Top 10 Best Concrete Stain Reviews in 2022

Tiling the surface makes it look amazing, but it will cost you a huge budget.  Concrete stains can be an excellent alternative to the tiles. They are more durable and sometimes better looking when compared with tiles. The minimum cost to stain concrete surface starts from $2 per square feet when it is around $10 for the tiles.  If you are in a tight budget, you should consider using the concrete stain.

There are a lot of brands and variants of concrete stains available in the market. But you need to select the best concrete stain to be assured about durability and appearances. To make the selection procedure quicker and easier for you, we will let about the market-dominating and top-notch concrete stains and paints. We will also add an in-depth buying guide to helps you to get rid of the confusion about the product.

Benefits of Concrete Stain

Concrete stain is a popular choice amongst home and business owners because of the benefits it offers. It can create a unique contemporary appearance while making the floor very easy to maintain. The concrete stains can last for years without causing any chip, fade, or peel even on the areas with heavy foot traffic. When compared with the other varieties of flooring, concrete stain is extremely affordable and easy to install.

Because of the durability of the stained concrete flooring, a lot of businesses including warehouse and retail stores often use such flooring as they require transporting heavy items regularly. They are also perfect for high traffic and heavy force areas like schools, labs, aircraft hangers, and other areas because of the durability.

How much Stain do I need?

It is important to know how much stain you will require to cover a particular area. To measure the required amount of stain, you will require knowing the length and width of the fence. Then multiply the length by length and width to determine the area in square feet. Typically for a 10 sq. ft. area, you will require around 0.05-gallon acid stain, or 0.05-gallon concrete sealer, or 0.02 gallon of concrete wax. You can easily calculate the required stain solution by using the concrete stain calculator. 

Note that the required amount of stain may vary depending on the stain you are selecting. So, you cannot completely rely on the measured data. While selecting the stain, make sure to check the specification to know how much the particular stain can cover.

How Long Does It Take For Concrete Stain To dry?

The drying time of concrete stain can vary depending on the temperature and other factors. Generally, a standard concrete stain should dry within 15 to 20 minutes. However, the total cure time may require around 24 hours or more. In cooler weather, you may require allowing 48 hours to 72 hours for the cure. You should check the specification of the product to know the exact amount of the required time.

Note that if you are working with fresh concrete, make sure to give it enough time for the cure. If you want to recoat, you will require waiting at least 1 hour after the finish dried. Before applying for the second time, you will require mopping the surface to remove the excess water. 

What to consider when buying the best concrete stain

The concrete stain may be an unfamiliar product if you are dealing with it for the first time. Below, we will let you know about the aspects that you should consider selecting the right concrete stain based on your surface.

Quick Guide For how to Stain Concrete:

Type of the stain

Depending on the formula, there can be different types of concrete stains. They include water-based stain, solvent-based stain, acetone dyes, etc.

Water Based Stain

 The water-based stain is suitable for solid surfaces. They basically create a coating above the surface by bonding with the concrete. They are more like paint than the stain. They are excellent choices for securing the surface as they are waterproof and UV rays resistant.  Such properties also make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It also offers you greater control over the color when compared with the other variants.

Solvent-based stain

As the name suggests, the Solvent-based stain produces a tint coating based on the solvent. Based on the solution included in the formula, the solvent-based stain can dry quickly. They are suitable for high-traffic areas like driveway, walkway, garage, etc. surfaces. They create a solid color that can stay as like same for many years. Before applying the product, make sure that it is compatible with your surface.

Acetone dye stains

The Acetone dye stains can arrive in either be powdered or liquid form. Amongst them, the powdered one comes with multiple color options. They are also suitable for most of the interior surfaces. You shouldn’t use the product on outdoor surfaces, as they are not UV stable. One of the impressive things about the dye stains is they can dry within then quickest time.

For the concrete surfaces, the water-based stains will be the best choice for higher durability and color variants.

Color

Selecting the right color for your concrete surface is also very important. An odd color can make the whole surface unpleasant, especially when it comes to the interior. Before purchasing the stain, make sure you are assured about the color. Most of the manufacturers in the market bring multiple color variants so that you can select the right one accordingly. You can also customize the color by applying various layers of color or mixing the colors.

Durability

When you apply the water-based or acid-based stains, they penetrate the above space of the concrete surface to create a superior bonding. That means they can be highly durable. However, not all products can penetrate the surface for permanent bonding. So, check out how the product works before you selecting to be assured about this query. A quality concrete stain will not be affected by wears, tears, chemicals, and UV rays for a long time.

