Stained or coloured concrete

Because of concrete's porous qualities and neutral tone, it is the perfect blank canvas for topically applied color. Using acid-based chemical stains, decorative concrete contractors have been able to achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather, giving a completely custom look to cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more.

Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. It is extremely durable, fade resistant and can be applied to both interior and exterior areas. Acid stained interior floor surfaces are quickly replacing those areas where carpet used to be the norm.

Like stains for wood, acid-based stains are translucent and the color they produce will vary depending on the color and condition of the substrate they are applied to. Each concrete slab will accept the stain in varying degrees of intensity, creating natural color variations that bring character and distinction to each project. What acid stains don't offer is a broad color selection. You'll mostly find them in a limited array of subtle earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens. 

But newer products on the market such as water-based penetrating stains and water and solvent-based concrete dyes are greatly expanding the artist's palette with colors ranging from soft pastels to vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and purples.

"Dyes can get the applicator into more vibrant colors such as yellow, blue, and purple. The nice thing about working with dyes is that you can mix them at the jobsite to obtain your desired color. Dyes are often used in conjunction with acid stains to produce a variegated look and, in most cases, complement the already stained floor.

Pigmented stains will actually bond with your concrete and won't fade, peel, or flake while they maintain their beautiful appearance for many years to come. Pigmented stain is an ideal finish designed to add deeply penetrating protection and enduring beauty to driveways, patios, walkways, and garage floors or any concrete surface. These concrete stains are highly resistant to abrasion and are available for exterior and interior surfaces.

 There are also many ways one can manipulate colours to create unique and varying pieces of art work on a concrete slab. 

Contact Diamond Concrete Design to create your concrete floor of the future. We suggest contacting us before your concrete is poured for best results and before you apply any topical products that will alter your concretes surface.

Masterpiece Concrete Compositions created this subtle space. Using a stain and a topical coating Bernie created a 
very durable and easy to maintain flooring alternative.