Decorative Concrete Houston http://www.decorativeconcretehoustontx.com/products-services/concrete-staining/ 291-407-0779 Staining and dyeing concrete - which is which for your concrete? http://www.decorativeconcretehoustonTX.com/ Bullion Coatings Decorative concrete Houston TX 1181 North Freeway Suite 500 Houston TX 77060

1. CONCRETE DYE VS. CONCRETE STAIN
Adding color to lifeless concrete walls or floors is a must since it can be easily done
using concrete dyes and concrete stains. The problem encountered here is choosing between
concrete dyes and concrete stains. These two are both used by millions of people and they too
can’t seem to choose what’s best. Concrete dye vs. concrete stain is a never ending battle due to
the unique properties each has. To help people make their decisions, it is important to first
differentiate concrete dyes from concrete stains in terms of application. The end result of these
two also differs from one another so this too should also be taken into consideration.
Concrete stains entail a more complicated process compared to concrete dyes. Stains
could be acid or solvent-based but all types of concrete contain metallic salts. These metallic
salts react with the calcium hydroxide found within the cement. The reaction then causes a
permanent bond between the concrete and the stain.
Unlike concrete stains, concrete dyes don’t use chemical reactions to penetrate the
concrete. They simply penetrate the porous surface of the concrete. This penetration allows
them to thoroughly sink into the concrete thus peels and flakes are avoided. Concrete dyes
could either be water-based or solute-based.
Applying acid-based concrete stains proves to be a challenge. It is important to clean
the surface very well before applying the stain. Simple grease and dust can turn this task into
failure. Water and soap should be used to scrub off the unwanted factors in the concrete.
Experts also agree that pressured water can be used to maximize the cleanliness of the surface.
Due to most water soluble concrete dyes, they are easy to apply, clean and quick drying.
Although cleaning the surface is also needed, it is not as intensive as the method used in acid-
based concrete stains.
As for the final result, concrete dyes tend to posses more vibrant colors than concrete
stains. Concrete stains are also known for their unique individual results. Since they undergo
chemical reaction, one result may differ from the other. That’s why inconsistency can be a
major problem for concrete stains. Both are also prone to sunlight which can fade the color of
the concrete.
Luckily, the combination between these two gave major improvements in designing
concrete surfaces. The main patterns of the design can be created using concrete stain while
applying concrete dyes over it can give it more vibrant colors.
Choosing between concrete dyes and concrete stains is tough. Different factors can
affect both of them and this makes every situation unique. However, these two can both deliver
good results. Concrete dyes can be used when a vibrant color is prioritized while concrete
stains can last much longer.