Coverage

As you see in our reviews, the concrete stains arrive at different quantities. When some of them arrive at gallons container, some others come as small portions at pound bottles. You need to select the quantity of the product before purchasing to ensure that it can cover the whole surface. You can check out the specifications of the product to be assured about the coverage in square feet.

Price

The price of the stains can vary on a large scale depending on its quantity, brand, and popularity. However, the quality product will cost you a good amount of money. We will advise you to be assured about your budget for the product and then select the top-rated product available in this budget.

Best Concrete Stain Reviews in 2022 – Our Top 10 picks

The below-mentioned concrete stains have been selected based on our in-depth research considering various aspects of the product. They have been picking by evaluating the formula, bonding capability, durability, etc. along with the previous user reviews. Check out the detailed information about the stains below.

1. Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer from Clean-EEZ: Best for Different Surfaces

Product Specifcation:

• Manufacturer: The Floor Guys
• Size: 32oz.
• Color: Clear
• Weight: 2.27 Pounds 
• Dimension:11.02 x 5.98 x 3.86 inches

The Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer is one of the best grout sealers that you can select to seal a variety of surfaces effectively. The product brings you a professional strength to offer you superior performance. It works on both unsanded and sanded ground. It is made of quality ingredients to improve the durability of your grout while preserving the natural appearance. The applied sealer is also very easy to clean.

The Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer from Clean-EEZ can also be used in other natural stones, including Limestone, Slate, Travertine, Marble, etc. You can seal up to 500 sq of the tile and grout using one quart of the sealer. You can use a paintbrush and tape it to a broom pole to apply it while standing. Then leave it for five minutes and mop the remaining warm water with a clean mop. The manufacturer recommends using a neutral PH cleaner to maintain the sealed floor. 

The Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer is a fluoropolymer based sealer that can penetrate deep through the grout lines. That ensures a moisture barrier to protect the grout from the spills and dirt. As it removes the top layer of the grease before sealing, it provides superior durability. One of the remarkable things about the product is it will not change the original color of the grout. You can rely on the USA-manufactured product without any hesitation.

What We Like:

• Professional strength sealer that works on both sanded and unsanded surface.
• Can be used for Slate, Marble, travertine, Limestone, etc. surfaces.
• Improve durability and preserve the natural appearance of the surface.
• Easy to use; require five to ten minutes to work.
• Fluoropolymer based sealer that doesn’t cause any odor.
• Produce a moisture barrier to protect the grout from dirt and spills.

What We Don’t Like:

• Not suitable for outdoor surfaces.

2. SuperSeal 2000: Best Concrete Stain with Aroma

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: Concrete Coatings
• Size: Not Listed
• Color: Matte Wet Look
• Weight: 3.89 liters 
• Dimension:Not Listed

The name of the product SuperSeal 2000 says it all. It is a powerful and commercial concrete stain that is suitable for a variety of surfaces. One of the unique things about the acrylic sealer is it leaves an impressive aroma after you use it. The paint will not change the primary color of the surface as it is colorless. Instead, it will enhance the previous color for a better look.

The SuperSeal 2000 is suitable for use on both interior and exterior surfaces. Basically, you can use it on any natural floor of home and offices. Apart from this, you can use it on stone, cement, and other solid surtaxes like driveway and garage. It offers you an impressive glossy wet look. More so, it doesn’t get yellowish over time. 

SuperSeal 2000 is also safe for the environment. The VOC content in the product is 99-599g/g, which meets the VOC requirement of most of the states. Another remarkable thing about the product is it arrives in leak-proof metal containers. The product comes with one gallon of the coating, which is suitable for covering approximately 200 square feet. 

What We Like:

• Leaves a beautiful aroma feel after applying.
• Suitable for different surfaces along with concrete.
• Meet the VOC content requirement for most of the states.
• Produce a permanent and durable wet-looking coating.
• Don’t cause any harm to the primary color of the surface.

What We Don’t Like:

• You need to leave it for a few hours after applying.

3. Rust-Oleum 247161 Concrete Stain Spray: Best for UV Protection

Product Specification:

Manufacturer: Rust-Oleum

Size: 15 oz

Color: Earth Brown

Weight: 1.2 Pounds

Dimension: 9.5 x 2.62 x 2.62 inches

If you are searching for a specialized concrete stain spray, then the Rust-Oleum 247161 Concrete Stain Spray can be an excellent choice for you. The premium-grade product arrives with a quality formula to produce a durable stain. It can protect against the UV rays of the sun as well as from the weather exposure. There are multiple color options of this spray so that you can purchase depending on your applications.

