Decorative Concrete
Stained Concrete That Lasts in Austin Heat
Acid stains and water-based dyes for rich, variegated, stone-like color.
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Our Approach to Staining
Staining brings rich, variegated color to interior floors and patios - reactive acid stains for mottled, stone-like depth or water-based dyes for vibrant, uniform color. We prep, apply, neutralize, and seal so the finish holds up to Texas sun and traffic.
How Acid Stain and Concrete Dye Actually Work
Austin Concrete Finishes has been staining concrete across the Austin metro for 21 years. Stain is not paint. Reactive acid stains chemically bond with the concrete’s lime content to create variegated, stone-like color that becomes part of the slab-on-grade foundation common in Central Texas homes. Water-based dyes penetrate the surface to deliver more uniform, vibrant color. Either way the color won’t peel or flake, because there’s nothing sitting on top to fail.
Acid Stain vs. Water-Based Dye
Acid stain gives that rich, mottled, natural-stone feel - popular on covered patios in Lakeway, West Lake Hills, and Dripping Springs where homeowners want depth and variation on their outdoor living areas. Water-based dyes give a more consistent color and a wider palette, making them a strong fit for clean modern interiors in ranch-style homes and Hill Country estates where uniformity matters.
UV-Stable Sealers for Austin Patios and Floors
Stained patios and exterior floors live or die by the sealer. Austin’s 100-degree summers and intense UV break down cheap sealers within a single season. The Austin Concrete Finishes crew uses UV-stable acrylic and penetrating sealers rated for high-UV environments that hold color through Central Texas heat and resist staining from oils and spills. Homeowners in Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Georgetown get the same industrial-grade sealers we use across Austin proper. Indoor floors get a satin or matte topcoat for easy cleaning and long-term durability.
What you get
- ✓ Reactive acid staining for mottled depth
- ✓ Water-based dyes for vibrant, uniform color
- ✓ UV-stable sealers for outdoor color
- ✓ Works on interior floors and patios
Real Work
Project Gallery
What Customers Say
Austin Customers on Their Finished Concrete
"Our 20-year-old garage slab had peeling DIY epoxy. They ground it all back, fixed the cracks, and the new flake floor still looks showroom-clean through two Texas summers."
David R.
Round Rock
"The pool deck stays cool enough to walk on barefoot in August now, and it's no longer slick. Exactly what we hoped for."
Sarah M.
Lakeway
"Polished our downstairs floors to a soft satin sheen. Easy to clean, and they clearly did the prep right. No shortcuts."
Elena G.
West Lake Hills
FAQ
Staining: Your Questions Answered
Is concrete stain the same as paint? +
No. Paint sits on top and peels. Stain either reacts chemically with the concrete (acid stain) or penetrates as a dye, becoming part of the surface so it won't flake or chip.
Will the color fade outdoors? +
Not significantly under a UV-stable sealer. Plan on resealing every 3 to 5 years to keep both the color and the protection sharp.
Can you stain an old slab? +
Yes. We diamond-grind to clean concrete, neutralize contaminants, and then apply the stain. Slabs with heavy spalling or deep cracks may need a cementitious overlay before staining.
How much does concrete staining cost in Austin? +
Pricing is project-based and depends on square footage, slab condition, and the stain system chosen (acid vs. water-based). Contact us at (512) 749-8503 for a free same-day quote (2026 rates).
Related Services
Polished Concrete
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Learn more →Concrete Cleaning & Sealing
Fast, affordable pressure-wash and color-seal to refresh tired concrete across Austin, TX.
Learn more →Stamped Concrete & Overlays
Stone, brick, and wood looks stamped over your existing concrete.
Learn more →Guides
Staining Guides & Answers
Can Old or Stained Concrete Be Stained Over?
Usually yes — grind to clean concrete, neutralize, then stain. Heavily damaged slabs may need overlay first.
Read guide →How Long Does Stained Concrete Last and Need Resealing?
Stain itself is permanent. Sealers last 3-5 years outdoors, longer indoors. Plan reseal at those intervals to keep color sharp.
Read guide →The Concrete Staining Process, Step by Step
Prep, neutralize, stain, neutralize, seal. The five-step staining process produces beautiful, long-lasting color.
Read guide →Will Stained Concrete Fade in Texas Sun?
Quality stains with UV-stable sealer hold color through Texas sun. Cheap dyes and missed reseals fade.
Read guide →Acid Stain vs Water-Based Dye for Concrete
Acid stains give variegated stone-like depth. Water-based dyes give uniform vibrant color. Each fits different aesthetic goals.
Read guide →Stained Concrete vs Stamped Concrete for Patios
Stain adds color; stamp adds pattern. For patios, the choice is between a flat color statement and a stone-look pattern.
Read guide →What Does Stained Concrete Cost in Austin?
Stained concrete in Austin runs roughly $4-$10 per square foot depending on stain type, prep needs, and sealer.
Read guide →Ready to Quote Your Staining?
Send a photo of the slab — we usually have a real number back to you the same day.