What is the difference between Concrete Stains and Dyes

The advent of latest concrete stains and dyes has allowed for faster and reliable flooring installations and fewer failures, causing an increase in the popularity of concrete stains and dyes as a mainstream flooring option. The traditional look of concrete stains is now feeling the pressure of the ever-changing color and pattern of trends generated from the commercial flooring industry. Traditionalists hold true to the earth-tone variegated hues of acid stains, while new generation installers embrace easy-to-use media and bright colors.

The natural and unique marbling effects of acid stains and dyes have been taken to a new level with the introduction of new stain and dye technology. Now contractors are blending different stain media to achieve colors and finishes even more unique than those previously obtained from classic acid stains alone. We have always recommended using concrete dyes in conjunction with acid stains to create unique looks. Moreover blending and layers of colors will help achieve depth in the colors.

The rapid growth in the popularity of polished concrete has been boon for concrete dyes in recent years. Because of their tinting strength and ability to penetrate deeply into concrete, dyes have become very popular when coloring polished concrete floors. Concrete stains have expanded far beyond interior commercial spaces and are now commonplace in the home as well as outdoors. Stained concrete has become a mainstream flooring option embraced by both businesses and homeowners because of its design versatility and ease of maintenance.

Whether it is a residential or commercial project, a good sealing system is paramount to the longevity of the concrete stains and dyes. Typically in a residential project, one coat of water based epoxy primer and one coat of water based polyurethane are recommended. However, for a commercial space a 100% solids epoxy coating applied at 10-12 mil thickness followed by at least two coats of water based aliphatic polyurethane is recommended. The sealers with lower gloss levels are easier to clean and maintain and show less wear than high-gloss sealers do.