The product can show you excellent results when used in the outdoor concrete surfaces. Generally, outdoor paints are not that durable. The Rust-Oleum 247161 Concrete Stain Spray can help to make your outdoor concrete surface robust and durable for a long time. You can also bring a new variation in the appearance by mixing with the paint. 

You can also clean off the Rust-Oleum 247161 Concrete Stain Spray easily after applying if you are not happy with the result using soapy water. It is suitable for small sculpture, concrete, stone, masonry, and accent pieces. Applying sealer is also very easy.

What We Like:

• UV rays and weather-resistant concrete stain spray.
• Suitable for accent pieces, concrete, stone, masonry, small sculpture, etc.
• It can be mixed with other colors of the stains for a custom look.
• It can be easily cleaned off with soap and water.
• Available at different color variations.

What We Don’t Like:

• Restricted in some places.

4. VIVID Acid Stain – 1 Gal – Walnut: Best for Appearance

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: Concrete Coatings
• Size: 1 Gallon
• Color: Rich Black W/Brown Undertone
• Weight: Not Listed 
• Dimension: Not Listed

The VIVID Acid Stain – 1 Gal – Walnut is one of the heavy-duty concrete stains that you can select for a variety of applications. One of the most impressive things about the product is it offers you an incredibly beautiful variegated and mottled appearance. It can transform any usual concrete surface into luxurious granite and marble lookalike surfaces. 

The vivid concrete stain penetrates the top layer of the concrete surface to ensure that the color will not chip, peel, or crack. It will create a unique color on each section of the concrete, which will become a permanent part of the concrete over time. It can be an excellent choice for any concrete surfaces. 

As the name suggests, the VIVID Acid Stain – 1 Gal – Walnut includes acids and offers a unique color on each surface. That is one of the top benefits of acid stains. However, one issue about the stains is due to the nature of acid stains; the color is not guaranteed. The product arrives as a one-gallon container, and it is suitable for larger applications.

What We Like:

• Transform ordinary surface into a color-rich like granite or marble.
• Penetrate the top layer of the surface for a secure holding.
• Produce custom colors on different concrete surfaces.
• No possibility of crack, chip, or peel.
• Huge quantity at reasonable pricing.

What We Don’t Like:

• No guarantee for the colors.

5. KILZ L211101 Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex Primer/Sealer: Best for Secure Bonding

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: KILZ
• Size: 1 Gallon
• Color: White
• Weight: 12. 21 Pounds
• Dimension: 6.63 x 6.63 x 7.65 inches

The KILZ L211101 Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex Primer/Sealer is one of the top-rated products in the market currently. It is a unique latex primer that is developed to bond securely on the slick surface. Such properties make it a suitable choice for the surfaces where traditional oil-base or water primer doesn’t work. The high adhesion primer increases the possibility of the surface to bond better with the paint.

The KILZ L211101 Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex Primer/Sealer can be an excellent choice for the vinyl, PVC, Kynar, glass, tile, glazed brick, tile, glossy finishes, chalky paints, metals, and fiberglass surfaces. It will be an excellent pick if you require dealing with multiple surfaces. The product arrives as one gallon, and it can cover around 300 square feet on every gallon. Make sure to clean the surface properly before applying it.

The KILZ L211101 Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex Primer/Sealer can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces for creating a secure bond. You can even use it under lacquers, epoxies, and other products that contain Xylene or other solvents. Applying the sealer is also very easy using a brush, roller, or sprayer. It takes around 30 minutes to dry, and you can recoat within one hour of applying.

What We Like:

• Unique latex primer for secure bonding on silk surfaces.
• Topcoats adhere to tough-to-paint surfaces.
• One gallon of the adhesion can cover around 300 square feet.
• It can be used under epoxies, lacquers, and products with Xylene.
• Dries within 30 minutes and ready for recoat within one hour.
• It can be used in Kybarm Formica, Vinyl, PVC, fiberglass, metal, etc. surfaces.

What We Don’t Like:

• It requires a layer of paints for applying.

6. Black Diamond Stoneworks:  Best Stain for Glossy Appearance

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: KILZ
• Size: 1 Gallon
• Color: White
• Weight: 12. 21 Pounds
• Dimension: 6.63 x 6.63 x 7.65 inches

Wet look sealers are fantastic choices as they offer you an impressive glossy appearance. If you are searching for a wet look sealer, then Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer can be an excellent choice for you. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including the stone, concrete, pavers, slate, driveways, bricks, garage, floors, and so on. You can easily make the floors shiny and beautiful using the sealer.

 The Black Diamond Stoneworks is equally suitable for the interior and exterior surfaces. Apart from making the surface beautiful, it can also make it wear-resistant, chemical, and water-resistant, as well as protect it from the UV rays. Some wet sealers become darker with time. But there is no chance of becoming darker or yellow if you use the sealer. 

The Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer as one gallon that allows you to 500 square feet. It can be easily applied using a sprayer, brush, or roll. As the product is made in the USA, you can be fully assured of its quality. The manufacturer also offers you a 100% money-back guarantee in case you are not happy with the performance.  The premium-grade product can be an excellent choice for treating your floors. 

What We Like:

• Put an impressive glossy finish on the surfaces.
• Protect the surface from water, chemical, wear, and UV rays.
• Suitable for concrete, bricks, driveway, bricks, floors, and other
• It can be easily used utilizing a brush, sprayer, or roller.
• Durable sealer, don’t become darker or yellowish with times.
• It is made in the USA with a money-back guarantee.

What We Don’t Like:

• Not suitable for granite or marble surfaces.

7. KILZ L377611 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic: Best Stain for Durability

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: KILZ Store
• Size: 1 Gallon
• Color: Silver/ Gray
• Weight: 4.99 Pounds
• Dimension: 6.63 x 6.63 x 7.65 inches

The KILZ L377611 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic is another top-rated and best-selling product from the manufacturer KILZ. It is an excellent floor paint that is highly durable and doesn’t scuff, fade, blister, or crack with time. It uses a single water-based component that is formulated to last long in the hard to clean areas like basement, garage, porches, and driveways. The paint produces a silver-gray color with a satin finish.

The KILZ L377611 / Exterior Concrete and Garage Floor Paint can be used on both coated and uncoated surfaces. It is suitable for a large variety of surfaces, including concrete, stone, masonry, brick, etc. The durable epoxy paint can be an excellent choice for the high-traffic surfaces. It can resist damages by hot tires or any other high activities. More so, you can easily utilize it using a brush, sprayer, or roller. 

The KILZ L377611 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint produce a satin finish that is smooth and applies evenly on horizontal and floor surfaces. It is not suitable for vertical surfaces. It takes two hours to dry to touch and requires four hours for a recoat. One gallon of the paint can cover around 300 to 400 square feet rough surfaces and 400 to 500 square feet smooth surface. 

What We Like:

• Highly-durable and easy to clean concrete paint.
• Don’t scuff, crack, fade, or blister easily.
• Suitable for hard to clean areas like garage, basement, decks.
• It can be applied on both coated and uncoated surfaces.
• Resist stain and damage for the gasoline, oil, and chemicals.
• Produce a durable and beautiful silver-gray color with a satin finish.

What We Don’t Like:

• Some users claimed that the color inconsistent.

8. Concrete Resurrection Concrete Stain: Best Concrete Stain for Low Odor

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: Concrete Resurrection
• Size: 32 Ounce
• Color: Mocha
• Weight: 220 Pounds
• Dimension: 39.37 x 39.37 x 19.69 inches

The Concrete Resurrection Concrete Stain is a well-engineered stain for the concrete surfaces. What makes the product stands out in our list biodegradable properties. Through made of eco-friendly ingredients, it can offer you optimum performance for different types of floors.  The concrete stains can be also used on other surfaces like concrete floors, pool decks, driveways, patios, etc. It arrives as ready to use in a bottle.

The Concrete Resurrection Concrete Stain put your floor with an impressive tough. It can create a marbling mottling variegated effect with one or more layers of color. You can also create different unique patterns by mixing the color with other stains of the manufacturer. It doesn’t include any residue or chemical properties. Each bottle can cover around 100 to 500 feet of the surface. You can pick it to achieve beautiful faux finishes.

The Concrete Resurrection Concrete Stain can penetrate waterborne concrete and cement stains amazingly. By doing so, it ensures a stronghold with the surface for creating a long-lasting coating. Apart from being environment-friendly, it is also low in odor, leaving a fresh and beautiful surface for you after applying. You can easily apply it using a brush, sprayer, or rag. Make sure to clean the surface properly before applying it.

What We Like:

• Professional grade concrete strain with eco-friendly properties.
• Ideal for pool decks, floor, driveways, and other concrete surfaces.
• Leaves a marbling mottling variegated effect after applying.
• You can create unique patterns by recoating or mixing with other colors.
• One bottle can cover a large area of 100 to 500 square feet.
• Non-acidic, suitable for both exterior and interior surfaces.

What We Don’t Like:

• Some users claimed it could not cover a large area as advertised.

