DIY Acid Stained Concrete

I hope you’re not indecisive. Acid stains come in many, many color possibilities. Earthtones are very popular choices for many people, but you can get pastels and bright colors too. Keep in mind that the ultimate color of your floor is dependent on the condition of your starting slab. A slab that resists stain will be light and patchy while a very porous, consistent slab will be relatively dark and even.

Sample color chart

Where to purchase stain and sealant.

Acid stains are sold all over the country, but you may have to look in the bigger cities. Stores that sell construction materials to contractors are a likely source. Try calling a contractor that specializes in acid staining and ask for a recommendation. They might balk at losing business, but they might also realize that you are promoting their trade.

Generally, you should be able to purchase sealant in the same store as the stain. In fact, you can often get the same brand. See the section below for picking the correct sealant.

Shipping stain and sealant can be very costly. You may incur hazardous materials fees and the liquids are heavy. A five gallon bucket of stain might weigh roughly 40 to 50 pounds! However, there are many good stain and sealant suppliers online that would be more than happy to ship to you.

Are there other colorant options?

Yes, there are more products in the market than just acid-based stains. You can also consider water and solvent based dyes and water-based stains. For the scope of this website we are primarily focusing on acid stains.

Picking the right sealant.

We recommend an acrylic-based sealer designed for acid stained concrete. Water-based sealers are also on the market and are advertised as safer options (and they certainly are), but the durability may be in question. Acrylic-based sealants have very high VOC (volatile organic compounds). That means they are highly toxic and should be used safely, properly and in accordance with explicit directions on the product.

How much do I buy? (Coverage)

Coverage of both the acid stain and sealant depend on the technique of the applicator, as well as the condition of the floor. Porous floors will require less stain than less porous floors. In general, one gallon of stain will cover 150 square feet with two coats. The same holds true for the average coverage of sealants; one gallon should cover 150 square feet with two coats. Two coats are recommended for both the stain and sealant.

Next: Floor preparation.