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Stunning Black Stained Concrete Transformations: DIY Customer Projects & Tips

Learn from real DIY customers who have successfully used our black concrete stains to craft stylish surfaces in their indoor and outdoor spaces. Get inspired by their tips and tricks to enhance your own space with our outstanding black concrete stain solutions.

By Justin Richardson

From Blank to Black: A DIY Dream Floor!

Stripping off old sealant from newly-poured concrete wasn’t an easy feat, but this DIY duo conquered it in 1.5 weeks! A swift application of Aquatint in black followed by a satin ProWax polish, and voilà – a stunning floor transformation they absolutely adore!

Three playful children having fun on an untreated concrete floor, showing its raw state prior to staining.
Before the makeover: The kids making the most of the raw concrete floor. Time for a transformation!
Sleek and polished living area floor, beautifully stained with AcquaTint™ Black and finished with ProWax Polish™, reflecting the ambient lighting.
After the AcquaTint™ magic: From a play space to a stylish living area, showcasing the elegance of Black AcquaTint™ and satin ProWax Polish™ finish.
Overhead view from a staircase showcasing a gleaming finished floor stained in rich black AcquaTint
An overhead glimpse of the transformed floor, shimmering in deep black AquaTint™ and satin ProWax Polish™

AcquaTint™ Tinted Concrete Sealer Tutorial

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 7 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 1500 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    This is one of the many diy projects we did on our new build. The hardest part of the floors for us was removing the old sealant that was put down on our new concrete at the time of pouring. That took us about 1.5 weeks to remove before applying this stain and wax. Applying it was quick and easy. We used the aquatint in black and satin prowax polish. We love the way they turned out! Definitely recommend!
  • Personal Tips:
    Don’t get sealant on existing concrete at the time of pouring if you plan to do any staining. The staining was an after thought for us so we had to remove what was already placed.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 x 5 Gal. Charcoal AcquaTint™ & ProWax Polish™ Satin Kit
    3 x 1 Gal. Black AcquaTint™
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer
ProClean Neutralizer™
Black AcquaTint Swatch
AcquaTint™ Black
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

Each photo in this gallery showcases real customer projects to inspire you. Keep in mind that our semi-transparent colorants mean the initial color and condition of your concrete will influence your final look, possibly leading to varied results. For best outcomes, please do a test patch on your specific surface before full application.

Before & After: Living Area Improvement

Check out these before and after photos of our customer’s living area improvement. They had adhesive marks, but our ColorWave® stain made a difference, improving the look of the space.

Living area with adhesive marks
Living area with adhesive marks
Improved living area after staining
The transformed living area after using Colorwave stain to conceal adhesive marks, resulting in a cleaner look

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 5 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    We had a living area that was covered in black mastic. Several years ago we used a sander to remove most of the mastic and laid carpet. When the carpet was pulled up, there was several adhesive marks that would not fade. The Colorwave stained was able to cover the marks and help blend them in with the rest of the stain.
  • Personal Tips:
    Make sure you spend the extra time with cleaning prep
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Black DIY ColorWave® & AcquaSeal™ Gloss Kit
    1 Gal. Steel ColorWave® Stain
    1 Gal. Molasses ColorWave® Stain
    1 Gal. ProWax Polish™ Satin
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Steel Gray
ColorWave® Steel
ColorWave® Molasses
ColorWave® Molasses
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin

Concrete Floor Makeover: Blending Stain Colors

This resourceful homeowner transformed 500 sq ft of stained carpet in their new third-floor condominium into a chic plaster and concrete floor.

Concrete floor with repaired cracks using CementAll
Concrete floor with repaired cracks using CementAll
Black stained concrete floor beautifully transformed with black, stone gray, and iron gray ColorWave water-based concrete stains, showcasing a stunning and unique color blend.
Concrete floor beautifully transformed with black, stone gray, and iron gray ColorWave water-based concrete stains, showcasing a stunning and unique color blend.

I recently bought a new home (condominium on the third floor) that had some nice but stained carpet in the bedrooms. I wanted to remove the carpet and stain the plaster floor/concrete floor underneath. I was unsure what the materials were other than it was porous so I decided to go with the ColorWave Stain to be safe. I was also on a time limit so I had to have the product ready to go the day I closed, which is the day I began working. It took a total of 12 Days with cure time. The Project size was 500sq feet.

The floors were a combination of plaster and concrete. I had to utilize patching from your website and from Home Depot (rock free quickset concrete all purpose) to fill in broken plaster parts. I removed the small pieces first. I then sanded down glue particles and stains along with the setting concrete. I applied three different colors of stain putting my most favored color first, then a layer of my next color in various spots and then the third in the same way. I topped off with a final coat of my original color and cured this. I repeated the process after the cure.

Some external products were a 12 blade diamond cut 7 inch sander pad and blade (for concrete), Goo Be Gone, and the quick set all purpose concrete (blue label). It is very important to get concrete patch that dries quick and does NOT have little rocks.

Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Stone Gray
ColorWave® Stone Gray
ColorWave® Iron Gray
ColorWave® Iron
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

Monochrome Modernity: A Garage Floor Revamp

Breathing life into a standard garage floor, Antiquing™ Black Stain was employed to deliver a nuanced, mottled appearance, offering both style and simplicity to this modernized space.

Freshly Applied Antiquing™ Black Stain on Garage Floor
Freshly Applied Antiquing™ Black Stain on Garage Floor
Garage Floor Transformed: Post-Antiquing™ Black Stain and Sealing
Garage Floor Transformed: Post-Antiquing™ Black Stain and Sealing
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
Black Antiquing Swatch
Antiquing™ Black
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

How to Apply Antiquing™ Stain

Interested in projects specifically using acid stain? Explore our dedicated Black EverStain™ Acid Stain Project Gallery for inspiration

The renovated mechanical room with a black acid-stained floor exhibiting brown hues, sealed with a satin finish AcquaSeal
A renovated mechanical room with a black acid-stained floor exhibiting brown hues, sealed with a satin finish AcquaSeal

Marbled Elegance: Mottled Black Stained Concrete Garage Floor with Concrete Dye

Explore this sophisticated garage floor transformation, where the homeowner used concrete dye to create a stunning mottled black stained concrete finish, resembling a marbled black and white polished surface. With careful application and attention to detail, they turned an ordinary garage floor into a captivating, elegant space.

Garage space with a faux polished concrete floor using Black, Stormy Gray, and White Vibrance Dye
Bringing a sleek and modern look to a garage space with a faux polished concrete floor using Black, Stormy Gray, and White Vibrance Dye
Garage space with a faux polished concrete floor using Black, Stormy Gray, and White Vibrance Dye
Giving a garage a sleek and industrial look using Black, Stormy Gray and White Vibrance Dye for a faux polished concrete floor
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Jet Black Vibrance Dye Swatch
Vibrance™ Black
Stormy Gray Vibrance Dye Color Swatch
Vibrance™ Stormy Gray
White Vibrance Dye Color Swatch
Vibrance™ Dye White
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

Black Stained Concrete Floor with Hand Troweled Smooth Gray Overlay and Variegated Tinted Sealer Finish

William B. Carlisle skillfully combined a hand-troweled smooth gray overlay using a skip trowel/knock down method with an expertly applied black AcquaTint™ to create a visually stunning finish.

Pre-cast Concrete Table
Photo Provided by William B From Carlisle Design, OK
Coffee N' Crafts Shop
Coffee N' Crafts Concrete stained and sealed floor with AcquaTint black tinted concrete sealer
Coffee N' Crafts Concrete Stained tables
Coffee N' Crafts Concrete stained and sealed floor with tinted concrete sealer
AcquaTint black tinted concrete sealer on commercial Floor
Gray Concrete Overlay
Resurface-It™ Concrete Overlay
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Black AcquaTint Swatch
AcquaTint™ Black
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

Sunroom Splendor: Marbled Black and White Mottled Stained Concrete Floor with Concrete Dye

killfully used concrete dye to achieve a marbled black and white mottled stained concrete finish. The polished and refined appearance brings a touch of elegance to this bright and inviting space. Discover the techniques and steps used to recreate this stunning marbled effect and elevate your own sunroom with a similarly impressive floor makeover.

Unfinished concrete sunroom floor
Unfinished concrete sunroom floor
Sunroom floor stained with black and white Vibrance Dye in mottled technique
This sunroom floor was given a unique and eye-catching makeover with a black and white Vibrance dye in a mottled technique
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Jet Black Vibrance Dye Swatch
Vibrance™ Black
White Vibrance Dye Color Swatch
Vibrance™ Dye White
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

Patio Perfection: Mottled Black Stained Concrete Tiles Created with Scored and Taped Technique

Step outside and admire this stunning covered patio transformation, where a clever homeowner used a scored and taped technique to create the appearance of large concrete tiles stained with a mottled black concrete finish. The result is an eye-catching and inviting outdoor space with a unique, sophisticated touch.

Scored concrete patio
Before
Black Antiquing stained scored concrete patio
Black Antiquing stained scored concrete patio
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
Black Antiquing Swatch
Antiquing™ Black
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
EasySeal Satin
EasySeal™ Satin

For more DIY inspiration and ideas, check out our “Gallery Of Black Concrete Stain Projects: DIY Inspiration For Your Outdoor Space.

Mottled Color Effect with Puddling Method

This creative homeowner skillfully achieved a mottled color effect using ColorWave® Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray stains. By employing the “puddling method”.

