9 Best Concrete Stains to Consider [Reviewed]

For this, you will need to invest in a high-quality concrete stain to protect and enhance the visual appeal of the interiors of your house.

However, selecting the right concrete stain is not an easy task, especially if you are a first-timer. As the market is flooded with a ton of options, choosing the right one may turn out to be a tad challenging and confusing.

So, in order to help you choose the best concrete stain, we have come up with the top 9 options currently available on the market. We have personally handpicked and tested them, and based on the results, we have given detailed reviews for each of the options.

Now, without wasting any further time, let's get right into it!

Best Concrete Stains

Here's the list of the 9 best concrete stains to consider, carefully selected and tested to help you protect and enhance the visual appeal of your interiors with a rich and shiny look.

1. Black Diamond Stoneworks 679773003916 - Best for Versatile Surface Protection

One of our top recommendations is the Black Diamond Stoneworks 679773003916. Black Diamond is a trendy American brand known for manufacturing top-quality concrete stains. On that note, you would not want to miss out on this unit as it works on various masonry surfaces, giving them a shinier and glossier look.

Why Did We Like It?

Honestly, we were thoroughly impressed with what Black Diamond Stoneworks 679773003916 brought to the table. We really liked its versatility, for starters, as it can be used on a wide variety of surfaces such as patios, garage floors, and driveways. And it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that this stain dries within 20 to 30 minutes of application.

Plus, you would be pleased to know that this concrete stain has the capacity to cover an area as large as 600 square feet. And, the best part is that it does not even darken or yellow the surface as it is highly clear and durable.

Furthermore, it can resist UV ray damage, wear, and water, thereby protecting and beautifying both interiors and exteriors. Overall, it does an outstanding job in providing protection and shine to masonry surfaces.

What Could've Been Better?

We had a very hard time finding out any significant flaw with this concrete stain. However, after long and rigorous testing, we found out that it does not stay the same after the first few weeks as it loses the wet look. We wish the manufacturer did something about this issue.

2. KILZ L211101 - Best for Tough-to-Paint Surfaces

KILZ has been in the business for over 40 years and has committed itself to manufacturing top-notch bonding primers in the world. The L211101 is the brand's true representative as it bonds on pretty much all tough-to-paint surfaces, making them ready for the topcoat in no time.

Why Did We Like It?

There are quite a few reasons that made us like KILZ L211101. Firstly, it can be used on both interior and exterior tough-to-paint surfaces. Furthermore, it is made of latex, making it possible to adhere to smooth surfaces where a conventional primer would not work, for example, metal tile, glass, and so on.

Apart from this, it can cover up to 400 square feet per gallon, which is quite good. However, the best part about this primer is that it dries up in less than an hour, allowing you to apply the top coating very easily. It is pretty amazing how it loads so effortlessly onto a brush or a roller without dripping.

All these features make this primer appropriate for people who have very little to no experience in painting. Overall, it is one of the best corrosion-proof primers available on the market.

What Could've Been Better?

Without a doubt, KILZ L211101 is one of the best primers currently available on the market. However, we noticed that it has a strong odor. You would want to keep the room ventilated while using it. Apart from this minor issue, this primer works just like a dream.

3. The Floor Guys Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer - Best for Long-lasting Protection

Next up, we have Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer by the Floor Guys. It has been in business for over 20 years, and hence, has established itself as one of the go-to brands for cleaning requirements. Having said that, this grout cleaner offers long-lasting protection and is very easy to use.

Why Did We Like It?

Unlike conventional sealers, the Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer can be used on both unsanded and sanded grout. In fact, its professional strength and versatility enhance the durability of your grout, at the same time maintaining a natural look. And, since it is water-based, it creeps deep within, producing a damp barrier to protect the grout from spills and dirt.

Furthermore, it is super easy to use, just tape the paintbrush to a broom pole and start applying, let it be for 5 minutes and then mop the extra sealer. Also, you would be pleased to know that this sealer offers long-lasting protection; just use a neutral pH cleaner to clean your floor.

What's more? Well, it can seal a very large area, 500 square feet to be precise. It works best on tiles, mosaics, or any other natural stone. This is certainly a sealer you would not want to overlook.

What Could've Been Better?

Honestly, we did not find a single flaw with this product while testing it. However, it may not be for those who are on a tight budget. Given all the exceptional features it comes with, it would be really absurd to complain about its price tag.

4. Rust-Oleum 247162

Founded in 1921, Rust-Oleum is an American brand that takes immense pride in delivering innovative and cutting-edge DIY products. On that note, the Rust-Oleum 247162 is a water-based concrete stain spray that does an outstanding job in furbishing the look of both interior and exterior acid-stain concrete.

Why Did We Like It?

We really liked how this concrete stain was able to deliver a vibrant and marbleized look on the concrete surfaces that we tried it on. Not only that, but it also dries up within an hour and can be sprayed up to 16 square feet per can, making it one of the highly efficient concrete stain sprays.

Furthermore, since it is a water-based product, you would be happy to know that it penetrates deep and it also cleans with just water and soap. It features any-angle technology that allows you to spray from any direction and even upturned.

