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.
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.
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.
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.
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.