Yes. Stains, like water-based stains or acid stains, penetrate into the concrete while paints sit on the surface of the concrete slab. Paint is easier to peel or chip over time, especially with high traffic. On the other hand, concrete stains give you the beautiful aesthetics of decorative concrete without compromising its durability.

When applying the stain by yourself, keep in mind that once the stain is applied, it’s permanent—there’s no going back. So make sure you use the right tools and techniques to get good results.

Both acid-based stain and water-based concrete stain can be applied to new concrete or existing concrete. Whether it’s for your living room floor or your outdoor concrete, concrete stains can be used on every concrete surface.

A basic one-coat application of stain on concrete floors with minimal surface prep will cost $2-4 per square foot. Staining projects that need multiple colors and special design details can cost $15 per square foot or more.

After the concrete is fully cured (3-4 weeks old at least), the staining process would take about 2 days.
Step 1: Clean concrete and prepare for stain
Step 2: Appy the stain evenly
Step 3: Neutralize the stain and let it dry. Drying time varies from 12 to 24 hours.
Step 4: Apply the sealer to protect it for the long term.