Color For Decorative Concrete Overlays

When it comes to coloring your decorative concrete overlays, the choices can be overwhelming. Not every coloring product or technique is right for every application – so how can you be confident you’re making the right choice? Those of us here at The Concrete Décor Store are ready to help. We have extensive experience to help you determine which option will best serve your particular situation. We’ll consider the surface, the use, and results you’re after and provide you with recommendations for moving forward. Here’s a little bit about the most commonly used options to help you get started:

• Stains – Stains are beloved options because they offer permanent color and give the applicator a lot of freedom to experiment and create a truly unique concrete surface. Here at The Concrete Décor Store, we carry a wide range of stains for both interior and exterior application, including acrylic, water-based or penetrating stains, acid stains, solvent-based stains, and poly stains. Learn more about each here.

• Dyes – Unlike stains, dyes simply color the surface of the concrete – they aren’t actually absorbed by the concrete. Powdered acetone dyes are popular for polished floor applications because the polishing process will not remove the dye from the concrete. There are also UV stable dyes available, although it’s important to note that not all dyes can be used on exterior cementitious surfaces. Learn more about dyes here.

• Integral Color & Hardeners – Integral colors and color hardeners are often added to stamped concrete and concrete overlays. Integral colors become a part of the concrete itself, resulting in long-lasting color. Hardeners, on the other hand, can be added to the surface to create a customized color while strengthening the surface and protecting it against moisture and scuffing. Learn more here.

When It Comes To Color & Look, The Sky Is The Limit

The great thing about having so many color and product options is that you can truly customize your flooring or other cementitious surface. True, neutrals, earth tones, and brick reds are always popular, but with so many options and layering techniques, you have just about every color and look available to you. Of course, you can also impart color to your cementitious surfaces using a color flake or metallic epoxy coating system. Learn more about epoxies here.

No matter which product or technique you choose, it’s imperative that you properly protect the surface with a sealer and regularly clean it to preserve the color and look.

For more information or assistance, please call us at 210-617-7565 or come see us!

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