Stain-Crete

We're installing a new asphalt driveway and were advised to tear out the existing orange concrete curb and replace with pavers to match our walkway. Is it possible instead to successfully change the color of the curbs with concrete stain to achieve a more neutral curb color? Thanks for any advice!

Most of that depends on how the curb was colored.  Is it a slurry coat over the top, or is it a full integral color?  Is it sealed?

I would like to order samples of the acid stain. How would I do that? Also, I don’t see a charcoal gray.... is it possible to get that?

Send us your phone number and we can give you a call

What is the difference between Stain Crete and Stone Essence? Is one better for a pool deck? Which sealer is recommended for a pool deck?

Stain crete is acid based stain, while stone essence is water based. Both can be used on a concrete pool deck, but stone essence is fewer steps, and you don't risk rinsing stain in to your pool.

Can this product in Terra cotta be used on pool brick coping? Our back area including the coping was sealed with a water based sealer 3 years ago, can I stain on top as it appears the sealant has substantially worn off? I plan to seal the bricks and the mortar and issues? Thank you

This can be used on most cementious based products.  If the sealer is still present in spots, the stain will not penetrate through so just something to keep in mind.  As always, test a small area first.

Can this product be used Outdoors to stain crushed lava rock And if so is it harmful to plants or trees

Not sure how it would react to lava rock.  It is acid based so can be harmful to plants

I have a slick surface concrete slab. I don’t want to grind the surface as recommended . What is the effect of not sanding or Grinding before stainIng or acid stainIng the slab ?

grinding opens up the pores in the concrete so the stain has more surface area to react. If you do not do this, you are limiting the performance of the stain.

Can this be used on a brick wall and fireplace brick if I remove the sealant?

It can be used on a wide variety of concrete surfaces.  I would suggest testing a small area first, but you should be ok.

Can this product be use on a brushed finish concrete patio ?

The manufacturer suggests mechanically scarifying the surface to prep the concrete. I would suggest grinding the concrete.

I want to use Ardex feather finish over cutback to cover that up. Can I add your product to the ardex so not to paint?

Ardex Feather Finish does not take stain consistently or evenly.  Check out Ardex SDm for a better option for staining, and as a final floor covering.  

Can this material work on Terrazzo to change the color?

There are several types of terazzo, depending on the type, you may be able to use this to change the color.  If it is the poly or epoxy type, it will not work as it doesn't contain any cement component that the stain reacts with.

Can I use this stain on stone veneer? I am trying to darken the grout lines that are fading from grey to white but will be hard not to get on the stone veneer. Also I want to seal put a wet look on the grout and the stone veneer because all is fading. Which is best to use. I’m in Maryland. Thanks

I would suggest testing a small spot of sealer on the grout before anything.  Chances are, the grout will darken back to the original look. 

If not, you can apply the stain with a brush to avoid getting any on the stone. 

Does this come in any smaller size? I need very little

How much do you need and what color? 

How do you apply stain crete to an outdoor concrete surface?

Same as you would indoor.  Here are the application instructions:

Application: A small test area is recommended to ensure suitability for application and desired appearance.

Apply INCRETE STAIN-CRETE to the concrete surface using an acid-resistant pump sprayer. Depending on 

surface porosity, an acid resistant brush may be used to assure the stain penetrates into the concrete. Brush 

the stain a circular motion until the fizzing-reaction stops. Avoid any puddling. Allow the stain to dry for eight 

hours, and apply a second coat if needed for a particular appearance. When staining is complete, scrub off all 

residue and salts with a stiff brush and water, and flush with clean water until all residue is gone. To neutralize 

the surface, mix either 1 lb (0.45 kg) baking soda or 1 qt (0.94 L) ammonia in a 5 gal (18.9 L) container of water. 

Apply to surface and then rinse thoroughly with clear water.

can this product be used to stain concrete curbing instead of painting it. If so, will it hold up longer than painting?

It can be used to stain curbing however you will still want to seal the stain to protect the color.

My stained concrete driveway has calcium deposits from the irrigation system that I have tried to remove with power wash and also with diluted acid, but the calcium stains remain. Will your acid stain color the calcium so that I can achieve a consistent stained look on my driveway and not a stained driveway with calcium spots.

Is it calcium or effloresence? If it is on the surface and kind of chalky, chances are it is effloresence. If water doesnt darken it, it is most likely calcium.

I have a paver walkway that is currently shades of brown, mostly lighter tones. I would like to stain it to a black or charcoal tones. Will this product work? Do you offer samples?

Yes it will as long as there isn't a sealer over top. We suggest testing a small area first.

We do have samples, typically $25 for 1 and if you want more than one, it gets cheaper each with combined shipping.

