Staining and Dyeing

Concrete Stains

Concrete stains or chemical stains (such as acid stains) can be applied to new or old concrete floors, but keep in mind that since the finish is opaque, it will not hide or mask any concrete imperfections or flaws. You can avoid this by choosing a design which will help the imperfections blend in with the design. Stained or dyed concrete floors are popular for just about any room in a house, from the kitchen to the bathroom or even the basement or garage floor.

Some of the design techniques used in staining and dyeing include using graphics, borders, stain blowing, marble, and ceramic tile replication. Artists can also use feather leaves, sponges, sawdust and other materials which are also used in faux painting techniques.

Concrete Dyes

Concrete dyes are used to add additional color to already stained concrete. The dyes come in either water-based or solvent systems, each with its own limitations and advantages. Learn more about the differences between water-based and solvent-based dyes. A professional can mix dyes on-site to come up with a special and unique color for your floor. Variations and inconsistent colors often occur with dyes. But most people find these variations desirable because they result in a more natural appearance, and they understand the variation factor when choosing dyes. An additional setback to dyes is that they can sometimes fade from direct and extended contact with UV rays. To help prevent this problem, there are UV-stable sealers or dyes which are premixed with sealer.

There are several benefits to choosing concrete dye and stains for your floors. They are attractive, easy to install, and fairly inexpensive. When added as a final touch on a new project or following a resurfacing project, they can really make a difference in your room. For functional spaces, the colors can be applied to designate areas for driving, parking, and pedestrian traffic.

One of the main benefits of concrete dye and stains is that they can take a room from boring to beautiful. You might not think about the floors being pretty, but the addition of color can bring a room together. Dye and stains can be mixed to compliment any color scheme and often a precise color. This is a popular choice for entry areas and showrooms. With the addition of polishing or epoxy coating, the result can look like something much more expensive than concrete.

The installation process for concrete dye and stains is fairly simple. The color is mixed to the desired shape and applied to the floor like paint. While dye sits on the surface of the floor, stains penetrate into the pores. Dye tends to have a bolder final tone, while stains are more muted. Additional coats may be necessary to achieve the desired look.