Apart from this, it is UV-ray and weather-resistant, and it can be combined with other colors to add a touch of personalization. All these promising features make Rust-Oleum 247162 perfect for small statutory projects and concrete touch-ups.

What Could've Been Better?

The Rust-Oleum 247162, for most parts, does an exceptional job in enhancing the concrete look. However, keep in mind that it is a bit on the transparent side, so you may require a few coats to achieve the desired outcome. Other than this, we were not able to find any significant drawbacks.

5. MasonryDefender Concrete Sealer

Since we are halfway through with this list, it would now be a good time to talk about MansonryDefender Concrete Sealer. This brand is one of the best sellers of high-grade concrete sealers, and this particular unit is no different. That said, it works best when used on sidewalks, patios, and driveways.

Why Did We Like It?

For us, the main USP of this product is the water-repellant feature. MansonryDefender Concrete Sealer is made of siloxane that makes it creep into the surface, hence bonding well with it and creating a waterproof barrier for longevity and protection.

Do not worry about your driveway, as this concrete sealer will help in making it look new, and it will also protect it from freeze-thaw damage. Plus, 1 gallon of this unit is capable of covering areas up to 150 square feet, which is just like the cherry on top. Impressive, isn't it? Well, there's more.

It sets up like a dream with a pump sprayer and that too straight from the bottle. Having said that, it has no odor and is completely environment-friendly. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with all the exceptional features of this concrete sealer by MansonryDefender.

What Could've Been Better?

Without question, this product helps in giving your driveway a new look. That being said, we noticed that it tends to leave dark spots. We wish the manufacturers had taken care of this issue. Apart from this drawback, we were not able to find any other.

6. Concrete Resurrection CR-900

Concrete Resurrection is a North American brand that has been providing some of the top-notch concrete stains out there. And the CR-900 unit is one of those top-notch yet affordable concrete stains that enhances the looks of your driveways, patios, concrete floors, etc. Plus, it comes in a ton of color options to choose from.

Why Did We Like It?

We were quite pleased to see the long-lasting results of this unit, and since it is non-acidic, you won't be finding any chemicals or residues left for cleanup. Besides, this exceptional concrete stain is suitable for both interior use and exterior use.

However, what we found to be most appealing were its unique color variations. This concrete stain is versatile in its application as it can be used for statutory painting, wood staining, and faux finishes. Furthermore, one bottle of this unit can approximately cover an area of up to 500 square feet, making the job a lot easier.

Plus, it is one of the most affordable concrete stains on the list, but that does not take away the durability. It works like a charm for months without wearing off. Finally, this product delivers outstanding results and is very easy to use.

What Could've Been Better?

There weren't any major drawbacks that we could find. However, we did notice that the colors are not as advertised. We really wish the manufacturer had taken the color chart a little seriously. Apart from this color issue, it delivers long-lasting and outstanding results.

7. Concrete Coatings Vivid Acid Stain

With over 20 years of experience, Concrete Coatings is one of the leading names when it comes to decorative concrete products. Its products are famous for being high-quality and innovative. Having said that, the Vivid Acid Stain is one such product that delivers multi-colored and molten appearances on concrete surfaces.

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, we were quite impressed with the walnut color of this concrete stain. It can be applied on the interior as well as exterior surfaces. Plus, you would be glad to know that it is super easy to put on and maintain.

However, for us, the main highlight of this product is its reasonable price. With this concrete stain, you can drastically change the look of a simple concrete surface to a luxurious look of marble or granite. It does not stop there; there's more.

Since it penetrates deep within the concrete surface, the colors produced are breathtaking and captivating. It works like a charm with a sprayer, making the process a lot easier and less time-consuming. And, finally, the Vivid Acid Stain by Concrete Coatings is one of the most sought-after units on this list.

What Could've Been Better?

Even though this product does a marvelous job of delivering multi-colored appearances, we found out that the results are not as dark as we would like them to be. It could have been a lot darker. Other than this, we were not able to find any other noticeable drawback with this product.

8. Concrete Coatings SuperSeal 2000

Since we are nearing the end of this list, we thought it would be justifiable to include yet another marvelous option by Concrete Coatings. Having said that, the SuperSeal 200, besides enhancing the look of your concrete, has a very big coverage and is also affordable, hence fulfilling all the requirements.

Why Did We Like It?

Being a concrete stain from one of the leading manufacturers of decorative concrete products, the Superseal 200 exceeds our expectations in all departments. It comes with 90-599g/l VOC content, which is at par with the VOC requirements of most states in the US.

Plus, it can cover areas up to 500 square feet, and the 'wet look' matte finish takes color production to the next level. It is suitable for both exterior and interior, and moreover, it features non-yellowing technology, which prevents concrete from getting that much-dreaded yellowish look.

Apart from this, the Superseal 200 is very easy to apply, just take a brush, roller, or spray, and you are good to go. Also, it is going to last a lot longer than many options available on the market today.

What Could've Been Better?

