Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Choose Your Concrete Stain Type
There are two types of products you can use for staining concrete floors: acid-based concrete stain and water-based concrete stain. Each option has pros and cons.
Acid-Based Stain
The color palette is more limited, but the stain typically lasts longer than water-based so it's the best solution for high-traffic areas. It also won't fade, peel or chip. It typically comes in earth tones and is translucent so it'll pick up the variations in the concrete. It'll often take on a more natural look that mimics wood or stone. After applying the stain, you'll need to clean the stained concrete floors to remove any residual acid.
Water-Based Stain
You can achieve nearly any color with water-based stains. Unlike acid-based stain, water-based stain doesn't interact with the concrete you're staining so the color will stay consistent. Water-based stains are generally easier to apply and cleanup is minimal. They're also not as toxic and there are several environmentally friendly products that are safer to work with than an acid-based stain. However, the stain does adhere to the surface quickly so it's harder to fix any mistakes.
You'll need to use a water-based stain if you have the following issues:
- Stains (oil or grease) that you can't remove
- Concrete that's already been cleaned with acid
- Concrete that was sealed during installation (remove the sealer before staining)
Unsure if your concrete was previously sealed? Pour a cup of water onto it and see if the water beads up. If it does bead up, there's a sealer. If the water is absorbed into the floor, there isn't any sealer.
For garages, use an epoxy solution that's specially designed to handle wear and tear from cars and inclement weather.
Read Cleaning and Painting Garage Floors for more information.
How to Prep the Surface
To ensure that you have the best coverage possible when staining concrete flooring, some prep work is required. Beyond the initial cleanup with detergent, you may need to use special cleaners such as degreasers, paint or mastic remover. For specific instruction on how to clean concrete stains, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
The concrete you stain must be at least one month old.
Apply an Acid-Based Stain
Follow these steps to apply an acid-based stain.
Apply a Water-Based Stain
Follow these steps to apply a water-based stain.
Stain Exterior Concrete
Stained concrete floors are a modern choice for interior flooring. It’s a versatile look that can be used in any room in your home. Staining concrete can also be done on the exterior of your home. When done properly, you can achieve beautiful results. If you want to learn how to stain a concrete porch, deck, patio or more outside concrete surfaces, read our guide, How to Paint and Stain Exterior Concrete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are questions frequently asked by customers about staining interior concrete flooring.
How Do I Stain Concrete?
To stain interior concrete flooring, you should first choose your stain product, either acid-based or water-based stain. Next you prep the surface by cleaning, sanding, repairing cracks and covering the walls. Then you apply the stain according to the instructions above.
Note that these are condensed instructions. You should read and follow the step-by-step instructions above.
How Long Will My Stained Concret Last
Stained interior concrete is a durable protect. Well-maintained concrete can last for decades as long as it's properly maintained and sealed. Waxing also helps to extend the lifespan of the concrete flooring.