- Concrete Stain Home
- Get the Look - Stained Floor Pictures
- Color Chart: Concrete stain colors
- Comparison Chart: Compare acid stains, water-based stains and dyes
- Stain Buying Tips: Questions to ask before you buy
- How to Stain Concrete
- Types of Stains and Coloring Options
- Acid-Based Stains
- Water-Based Penetrating Stains
- Concrete Dyes
- Concrete Paint
- Exterior Concrete Stain: Click through images of outdoor stained concrete projects
- Stains and Equipment Product Reviews
- Troubleshooting Concrete Stains
- Common Staining Issues: Tips from expert Chris Sullivan
- Removing Stains from Concrete
Staining Integrally Colored Concrete
- Question:
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Can I acid stain concrete that already has integral pigment in it? We had our floor and shower just done in red-oxide tinted concrete and it ended up being pink! I want to change the color by applying an acid stain.
Stains can be applied to integrally colored concrete, but the color results can vary. Be sure to test the stain first before applying it to the entire surface.
- Answer:
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The short answer is, yes. Acid stain will work on any concrete, colored or gray. The big difference will be the final color. With plain gray concrete, you can more accurately predict what the final color will be. With colored concrete, the final outcome will vary and the only way to see what color you’ll get is to apply the stain to a test section. Find a small inconspicuous place, apply the stain, let it react, clean it, and see what the color looks like.
In regard to your particular situation, you may want to consider using a solid-color stain or water-based tint instead of an acid stain. These stain types are more opaque and do not react with the concrete. You can use a red stain or tint and change that pink concrete back to the red you originally desired. These tints are also easy to apply, and with the right sealer, will last the lifetime of the floor. Keep in mind that in a shower, you’ll need to use a sealer that holds up to moisture. Also be aware that most sealers get very slippery when wet, so consider using a grit additive in the sealer to make the floor slip resistant.
Learn more about how to buy concrete stains.
Return to How to Fix Concrete Acid Stains
Vintage America Acid Stain
Organic, antique patina, deep penetrating reactive stain.
Acid Stain by Surfkoat
Makes up to 2 gallons. Great for marble look.
Stain-Crete by Increte
9 standard colors. Useful for old or new concrete.
Elements® Transparent Concrete Stain
Water-based, environmentally and user-friendly
Concrete Stain + Sealer in One
Waterproof, strengthen, preserve and beautify in one step
Stone Tone Stain
10 color options. Resistant to chipping and fading.
Concrete Acid Stain
BRICKFORM Blush-Tone Acid Stain available in 10 standard colors
Eco-Friendly, UV-Resistant Stains
15 non-reactive colors that transform concrete.
