Dyeing polished concrete gives you vibrant, translucent colour that highlights the natural look of the slab. But it’s not like painting — dyeing is all about surface condition, absorbency, and timing. Applied too early, it disappears. Applied too late, it won’t bond. In this guide, we explain how to dye a polished concrete floor properly — whether you're after rich earthy tones or modern industrial greys.
Dyes need to soak into the pores of the slab — not sit on top. That’s why dye is applied after 200 grit, when the surface is smooth but still open. Never apply dye after 400 grit or it won’t penetrate properly. If you densified already, make sure you’ve allowed it to fully cure and haven’t sealed the pores shut with guard or polish pads.
Concrete dyes come in two main types: **solvent-based** (fast drying, bold colours) and **water-based** (eco-friendly, slower application). Solvent dyes produce vibrant results quickly but require ventilation. Water-based dyes are more forgiving for large areas. Always test on a small section to check colour absorption and final tone — dyes react differently on every slab.
Remove all dust, slurry, and surface debris before dyeing. Even light residue can block colour penetration and cause uneven patches. Vacuum thoroughly and tack the surface with microfiber or neutral pH cleaner if needed. If the floor is dry honed, mist lightly to help improve absorption.
Use a dedicated pump or HVLP sprayer to apply dye in thin, even coats. Avoid pouring or roller application — it leaves streaks. Work in 1–2 metre passes and apply in consistent fan patterns. For deeper tones, apply a second coat after the first is dry. Never allow dye to pool — excess can crystalise or re-emulsify later during sealing.
While spraying, use a microfiber mop or dye pad to lightly blend each section. Work in circular or figure-eight motions to remove spray lines and ensure colour consistency. Feather the edges of each pass to avoid banding. If you’re working with more than one sprayer, be sure the mix ratios and colours match exactly — even a slight change can show under gloss.
Allow dye to air dry completely — usually 30–60 minutes depending on temperature and air movement. Avoid fans or heat guns, which can cause streaking. Once dry, inspect for missed spots or blotches. If needed, apply another light coat and blend again. Only move on to polishing once the surface is completely dry to the touch with no residue.
Resume polishing using 400 grit resin pads and continue up to your desired gloss level (800, 1500, or 3000). This “locks in” the dye by compressing and refining the coloured surface. Be careful not to over-polish too quickly — aggressive passes can lift dye or create uneven reflectivity. Polishing must be smooth and controlled from this point on.
After polishing is complete, apply a penetrating sealer or concrete guard to protect the dye from UV and wear. Some products enhance colour depth and reflectivity, while others preserve a natural matte. Avoid overapplication — excess product can haze or yellow the dye. Burnish if required to reach the final finish level.
To keep the dyed floor looking fresh, clean regularly with a pH-neutral solution. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners — they’ll break down the colour over time. Use auto-scrubbers or microfiber mops depending on the site size. Reapply guard product as needed every 1–2 years depending on traffic.
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