Stained Concrete: Types, Costs, and DIY Guide
Staining transforms dull gray concrete into rich, colorful surfaces—and unlike other decorative methods, it works on existing concrete. Acid stains create unique, marbled patterns through chemical reaction with the concrete. Water-based stains offer consistent color and a wider palette. Both are achievable DIY projects with proper preparation.
Stained Concrete: Types, Costs, and DIY Guide
Staining transforms dull gray concrete into rich, colorful surfaces—and unlike other decorative methods, it works on existing concrete. Acid stains create unique, marbled patterns through chemical reaction with the concrete. Water-based stains offer consistent color and a wider palette. Both are achievable DIY projects with proper preparation.
The key to successful staining is surface preparation. A clean, porous surface absorbs stain evenly. A dirty, sealed, or contaminated surface creates blotchy, uneven results.
How Concrete Staining Works
Staining isn't painting. Stains penetrate into concrete rather than coating the surface.
Acid stains contain metallic salts (iron, copper, etc.) that chemically react with calcium hydroxide in concrete. This reaction creates permanent color that becomes part of the concrete itself. The result is translucent, variegated, and unique—no two acid-stained surfaces look identical.
Water-based stains deposit pigment particles into concrete pores without chemical reaction. They produce more consistent, predictable color and offer a much wider range of colors, including blues, greens, and bright tones impossible with acid stains.
Acid Stains vs. Water-Based Stains
| Factor | Acid Stain | Water-Based Stain |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Chemical reaction | Pigment deposit |
| Appearance | Variegated, marbled | Uniform, consistent |
| Color range | Earth tones, blue-green | Wide range, bright colors |
| Predictability | Low—each result unique | High—consistent results |
| Toxicity | Higher (acidic, fumes) | Lower (water cleanup) |
| Surface prep | Critical | Important |
| Application difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| DIY friendly | Yes (with caution) | Yes |
When to Choose Acid Stain
- You want a one-of-a-kind, organic look
- Earth tones fit your design
- Slight color variation is acceptable (or desired)
- You're comfortable working with chemicals
When to Choose Water-Based Stain
- You want consistent, predictable color
- You need colors outside the earth-tone range
- You prefer easier application and cleanup
- You're staining a large area where consistency matters
DIY Staining: Step-by-Step
Tools and Materials
For both stain types:
- Stain (calculate coverage: 200-400 sqft/gallon)
- Pump sprayer (acid-resistant for acid stains)
- Brushes for detail areas
- Plastic sheeting for masking
- Concrete sealer
- Safety gear: goggles, gloves, respirator
Additional for acid stain:
- Neutralizing solution (baking soda and water, or commercial)
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Scrub brushes
Step 1: Surface Preparation
This is 80% of a successful stain job.
The surface must be:
- Clean (no dirt, debris, leaves)
- Free of coatings (no paint, sealer, curing compounds)
- Porous (water should absorb, not bead)
- Free of stains (oil, grease, rust)
Cleaning process:
- Sweep thoroughly
- Pressure wash at 2,500-3,000 PSI
- Treat oil stains with degreaser
- Remove any existing sealer (may require chemical stripper)
- Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours)
Test for porosity: Sprinkle water on the surface. It should absorb within 30 seconds. If water beads, the surface is sealed or contaminated.
Step 2: Mask and Protect
- Cover adjacent surfaces (walls, plants, other concrete you don't want stained)
- Tape edges precisely—stain bleeds under tape if not sealed
- Remove items from the work area
Step 3: Apply Stain
For acid stain:
- Dampen concrete lightly (not pooling)
- Apply stain with pump sprayer in circular, overlapping motions
- Work in sections, maintaining wet edges
- Use brushes to work stain into surface
- Allow to react 4-24 hours (longer = darker)
- Do not disturb during reaction
For water-based stain:
- Apply to dry concrete
- Use pump sprayer, roller, or brush
- Apply thin, even coats
- Work in one direction for consistency
- Allow to dry between coats (1-4 hours)
- Apply 2-3 coats for deeper color
Step 4: Neutralize (Acid Stain Only)
Acid stain leaves residue that must be neutralized and removed:
- Mix neutralizing solution (1 cup baking soda per gallon water, or commercial neutralizer)
- Apply to entire surface
- Scrub with stiff brush
- Wet-vacuum residue
- Rinse with clean water
- Wet-vacuum again
- Allow to dry completely (24 hours)
Skip this step and your sealer will fail.
