Concrete Coating and Staining Services

Transform the design of your indoor and outdoor concrete surfaces with our decorative concrete coating and stains. 

We can brighten even the dullest and plainest of concrete with a Five Star makeover. Whether you need concrete painting, staining, or coating services, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule a free estimate online or give us a call today!

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Concrete Staining vs. Painting vs. Epoxy Coating

Before you set out to change the look of your concrete, it’s important to know what aesthetic you’re going for. Since it may be difficult to decide between staining, painting, or applying epoxy coatings, we go over why you might choose each type below. 

In general, concrete stain primarily adds color to flooring. Stains penetrate deeper into the concrete for a longer-lasting and more durable effect than paint. 

Painting concrete may be a solid choice depending on the look you’re after. Paint is the most versatile design option and can add instant charm to gray concrete. 

Epoxy concrete floor coatings are another great alternative. If you’re hoping for tough and attractive flooring, this coat is the way to go. Epoxy infuses polymer resins and hardeners to create a chemical bond with concrete. This interaction works to create a more uniform look. 

Read on to learn more before deciding which type of concrete treatment will work best for you. 

Concrete Staining Types and Advantages 

If you think stain might be the way to go, you need to know that there are several types of stains and dyes to choose from, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the goals for your concrete remodel, one type may be better than another. 

Acid stains penetrate deep into the porous concrete surface to give a translucent look to concrete surfaces. Because acid stains react differently on each piece of concrete, acid stains are unpredictable when it comes to exact color matching and may darken certain parts of concrete. 

These stains are relatively inexpensive to buy and may be used both indoors and outdoors. However, acid stains must be sealed and require ongoing maintenance to reseal the surface. 

Water-based stains, on the other hand, only soak deep into the surface where the pores of the concrete are open. This means that parts of the concrete will not darken, so you can build on or add more color for greater effect. 

Like acid stains, water-based ones can be used both in the exterior and interior of your home. However, they are more expensive and not as durable as acid stains. They must also be sealed. 

Solvent-based stains give concrete a shiny, glossy surface. These stains are perfect for hiding different color variations in concrete and are usually used for outdoor projects. They are also cheap to apply and come in a host of different colors to choose from. 

Keep in mind that surfaces must be very clean and dry before applying this stain to achieve an even look.

Concrete Stain vs. Dye

If you’re looking to stain your concrete, you might alternatively consider using a concrete stain. Knowing the difference between the two can help with deciding which one is best suited for your needs. 

Dyes are vegetable-based and produce color by soaking deep into the concrete. This means that they can provide greater color saturation than stains. 

Further, dyes can be found in a wider variety of colors than stains, which are mostly limited to earth tones — though some vibrant colors are available in water-based stains. 

Painting Concrete: Pros and Cons

Giving your concrete a fresh look can boost the appeal of your home, whether inside or out. Explore some of the pros and cons of painting your space: 

Pros:

  • Weather-resistant
  • Comes in a limitless variety of colors
  • Covers, hides, and protects flaws in concrete floors

Cons:

  • Slippery when wet
  • Vulnerable to abrasion
  • Bleed-through from rust, oil, and spots can cause paint discoloration and chipping

 

Concrete Coating: Pros and Cons

Concrete coatings are long-lasting and can cut down on maintenance costs. There are four types: epoxy, polyurethane, polyaspartic, and acrylic. 

Here’s a comparison chart showing the four different concrete coating types and the pros and cons of each, for your reference: 

Coating Type

Pros

Cons

Epoxy concrete coating

Cheaper to apply than high-end concrete staining when it comes to cost per square foot.

Not suitable for basements with moisture issues.

Polyurethane coating

Stiff and impact resistant; works well in areas with medium to heavy foot traffic.

Relatively high cost. Not as alkaline resistant as an epoxy coating.

Polyaspartic coating

Achieves a uniform finish in one coat that’s comparable to what epoxy and polyurethane can do in two. This can greatly reduce the time it takes to apply the coating as well as the cost of labor and materials used.

Dries quickly and needs speedy application. To ensure a smooth finish, professional installation is highly recommended.

Acrylic coating

Cost-effective and easy to apply.

Much less durable than epoxy or polyurethane. You may need to buff or recoat the area more frequently, which could lead to more expense and maintenance down the line.

 
FAQs about Concrete Staining and Coating

How long do concrete stains last?

How long concrete stains last depends on weather conditions and the amount of foot traffic. These stains only penetrate the top layer of a concrete surface. For this reason, it can eventually be worn down.

How long does concrete need to set before staining?

Concrete should cure for at least 21 days before staining.

How do you protect and maintain stained concrete?

You should apply a few coats of wax to indoor concrete to help maintain its color and shine. For outdoors, you can apply a sealer to produce the same effect.

Find Concrete Staining and Coating Contractors in Your Local Area

With more than 220 locations throughout North America, our painting and coating contractors are ready to handle all your upkeep needs.

You can also visit our locations page to find your local Five Star Painting concrete staining and coating contractors.

Keep in mind that services vary by franchised location.

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