Concrete Paint Vs Stain

Paint will provide a broad spectrum of bold colors while stain will offer a more subtle look that lasts a longer time.

Concrete paint vs stain. Concrete stain isn t like paint. It makes paint vulnerable to chipping and peeling off. This creates more of a translucent appearance. Don t use oil based paint or latex paints on your concrete patio pool deck or driveway.

There is a concrete acid stain and a water based stain. Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. The biggest difference between concrete stain and paint is how they cover concrete. This opaque paint comes in various colors allowing you to choose a color scheme for your concrete.

While paint only covers the surface of the concrete. The acid type penetrates deep into the concrete and dries in a semi translucent color. With outdoor concrete paint you get the exact aesthetic every time whereas with acid stain every project has a unique outcome. However lower maintenance needs usually make concrete staining a good value compared to painting techniques.

When you use indoor or outdoor concrete paint it stays right on top of the concrete where it provides a layer of protection. Concrete stains go on quicker dry faster and take less work than concrete paint but they offer no significant protection. Stained concrete concrete stains are a lot thinner than paint. They will peel crack and don t hold up well outdoors.