Staining is by far the most popular method for improving concrete floors for both commercial and residential use. Concrete stains are highly versatile, allowing you to match your design tastes and budget with just about any look imaginable. You can add subtle color hints, bolder design accents, and even custom graphics with stains. Stains can be applied to new or existing concrete floors and with concrete overlays work equally well. Moreover, because concrete stains penetrate deep into the concrete surface, they produce permanent, fade-resistant colors. The color will not flake off or peel away, unlike paint or coating.

You can choose between acid-based chemical stains or water-based stains depending on the look you want to achieve for your stained concrete floor. Acid stains react with concrete creating art. It creates unique mottling effects, similar to marble or granite appearance. Color selection, however, is usually limited to subtle earth tones like tans, browns, terracotta, and soft blue-greens.

If you want to go beyond the subtle drama and subdued acid staining color palette, consider using water-based stains that come in a wide range of shades. In many cases, the various colors can be mixed to broaden your options, such as water-based paints.

When using acid or water-based stains, there are endless decorative effects you can achieve. Sometimes the best approach is to keep it simple, using only one color of stain in a shade to match your decor. Or you can be more daring to create custom looks using multiple stain colors. While brown and gray shades are the most popular concrete floor stain colors, don’t be afraid to try bolder shades to add more drama, such as blue or black.

Stained Concrete Floor Design Tips:

• Try to lay different colors of stain or layer stains with coloring to create unique color variations and depth.
• Apply multiple stain colors to mimic the natural marble appearance.
• Use stains along with decorative stencils, templates, or even painter tape to create custom graphics.
• Apply water-based stains in bold colors to produce eye-catching graphics.

Use only one color to create a simple and elegant look. Because the tint reacts with the concrete, even the use of a single color will result in unique, varied color tones.

Create distinctive false finishes by applying stain to sponges, rags, brushes, or even pieces of crumpled paper.

Keep in mind that while staining is a relatively low-cost finish option for concrete floors, the final price tag of the project will increase if you want to use multiple stain colors, create custom graphics and false finishes, or stain existing concrete that will require extensive cleaning and sealing removal. You can consult pros like Charlotte Stamped Concrete for your next project.