How to Add Colour to a Concrete Floor (Pigment, Stain, or Polish)

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  • Integral pigment (mixed into wet concrete)

    Colour is added during batching — permanent and even throughout the slab. Great for new pours, but needs planning ahead.
  • Acid stain (for cured concrete)

    Reacts chemically with the concrete to create natural, variegated tones — ideal for earthy, aged effects.
  • Water-based stain or dye

    Easier to apply and more colour options, but usually not as permanent as acid stain. Great for indoor decorative use.
  • Polished concrete with exposed aggregate

    Achieves colour through natural stone exposure or tintable sealers. High-end finish with low maintenance.
  • Coloured sealer or epoxy coatings

    These sit on the surface — easy to apply and change, but more prone to wear or peeling if not maintained.

✔ Step-by-Step: How to Add Colour to a Concrete Floor

  1. 1

    Choose the Right Colouring Method for Your Floor

    First, decide whether you're working with a brand-new concrete pour or an existing slab. If it's a new floor, you can opt for **integral pigment**, which is mixed into the wet concrete before it's poured. This gives you a solid, fade-resistant colour that runs through the entire thickness of the slab. If you're dealing with an existing concrete floor, your options include **acid stains**, **water-based dyes**, **coloured sealers**, or a **polished finish** that exposes aggregate or uses tintable densifiers. Each method gives a different effect — stains are more natural and mottled, dyes are vibrant and even, and polishing can highlight texture or use a tinted finish. Think about the look you want, how permanent the colour should be, and how much surface prep you're willing to do.

  2. 2

    Clean and Prepare the Surface Properly

    No matter which colour method you choose, the floor needs to be perfectly clean. Use a degreaser or concrete cleaner to remove any oil, glue, paint, or dirt. For stains or dyes, the pores of the concrete need to be open, so you may need to etch the surface or lightly grind it. If the floor has ever been sealed before, the sealer must be removed — otherwise, the stain or dye won’t absorb and will just sit on top or flake off. For polished concrete, surface prep involves multiple grinding passes to remove the top layer and expose fresh, clean concrete. This stage makes or breaks the final finish. Any residue, patchiness, or poor prep will show through the colour. Always let the floor dry fully before moving to the next step — moisture in the slab will interfere with absorption and adhesion.

  3. 3

    Apply the Colour: Pigment, Stain, Dye, or Polish

    For integral colour, the pigment is added at the batching stage — this step happens before the pour and isn’t DIY-friendly unless you're mixing on site. For acid stains, apply with a sprayer and let it react with the concrete for several hours before neutralising. Water-based dyes can be sprayed or rolled and usually dry faster. With both, it’s important to apply thin coats and build up colour gradually — some colours can look very different once sealed. If you’re polishing the floor, you can expose aggregate for natural variation or apply a tintable densifier during the polishing process to get a subtle wash of colour. Always do a test area before doing the entire floor — especially if you’re working on a slab with patch repairs, old residues, or uneven surfaces. The colour may absorb differently in each zone.

  4. 4

    Seal the Floor to Lock In the Colour

    Once your stain or dye has dried fully (check manufacturer instructions), the final step is sealing. This protects the colour, adds sheen, and helps prevent stains or UV fading. Choose a **concrete-specific sealer** that suits your needs — water-based for a matte look, or solvent-based for deeper tone and gloss. Most are applied with a roller or low-pressure sprayer. For polished floors, sealing is typically done using a densifier during the grind-and-polish stages — this hardens the surface and makes it dust-proof while enhancing the colour. In some cases, a light wax or stain guard is also applied as a final polish. Make sure to allow full curing time before placing furniture or heavy objects. Sealing not only makes your floor look its best — it extends its life and makes cleaning easier too.

🔹 What’s the difference between acid stain and dye?
Acid stains chemically react with the concrete to create natural, mottled tones — they’re permanent but more muted. Dyes sit on the surface and offer bolder, more consistent colours. Dyes are faster to apply, but not as UV-resistant unless sealed properly. Choose acid stains for earthy, aged finishes, and dyes for rich, modern looks.
🔹 Can I colour a concrete floor that’s already sealed?
Not directly. If your floor is already sealed, you’ll need to remove the sealer before applying stain or dye. Sealed concrete won’t absorb colour evenly. You can use chemical strippers, light grinding, or re-polishing depending on the floor and the type of sealer used.
🔹 Will the colour fade over time?
It can — especially with surface-applied stains or dyes exposed to sunlight or abrasion. That’s why sealing is essential. Integral pigment (mixed into the concrete) won’t fade because the colour goes all the way through. Sealing and occasional resealing will keep your floor looking sharp.
🔹 Can I change the colour of an old concrete floor?
Yes, but it depends on the floor’s condition. If it’s clean, unsealed, and in good shape, you can apply acid stain or dye after prepping the surface. If it’s been sealed, painted, or damaged, you’ll need to grind it first or polish it to a fresh surface before recolouring.

Our team of experts is ready to transform your floors with precision and craftsmanship. Don't settle for ordinary when you can have exceptional. Contact us now for concrete floors in England and Wales by emailing us at info@britishconcretepolishing.co.uk or by filling in the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.