Prepped and Clean Concrete Floor Ready for Staining
Prepped and Clean Concrete Floor Ready for Staining
ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray Applied Using Puddling Method on Concrete Floor
ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray Applied Using Puddling Method on Concrete Floor
Dry ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray on Concrete Floor
Dry ColorWave Stains in Black, Stone Gray, and Iron Gray on Concrete Floor
Sealed and polished Stone Gray, Iron Gray and Black stained concrete floor
Exceptional craftsmanship: polished basement floor reveals a striking stone-like finish with a vibrant blend of three colors
  • Project Completed In: 3 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 430 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    We used Colorwave Black, Stone Gray and Iron gray, used the “puddling method” and finished it off with an AcquaSeal gloss sealer. We also put 2 coats of wax afterwards.
  • Personal Tips:
    Make sure you spend the extra time with cleaning prep.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Black DIY ColorWave® & AcquaSeal™ Gloss Kit
    1 Gal. Stone ColorWave® Stain
    1 Gal. Iron ColorWave® Stain
    1 Gal. ProWax Polish™ Satin
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher
ProClean Neutralizer™
ProClean Neutralizer™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Stone Gray
ColorWave® Stone Gray
ColorWave® Iron Gray
ColorWave® Iron
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

Monochrome Floor Makeover: A Play of Black and Steel Grey

Transforming a basic floor into a monochrome masterpiece, this project employed a blend of black and steel grey ColorWave® stains. With a focus on preparation, overlapping patterns, and finishing with a high gloss, the outcome showcased the power of attention to detail.

Unfinished floor with visible imperfections and paint spots prior to staining
Unfinished floor with visible imperfections and paint spots prior to staining
Monochrome floor showcasing a fusion of black and steel grey stains
Monochrome floor showcasing a fusion of black and steel grey stains

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 8 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 550 sq. ft.
  •  Project Description:
    I started with cleaning the floor. I used the ProClean degreaser from a pump sprayer. I soaked the entire floor, then sprayed down a little water. I rented a 17” floor sander and bought a 800 grit diamond impregnated disk for it. I would wet about a 3 by 3 foot section at a time and run the machine through it then I would push the dirty water with a squeegee and vacuum the water up. This was the most tiring part for me. After that I hung my plastic around the parameter of where I would be coloring and ended up mopping again twice with the degreaser again just for good measure. I let the floor dry 24 hours before spraying. Next I filled up two pump sprayers for my first coat. I used black and steel grey colorwave stain. I sprayed a circle pattern over lapping slightly with the two colors and did that through the whole space. 24 hours later a repeated for second coat and waited 48 hours before sealing. I ended up using 2 gallons of black and 2 1/2 gallons of the steel grey. I used the pump sprayer method also for the aqua seal gloss. I did two coats misting it on in circular motions. Using almost four gallons and waiting 24 hours before coats. After another 24 hours I mopped on the pro wax polish height gloss. For this I just used a microfiber mop and just coated it like I was mopping normally. I did two coats waiting 12 hours apart. Used 1 gallon.
  • Personal Tips:If I did it over I would have peeped the floor a little better. I had some paint spots that I left and didn’t use the stripper on them. Also I would probably do three coats of color next time. One more thing I will do next time is buy decent pump sprayers instead of the cheapest ones at Lowe’s as they gave me some issues with consistency.
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Qt. ProClean Degreaser™
    3 x 1 Gal. Iron ColorWave® Stain AcquaSeal™ Gloss Kit
    1 Gal. Black ColorWave® Stain AcquaSeal™ Gloss Kit
    1 Gal. Black ColorWave® Stain
    1 Gal. ProWax Polish™ Gloss
Concrete Patching Compound
Patch-Rx™ Repair
ProClean Degreaser
ProClean Degreaser™
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Black
ColorWave® Iron Gray
ColorWave® Iron
AcquaSeal Gloss
AcquaSeal™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss
ProWax Polish™ Gloss

If you’re inspired by these projects and interested in exploring more industrial and mottled-looking floor finishes, don’t miss our blog post: ‘Stormy Gray Vibrance™ Dye: Your Ticket To DIY Magic!‘ Dive into the world of DIY magic with our Vibrance Dye.

Sponge Swirls: Unexpectedly Perfect Shop Floors!

When traditional methods threw a curveball, the shop owners went with a sponge for their floor staining. Maybe it was the super smooth concrete? Regardless, the result was a unique swirl finish that was unplanned yet utterly captivating. Sometimes, happy accidents make the best designs!

Shop floor in its basic state, waiting for a touch of color and design.
Before: Our shop's blank canvas. Ready for some creativity!
Handmade, uneven swirl patterns across the shop floor, resulting from the sponge staining technique, showcasing its distinct charm.
Handmade, uneven swirl patterns across the shop floor, resulting from the sponge staining technique, showcasing its distinct charm.

Project Info:

  • Project Completed In: 2 day(s)
  • Estimate of Square Footage: 1200 sq. ft.
  • Project Description:
    Staining the inside part of our shop floors.
  •  Personal Tips:
    We used a sponge since rolling it on or spraying just did not want to work with us. Maybe the concrete was to smooth?
  • Direct Colors Products Used:
    1 Gal. Charcoal AcquaTint™
    5 Gal. Charcoal AcquaTint™
Charcoal AcquaTint Swatch
AcquaTint™ Charcoal
ProWax Polish™ Satin
ProWax Polish™ Satin
Spiked Shoes for Staining Concrete Floors
Spiked Shoes
Montly DIY contest