MARBLELIFE-ENDURACRETE
Concrete Color Staining Service

A coating tends to be opaque and to provide a consistent uniform color. The colored material sits ON TOP of the surface.

A stain introduces color into the concrete pores, its appearance will vary based on the absorption differences of the floor giving it character.

Concrete is naturally porous and gray in color. However, with the introduction of a colored stain we can color the concrete surface. This may be desirable to match the building décor.

Stains insert a colored pigment carrying liquid into the open pores within a surface. Unlike a coating, a stain’s appearance will vary based on the material’s ability to absorb. Concrete surfaces tend to have some movement created by the character and history of the concrete.

A stained concrete floor introduces color while maintaining the character of the concrete for a unique finish.

Water-based acid stains can provide a soft muted color, whereas acetone stains can impart a deep rich hue while maintaining the concrete’s variation and character.

With staining, one can see the details of the underlying concrete, unlike with a coating, which is opaque.

Stain can be a bad thing when unintended and unevenly applied, but a beautifully artistic finish when intentionally applied with the desired color.

A black stain on a white floor is a “bad” stain, but a red colorized stain applied across the entire floor giving it a soft red hue is beautiful.

Unfortunately, no. Stain acceptance by the surface will depend on the surface’s ability to absorb.

This can differ greatly based on the history of the floor. A fresh clean new concrete will generally accept the stain evenly with some minor character swirls, however if someone has spilled oil or had glued down a carpet the concrete absorption could be affected by the oil (which would resist the stain) or the carpet glue which could have filled some of the concrete pores.

When this occurs, an overlayment can be applied to restore a fresh stain accepting concrete finish.

Imperfections can be hidden using an opaque coating, of which MARBLELIFE ENDURACRETE offers several types depending on what additional features you might want beyond color. Want a texture? Want non-flammable? Want a marble or granite appearance? All of these are possible and can deliver beautiful results.

Personal taste or an interest in using a space differently.

Grey natural concrete tends to appear “unfinished” or industrial. A stained floor can have a soft pastel appearance of an acid stain or the deep rich colors of an acetone carried stain.

Acid stains are generally waterborne and provide a soft pastel color, whereas an acetone stain is solvent borne, flammable during application and generates deep rich colors.