Step 5: Seal the Surface
All stained concrete must be sealed. The sealer:
- Protects the color
- Provides sheen (matte to high-gloss options)
- Prevents staining and wear
- Enhances color depth
For sealing instructions, see how to seal concrete.
Wait 24 hours after final rinse (acid) or final coat (water-based) before sealing.
Stained Concrete Costs
DIY Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Acid stain | $0.15-0.30/sqft |
| Water-based stain | $0.10-0.25/sqft |
| Sealer | $0.10-0.20/sqft |
| Supplies (sprayer, brushes, etc.) | $50-100 total |
Total DIY cost: $0.30-0.60 per sqft (plus supplies)
For 200 sqft: $60-120 in materials
Professional Costs
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic stain + seal | $2-4/sqft |
| Decorative/multi-color | $4-8/sqft |
| Elaborate designs | $8-15/sqft |
For 200 sqft: $400-800 professionally
Color Options
Acid Stain Colors
Limited to colors achievable through chemical reaction:
- Tan/Buff: Most common, subtle
- Brown: Rich, warm tones
- Terra cotta: Reddish-brown
- Black: Deep, dramatic
- Blue-green: Copper-based, unique
- Amber: Golden tones
Note: Final color depends on concrete's mineral content. Always test in an inconspicuous area.
Water-Based Stain Colors
Virtually unlimited, including:
- All earth tones
- Blues and greens
- Reds and oranges
- Grays and charcoals
- White and cream
- Custom colors
Expected Results
What to Expect with Acid Stain
- Variation: Color will vary across the surface—this is the appeal
- Imperfections show: Patches, repairs, and inconsistencies become visible
- Unique results: Your floor won't match the sample exactly
- Translucency: Underlying concrete characteristics show through
What to Expect with Water-Based Stain
- Consistency: More uniform color than acid
- Opacity: Can provide more coverage over imperfections
- Layering: Multiple coats deepen color
- Predictability: Closer match to samples
Best Applications
Excellent for Staining
- Garage floors: Transform gray to designer look
- Basement floors: Add warmth to cold concrete
- Patios: Refresh existing concrete
- Indoor concrete floors: Popular in modern design
- Pool decks: With appropriate sealer
Less Ideal
- New concrete: Consider integral color instead
- Heavily damaged concrete: Stain highlights flaws
- High-traffic commercial: May need more durable finish
Common Mistakes
Inadequate Surface Prep
Problem: Stain won't penetrate, creating blotchy results. Solution: Clean thoroughly, test for porosity, remove all sealers.
Skipping the Test
Problem: Acid stain color varies by concrete—surprises happen. Solution: Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Over-Application
Problem: Puddles and uneven color. Solution: Apply thin coats; more coats are better than thick ones.
Rushing the Process
Problem: Sealing over uncured stain or wet concrete causes failure. Solution: Allow proper dry time between all steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is staining concrete DIY-friendly?
Yes—staining is one of the more achievable decorative concrete projects. Water-based stains are easiest for beginners. Acid stains require more caution (chemicals, fumes) but are still manageable. Surface prep is the most labor-intensive part.
What's the difference between acid and water-based stain?
Acid stains chemically react with concrete, creating unique, variegated patterns in earth tones. Water-based stains deposit pigment without reaction, producing consistent color in a wider range of colors. Acid stains are less predictable; water-based stains are more uniform.
How long does stained concrete last?
Properly applied and sealed stained concrete lasts 10-20+ years. The stain itself is permanent (especially acid stain), but the sealer needs reapplication every 2-3 years to maintain appearance and protection.
Can you stain old concrete?
Yes—that's the primary advantage of staining. The concrete must be clean, porous, and free of sealers or coatings. Old concrete in poor condition may show imperfections more prominently after staining.
Key Takeaways
- Acid stains create unique, marbled patterns; water-based offer consistent color
- Surface prep is critical—clean, porous, unsealed concrete required
- DIY cost: $0.30-0.60/sqft; Professional: $2-8/sqft
- Always test acid stain in an inconspicuous area first
- Sealing is required after staining—don't skip this step
- Great for existing concrete—transforms old slabs affordably
For broader color options, see colored concrete guide. Compare with other decorative options in our stamped concrete guide. For fundamentals, visit concrete basics.