At Coatings Hub NorCal, we are here to help you choose the right concrete floor options for your project. There are many different options for concrete stain, but how do you know what will work best? Stop by and see us at our locations in San Jose or Jamestown, CA, to discuss your needs, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution.
Concrete— Durable & Stainable
Used to build roads, sidewalks, buildings, and floors, concrete is an extremely durable material. It is also very absorbent, making it an excellent medium for finishes, stains, and colors. You can find these in a variety of formulas, ranging from water-based to more harsh chemical solutions. There are pros and cons to using each depending on the appearance you are looking to achieve.
- Acid Stain
- Acetone Dyes
- Water-Based Stains
- Solvent-Based Stains
Acid Stains Are Long Lasting
As long as the surface is protected by a sealant, dyeing your concrete with acid is permanent. However, the color options are fairly limited to earth tones such as brown or green. When using an acid stain, a chemical reaction occurs, creating a color effect that mimics the appearance of aged stone or masonry. The reactive nature of this concrete floor stain will create a very unique result that will last forever if treated and sealed properly but might not be ideal for every project.
- Acid creates a unique marbling effect that will stand the test of time.
- Older concrete that has been power-washed frequently may not react with acid stains.
- This method will not work on rocks, sand, or aggregate.
- Exposed aggregate or weathered Portland cement may not work properly or produce the correct colors.
Are Acetone Dyes A Good Option?
Powder Acetone Dyes
If you’re working on an indoor project, powdered acetone dyes are a great choice for sprucing up your concrete floors. This type of dye does not work well for outdoor projects because it is not UV stable. Most of these dyes come in a powdered form and will dry very quickly compared to other options, which is a huge advantage for use indoors. Powdered dyes penetrate deep into the pores of the concrete, which is why they are the only type of dye that can be used on floors that will be polished in the future.
Liquid Acetone Dyes
Liquid acetone dyes are actually UV-stable and are more like a stain that can be used outdoors. There is a larger range of colors to choose from when you go with liquid acetone dyes, which is very appealing for some projects. This option also dries incredibly fast after applying.
Water-Based Stains For More Color
For a more artistic project, you might want to consider water-based concrete stains. These versatile concrete floor stains are great for indoor or outdoor applications. The result is a beautiful, semi-transparent color that will last for years when treated and sealed properly. As with all concrete floor options, water-based stains have pros and cons, depending on your project.
- Water-based options give you a greater range of colors, but they need to be regularly resealed.
- They work great for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- The color white is only available in water-based or UV-stable acetone dyes.
- These versatile stains allow you to layer colors and add details.
What Are Solvent-Based Stains?
Solvent-based concrete stains are used to tint solvent-based coatings. These are great for high-traffic floors when used with epoxies or urethanes and are suitable for indoor and outdoor uses. When using this method for outdoor use, you should also use a solvent-based sealer. It is standard practice to reseal every two to three years to protect the color from wearing or fading since you are staining the coating, not the concrete.
Stop By Today
Visit Coatings Hub NorCal at one of our locations in San Jose or Jamestown, CA, to find the best concrete stain for your project. Whether you are planning to stain a basement or a patio, we can help you choose the best options for your particular needs. Contact us today for more information.
