Guide
How we do it
Concrete stains and dyes
Stains and dyes color the concrete itself instead of covering it, so you get depth and variation no paint or coating can copy. We stain basement, garage and patio floors across Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties.
[Photo: close-up of a stained floor showing color variation]
The look
Translucent, mottled, one of a kind
Works in
[Basements, garages, patios]
Typical cost
[$X–$Y per sq ft]
Upkeep
[Reseal every X years]
Why stain
Color that becomes part of the floor
Paint sits on top of concrete and peels. Stain soaks in, or reacts with the concrete, so the color is in the slab. The result is translucent and varied, like leather or stone.
Every slab takes stain differently, which is the charm and the risk. Here’s the honest list.
It’s a good fit if
- You want a warm, natural look rather than a solid color.
- Your slab is in reasonable shape and you’re OK with some variation.
- You want low upkeep: sweep, mop, reseal every [X] years.
The trade-offs
- Results vary slab to slab. We test a small area first [confirm].
- Stain won’t hide patches, cracks or glue shadows. They become part of the look.
- Color choice is narrower with acid stain; dyes and water-based stains go wider.
Where it works
Stained floors around your home
The stain is the same; the prep and the sealer change with the space.
Indoor
Basement floors
Warm, leather-like color for finished living space. Sealed against everyday spills.
Basement floorsIndoor
Garage floors
[One or two sentences on how stain performs in a garage and which topcoat it needs.]
Garage floorsOutdoor
Patios
[One or two sentences on UV-stable color and sealing for Wisconsin freeze–thaw.]
PatiosSide by side
Acid stain, water-based stain or dye?
| Type | How it colors | The look | Indoor / outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acid (reactive) stain | Reacts with minerals in the concrete | Earthy browns, tans and greens; strongly mottled | [Both] |
| Water-based stain | Penetrates and bonds to the surface | Wider color range, more even | [Both] |
| Dye | Very fine color soaks into the pores | Vivid, even color; often paired with polishing | [Mostly indoor] |
How it works
Your stained floor, start to finish
Free estimate
We look at the slab and show you color samples, ideally on your own concrete.
Prep
We grind or clean off glue, paint and sealers so the stain can soak in evenly.
Stain
Color goes on in one or more coats, then acid stain is neutralized and rinsed.
Seal
A sealer or topcoat locks in the color and protects the floor.
Cure & walkthrough
We walk the floor with you. Furniture goes back after [X days].
Recent work
Stained floors we’ve finished
[Project photo]
[Project photo]
[Project photo]
Service area
Concrete staining in Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties
We’re based in [town] and work on homes across the western and southern Milwaukee suburbs. Not sure if you’re in range? Ask when you request an estimate.
FAQ
Concrete stain questions
What’s the difference between concrete stain and dye?
Stain reacts with or bonds to the concrete for earthy, varied color; dye is finer and gives more vivid, even color. Dye is mostly used indoors.
Will a stained floor look like the sample?
Close, but not exactly. Every slab takes color differently, which is why we test on your concrete first.
Can you stain an old floor?
Usually, yes. We grind off old sealers and glue first. Patches and repairs will show through the stain.
How long does a stained concrete floor last?
The color is in the concrete, so it lasts as long as the slab. The sealer on top needs refreshing every [X] years.
How much does concrete staining cost?
Most stained floors run [$X–$Y per square foot], depending on prep and the number of colors. You get a written quote after the free estimate.
Resources
Read before you decide
Free estimate
Ready for a floor with real color?
Tell us about your floor. We’ll look at the slab, test the color and give you a written quote.