9. Quikrete 1317-01 Liquid Cement Color:  Best for Moisture Sensetive Products

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: SAKRETE OF NORTH AMERICA
• Size: 10 Ounce
• Color: Brown
• Weight: 1 Pound
• Dimension: 0.53 x 0.66 x 0.9 inches

The Quikrete 1317-01 Liquid Cement Color is different than the other products on our list. It is unique because it is not a direct paint. The cement and concrete based dye can be used in a variety of things. As it is not wet, you can use the product on moisture-sensitive products like the sofa. The only color variations of the product available currently are brown. 

Though the product is for beautifying things or surfaces, it can protect your surface from UV rays as well as from the other environmental hassles. If you are dealing with a small exterior surface, then it can be an excellent choice for you. Apart from the concrete surface, you can also use it on the cement surfaces.

The Quikrete 1317-01 Liquid Cement Color can cover around 15 to 20 square feet of the surface. So, it may not be a correct choice for the larger surfaces. Using the product is also very easy. You will not require vast preparation. Just mix it with water and employ it on your preferred surface. If the color brown is okay for you, then you may consider it for buying. 

What We Like:

• Highly durable color dye for smaller applications.
• Suitable for cement and concrete surface.
• Protect against UV rays and environment hassle.
• Best for both indoor and outdoor uses.

What We Don’t Like:

• As small in quantity, not suitable for most applications.
• The brown color may not suitable for some surfaces.

10. Concrete Resurrection Concrete Stain: Best Stain for driveways

Product Specification:

• Manufacturer: Concrete Resurrection
• Size: 32 Ounce
• Color: Mustard Seed
• Weight: 1 Pound
• Dimension: Not Listed

The Concrete Resurrection Concrete Stain is another excellent product from the Concrete Resurrection. What we liked most about the product is it allows you to change the color as you want by recoating. You can apply the colors when it’s wet for creating unique patterns. For these who have some extra time for doing so, the concrete stain can be an excellent choice for them.

The Concrete Resurrection Concrete Stain is a waterborne water reducible concentrate that can make your surface glossy and shiny. It includes quality ingredients that ensure a superior result and no defects in the end result. You can use it on pool decks, driveways, patios, garage, etc. surfaces along with the concrete surfaces.

The Concrete Resurrection stain can deeply penetrate the surface to ensure a superior hold for an extended period. More so, it is low in odor and completely environment friendly, ensuring that no harm will cause to the surroundings after using the product. You can easily apply it using a brush, sponge, rag, or a sprayer. The product can be one of the best concrete stain for driveways.

What We Like:

• Penetrate surface deeply for higher durability.
• Suitable for various surfaces including driveways, pool deck, concrete, garage.
• Make your surface look glossy and shiny.
• You can create a new pattern of color by recoating it.
• Low in odor and environment-friendly formula.

What We Don’t Like:

• Some users claimed the color is not as advertised.
• May not be suitable for the cold climate.

Concrete Stain FAQ:

Check out some of the most asked questions about the concrete stains:

How long do you let the acid stain sit?

It depends on the variants of the acid stain you are using. Most of the acid stains require at least four hours and up to 24 hours to become dry. Check the specification of the product to be assured about how much time the stain will require to be sat.

Is acid stain durable outdoors?

Acid stains are suitable for both indoor and outdoor uses. The acid stains perform chemical reactions with the surface of the concrete. If you select the right stain with the proper ingredient, then it can become permanent and don’t fade, peel, or chip over time. A quality stain can exist for around 100 years if used correctly.

Can I mix colors?

You can mix the concrete stains to bring variations. If you want a unique color pattern by mixing colors, then you should select the acid and water-based stains. That is because it may not be possible with the other stains.

Can You use acid stain on a concrete Countertop?

Acid stain can also be used on concrete countertops. However, applying it on the countertops can be a little bit challenging. Clean the surface thoroughly before applying the stain as well as cover the surrounding floor, cabinet, sink, etc. to make sure that they will not be affected.

What is the cost to stain a floor?

The cost of staining a surface depends on which types of floor you are dealing with and which stain you are using. There is also the labor cost if you are going to make it done by professionals. If you are going DIY, then you will only need to pay the price of the stain.

What maintenance is required of a stained floor?

As we said earlier, the stained floor doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. However, to keep the glossy finish as new, you should regularly clean it using dust or damp mop. Remember that the dust and dirt are the main enemies of the surface, and they can cause dirt, grime, abrasion, and other issues. Regular cleaning helps to keep these substances away.

Final Verdict

Now you know have known the best concrete stains as well as how to select the suitable one. In our list, we have included concrete stains from the different price ranges. So, it doesn’t matter what your budget is; you should easily find the right one as per your budget from the list. However, if you are still in hesitation, then we will recommend you the KILZ L211101. The superior-grade concrete stain can be an excellent choice for you.