and metallic salts. These create a chemical reaction with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete to permanently alter the color of the floor.



Similarly, it is asked, can concrete dye?

Color can be added to concrete with the use of concrete stains or dyes. The best choice depends on whether the concrete is indoors or outdoors, and what effect you hope to achieve. For example, if you want intense color, concrete dyes can provide this, but if the concrete is outside. they may not be the best choice.

Secondly, how long does Behr concrete stain last? Surfaces may be subjected to light foot traffic after 24 hours. Allow 72 hours before subjecting surface to heavy foot traffic, repositioning furniture or automotive traffic. Park tires on corrugated cardboard for 7 days after applying stain. After 30 days, clean as needed with a mild, non-abrasive liquid detergent.

Considering this, what is the difference between concrete stain and acid stain?

Acid-based concrete stains are made up of inorganic metallic salts dissolved in an acid and water solution. They penetrate into the surface and react chemically with the concrete to form a permanent bond. The key difference is that no chemical reaction takes place, so the color is more consistent.

What is the best concrete stain?

Best Concrete Stain in February, 2020

PRODUCT NAME SIZE SQ FT PER GALLON*
VIVID Acid Stain Walnut (Editor`s Choice) 1 Gallon 200-300
Kemiko Stone Tone (Garden Gold) 1 Gallon 400-800
VIVID Acid Stain Coffee 1 Gallon 200-300
VIVID Acid Stain Mahogany 1 Gallon 200-300

37 Related Question Answers Found

Can you roll on concrete dye?

Rather, use the roller in a circular or arcing motion as you apply the dye to give it a more interesting effect. And, don't overdo it. This is concrete dye, not concrete paint – it's not going to have an opaque look. Apply it so it thoroughly soaks into the concrete but doesn't leave any extra on the surface.

What can you use to color concrete?

Add a latex paint or any water-soluble paint to a concrete mix. Use the paint like water in the same proportion when adding it to the concrete. Additionally, any type of powdered paint pigment can be mixed with water in a bucket and added to the concrete.

Does fabric dye stain concrete?

Dyes can be permanent, but they don't chemically alter the color of the concrete like stains do. Stains are virtually irremovable due to the chemical reaction. With dyes, though, you can usually re-dye or re-color the concrete in later years if you wish.

How do you dye old concrete?

How to Stain Concrete
  1. clean concrete with non residue cleaner and brush. Scrub the Area. Begin by removing dirt, grease or mildew with a non-residue cleaner and a stiff-bristled brush.
  2. wet concrete and sprinkle cleaning acid solution. Spread the Acid Solution.
  3. apply concrete stain with brush and dry 24 hours. Apply a Concrete Stain.

How can I lighten my concrete color?


To lighten stamped concrete after using a color release powder or liquid, you must first strip the sealant with a chemical stripper designed for this purpose. Scrub the stripped concrete with a stiff-bristled brush to remove as much of the color as you can.

Does colored concrete fade?

A. The color will not fade, but the concrete can fade. Left unprotected or weakened by a poor mix design or finishing job, the surface of concrete “dusts” and erodes slowly. Keep your colored concrete fresh and looking new by protecting it with periodic applications of a good, high quality clear sealer.

How much does it cost to color concrete?

Cost of Colored Concrete
Colored Concrete Costs Zip Code
Basic Best
Colored Concrete – Installation Cost $450.00 - $535.00 $1080.00 - $1295.00
Colored Concrete – Total $635.00 - $740.00 $1337.00 - $1584.00
Colored Concrete – Total Average Cost per square foot $6.88 $14.61

Do I need to seal stained concrete?

We typically recommend sealing and waxing floors on any kind, but it is especially important for interior staining or any exterior areas that are high traffic. So while you don't have to seal concrete, if you do, you will be enhancing and protecting the look of the concrete while extending it's lifespan considerably.

Is it better to stain or paint concrete?


Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently, while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. Concrete stains go on quicker, dry faster and take less work than concrete paint, but they offer no significant protection.

Do you have to sand concrete before staining?

You certainly can sand concrete before applying a stain, but this may not be absolutely necessary. Sanding before staining ensures that the stain penetrates the surface, but this is only necessary if your concrete floor's surface is otherwise incapable of absorbing liquids. Test concrete to see if sanding is necessary.

Do you have to etch concrete before staining?

A. - Concrete Camouflage stains are true concrete acid stains, which means they have the acid in them, and so you don't use any etching products during clean and prep or before applying the stain.

Can you use regular stain on concrete?

The short answer is yes, wood stain can be used to stain concrete. However, wood stain is basically going to be like painting the concrete. Acid stain, by comparison, leeches into the concrete and becomes part of it instead of just sitting on top (which over time can scrape off).

How do you water stain concrete?

How to Apply Water-Based Concrete Stain
  1. Wash the concrete. If the concrete has been freshly poured and set, you may just rinse it down with a garden hose.
  2. Wait for the concrete to dry thoroughly.
  3. Mix the water-based concrete stain.
  4. Spray the concrete with the stain.
  5. Allow the stain to set and dry for 12 hours.
  6. Seal the stain.

Can you stain old concrete?

The answer is: yes, you can acid stain old concrete. The process for acid staining old concrete is not all that different from staining new concrete with a few exceptions.

Can you apply concrete stain with a roller?

Once the surface is properly prepped, you are ready to apply the concrete stain. Make sure to stir the stain before applying. Apply a thin, even coat using a 3/8" nap roller cover, pad applicator or nylon-polyester brush.