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How to Dye a Concrete Floor

Create a colorful work of art on any concrete surface with dyes. Concrete dyes are different from stains in that they are available in colors that are more vibrant, and they penetrate deep within the porous concrete with small color particles. Unlike stains, concrete dyes will fade when exposed to prolonged sunlight. One of the benefits of using concrete dyes instead of stains is their ease of use.

Things You'll Need

  • Stiff broom
  • Concrete cleaner
  • Buffing towel
  • Concrete dye mix
  • Two 5-gallon buckets
  • 2 long-handled paintbrush rollers
  • Water-based acrylic concrete sealer
  • Pump sprayer
  • Airbrush
  • Solvent-based acrylic concrete sealer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sweep the concrete floor clean from debris and loose particles with a stiff broom. Dampen the concrete floor with water. Apply concrete cleaner as stated on package directions, and then use a buffing towel to clean the surface. Rinse the cleaner residue off the concrete surface with clean water. Allow the concrete floor to dry thoroughly for 12 to 24 hours.

    • 2

      Pour the concrete dye concentrate into a large 5-gallon bucket, and then add the water, acetone or alcohol according to the dye's included instructions. Dilute the concrete dye with water according to your desired taste. The more you dilute the concrete dyes, the paler they become.

    • 3

      Dip the long-handled paintbrush roller, fitted with a smooth-surface brush, into the mixed concrete dye. Apply the concrete dye in smooth, even strokes. Allow the concrete dye to dry on the concrete floor for at least 24 hours.

    • 4

      Mix the water-based acrylic concrete sealer -- if needed -- in a large 5-gallon bucket. Use a clean long-handled roller paintbrush to apply one coat of water-based acrylic concrete sealer to the dyed concrete floor. Allow the sealer to dry on the dyed concrete floor as stated on the package.

    • 5

      Apply more coats of the concrete sealer to the concrete floor according to individual taste. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before adding another coat.