While testing this unit, we were pretty satisfied with all the results. However, we have one issue to complain about, and that is the odor. It is ridiculously strong, so if you are using it indoors, make sure you keep the room ventilated while applying it.

9. INSL-X TuffCrete Waterborne Acrylic CST211009A-01

To be fair, this list would not have been complete without the inclusion of INSL-X CST211009A-01. If you did not know about INSL-X, it has been producing top-notch paints and finishes since 1883. On that note, the TuffCrete Waterborne Acrylic delivers high-grade coatings on both interior and exterior masonry surfaces.

Why Did We Like It?

The first thing that we really liked about this concrete stain is that it can be applied on a wide variety of masonry surfaces. If you want to apply it as a stain, then apply it in one coat, and for achieving an opaque finish, apply it in two coats.

However, according to us, the best thing about this product is the area that it can cover; 1 gallon of it has the capacity to cover up to 400 square feet. Plus, we were also impressed with the packaging; the manufacturer made sure to pack it up really nicely, which is quite unlike most products on this list.

Apart from this, it is highly durable and will not wear off very soon. And, you would be surprised to know that it does not get hot despite being under the sun. Overall, the INSL-X CST211009A-01 meets all the requirements that you would expect from a high-grade concrete stain.

What Could've Been Better?

There are only a couple of drawbacks we found with this product, the first being its odor which we feel is extremely strong. We would recommend you use it outdoors. However, if you want to use it indoors, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Plus, the results came out a lot darker than what we had expected.

Best Concrete Stain Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Concrete Stain

Knowing the names of the top 9 concrete stains is not enough. To select the best among the lot, there are certain factors other than the price and the brand that you must consider before making the buying decision.

So, in this section, we will be explaining some of these important factors that will help you buy the best concrete stain. Keep reading!

Drying Time

The drying time is a very important factor in choosing the best concrete stainer. If you are a professional, you would want to use a stain that dries up fast. So, we recommend going with a stain that takes less than half an hour to dry up.

Coverage

Keep a check on the coverage it offers; the more, the better. In general, most stains give coverage ranging between 100 square feet and 500 square feet. Always go with a product that offers broader coverage so that you do not have to buy them again.

Penetration

How well does it penetrate through the concrete? The deeper the stain penetrates, the longer it will last. So, always opt for a stain that is durable and has good bonding strength.

Formulation

Ensure that you are aware of the formulation of the concrete stain before buying them. In fact, how well the concrete stain will work depends a lot on its formulation. That being said, most concrete stains are either water-based or acid-based.

We recommend going for water-based concrete stains as they are able to deliver better results.

Concrete Stain FAQs

Are water-based concrete stains better than acid-based stains?

Yes, water-based concrete stains are often considered superior to acid-based stains. They tend to offer better results and are more user-friendly. Water-based stains are also generally safer to handle and have fewer harmful fumes compared to acid-based stains.

What should I consider regarding the formulation of a concrete stain?

The formulation of a concrete stain is crucial for its performance. Concrete stains are typically available in two formulations: water-based and acid-based. Water-based stains are generally preferred as they often deliver better results.

How do I apply concrete stain?

The application process for concrete stain can vary depending on the product. In general, it involves cleaning and preparing the concrete surface, applying the stain using a brush or sprayer, allowing it to penetrate and react with the concrete, and then sealing the stained surface for protection and enhanced appearance. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific stain you are using.

Can I change the color of an existing concrete stain?

It is difficult to change the color of an existing concrete stain. Concrete stains chemically react with the concrete surface to create a permanent color change. However, in some cases, a new layer of stain with a different color may be applied over the existing stain to achieve a different look. It is advisable to test a small area first to ensure compatibility and desired results.

Conclusion

Applying concrete stains to walls, patios, and driveways is undoubtedly a good way to enhance their looks. Not only that, but it is also handy in maintaining that enhanced look for a long period of time. Just make sure that you go through the instructions properly before using them.

With that, we have come to the end of this review-based guide. And we hope it has helped you in choosing the best concrete stain.

Before signing off, we would like to mention our favorites, so let's rewind a little. Black Diamond Stoneworks 679773003916 is the best overall. KILZ L211101 works on pretty much all hard-to-paint surfaces, while Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer by the Floor Guys is very easy to apply and long-lasting.

On that note, we wish to take your leave. Take care and stay safe!

Related Articles

5 Best Sprayers For Plasti Dip

9 Best Pump Sprayers For Staining Fence

10 Best Wood Wax

Learn How To Soften A Hard Paint Brush

11 Best Paint For Concrete Walls In Basement

13 Best Paint for Furniture | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

10 Highest CFM Air Compressors  

9 Best 6 Gallon Air Compressors for Your Home & Garage

13 Best Paints for Bathroom Ceilings  

2 Luminess Silk Reviews [All You Need to Know]

HVLP vs. LVLP [All You Need to Know & Winner]

7 Best Cold Galvanizing Paints

11 Best Paint Scrapers to Rock

How to Remove Spray Paint from Concrete

11 Best Paint Roller To Hide Imperfections Tested

9 Best Paints For Closets 

How To Paint Trim Near Carpet