Hello, I'd like to order the Stain Crete in Terra Cotta and was wondering if you ship to Vieques, Puerto Rico? Thank you Best, Antonia

What is the shipping address? I can check.

I would like to get some samples of rust brown, terra cotta, mission tan and bronze. I have existing stained drive I am trying to match as close as possible.

Of you can send us your address, we can send a quote over for the samples.

What kind of sealer needs to be used with this product?

Generally an acrylic surface sealer is used. We have many options depending on your application. If you can tell us where you are located and what type of finish you are looking for (high gloss, matte) we can make some suggestions.

Any pictures

Yes, here are some before and after pictures of a previously colored and stamped concrete walkway and patio that needed a little TLC
https://photos.app.goo.gl/srzLt3pbn5wr3Qt76

Can I apply the stain over my old stain without stripping the old off first. My edging has bleached out over the years.

Of there is no sealer present then you should be able to stain if the surface is clean and dry.

We have concrete border that had color added to it when it was poured. I want to change the color to a dark grey from the original color. I have sealed it probably 3-4 times can I put Stain Crete on it and get the results I want ? The original color when poured was a medium to dark brown … the color has faded quite a bit and it isn’t shiny anymore.

It is hard to go lighter after darker but generally can go darker if it was lighter.  You are going to have to make sure all of the sealer is off the concrete.  Is it a broom finish or smooth surface?  If it is smooth, you will most likely need to grind it to open up the concrete to get the stain to penetrate.  I would try and small spot to see if it changes the color how you want before tackling the entire thing.

I have an Airsoft arena and looking to make the floor black with our logo in lime green. I have a few questions as in, will the stain rub off as players slide across the field. Can the floor be masked off to stain the logo and will the black bleed into the green when applied. We had ground our floors to 100 grit and installed a product on after to stop the floor from cracking, would this need to be ground off? I am trying to not put any epoxy or finish that will change the 100 grit flat finish texture of ground concrete and really need the floor to be black or dark in color. Our East Arena is 6000 sf and can see hundreds of photos of it on our social media pages FB, Insta ... Extreme Airsoft RI

The stain would need to be sealed, so you would be wearing off sealer, not stain.  

I have concrete curbing that initially had color added, as it was poured. Then I sealed it all 3 times within about 4 years. Can I put the stain Crete ( colored) on it without taking the sealer off? I want it to look new again. The redwood color is very light now! I live in Florida!!

When was the last time it was sealed?  Let us know and we can give you a recommendation on the best way to proceed.

hello I'd like a sample of Weathered Copper Im not getting a secure connection tho with my old browser tonight...Hmmm I will use Paypal if that is an option, Let me know the cost please. Thank you so much Anne Hart 760 N. Spring Creek Trail Cornville, Az 86325

You should have gotten an email when we responded to your first question, you can respond to that and I'll have your email and can get you a quote.  Typically around $30

Can I buy a half gallon or a sample 1st?

Yes, we have samples.  Let us know what color and we can get an order drafted up for you.

I want to freshen up my black fireplace mortar joints. The mortar is already black but has faded. What do you recommend? I certainly wouldn't need a gallon.

I would look at the Stone Essence water based stain.  Less hassle and mess than an acid stain. 

Can this (terra cotta) be used on saltillo tile that has never been stained/sealed? Can I assume it gets darker with multiple applications? Is it concentrated?

Acid stain doesn't react with clay so I would look at the Stone Essence stain. It is water based and should work with the porous tile,  but test a small area first.

Do you supply sample sizes to test?

We can get a sample to you.  Samples are currently $20 for one, to cover material and shipping. The samples get cheaper per each if you need more than one.

Will this work for a outdoor water fountain? Going to sand off the old finish and need to reapply a new color - any ideas? Thank you

You would need to seal it  but would work on a concrete fountain.

How would this be on outside agragate curbing around my gardens? Also, how much stain is in one container? The curbing has not been sealed in at least three years & looks terrible. I have a power washer to help get any embedded dirt off & that also has taken the sealant off as well. I’ve thought of staining it as I don’t want to replace it because of the mess & expense. This product looks as though it might work & at this point, I’d give anything a try!

This would work on curbing assuming there is no sealer left.   It would need to be sealed after you stain and neutralize for best effect.

The stain comes in a 1 gal container.

Is staincrete going to be toxic if applied to fireplace bricks and subject to fireplace temperatures? We had old fireplaces relined and want to darken the new bricks.

Once applied and neutralized, it is not toxic.   You will want to seal it to retain the color.

Can this be used on concrete countertops?

Yes, assuming they are not sealed.

Can you use this on red stone fireplace hearth? Need to make the orange grey!

Depending on the porosity of the stone, yes.  We suggest testing a small area first to see if it gives the look you are trying to achieve.