Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
-----
Making homemade acid stains for concrete
Q. Hi Tom, I am trying to make my own reddish, ocher concrete stain with muriatic acid and iron oxide powder. Do you know what proportions would be best to try? Thanks
Tim AcquistapaceDIY'er - Brea, California>
January 14, 2022
Q. Thank you for your valuable formula for acid stain.
How do I get a red colour for the stain.
Contractor - Sri lanka
June 26, 2022
⇩ Related postings, oldest first ⇩
Q. My question is regarding concrete acid stains. I am a metal worker and artist, and have recently begun incorporating cement into my work. I would like to make my own acid stains.
I understand that the stains are generally a 10-30% solution of muriatic acid
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] , a wetting agent, and metallic salts. My understanding is that the muriatic reacts and bites the cement, and the metallic salts create a chemical reaction that oxidizes the surface of the cement.
I work with copper nitrate
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links]
, ferric nitrate, ferric chloride
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] , among others to patina bronzes and etch metals. I am not a chemist and I don't want to create dangerous chemical reactions through experimentation, but I think these salts may work. Does anyone know what the correct salts and ratios are? Thank you for any insights or corrections to this information.
metal fabricator, and artist - Vancouver, B.C., Canada
2003
A. I am just starting with the process of mixing stains so I don't know much yet; when I get better I will be giving you a letter ASAP. What do these chemicals do for etching your iron and steel? have you tried mixing outside with chemical masks ⇦[this on eBay or Amazon affil links] on. Make sure that you write everything, every little detail down; like if you mix hydro and sulfuric in .05% solutions measure and write it down. You never know, you might just come up with the ultimate Acid Stain that has ever hit the Market in both of our countries, and make Millions. It happens all of the time. Good Luck. Scotty
Scott haas- Vancouver, Washington
Q. I AM INTERESTED IN DEVELOP MY OWN BRAND OF ACID FOR CONCRETE COLOURING. BUT I DON'T KNOW THE CORRECT NAME OF THE SALT USED TO MAKE IT. PLEASE, IF YOU KNOW HOW TO DO THAT, LET ME KNOW. I WILL APPRECIATE ALL MY LIFE.
THANK YOU
- MERIDA, YUCATAN. MEXICO.
2004
A. Try --
1 part hydrochloric acid,
8 parts water, and
5 kg ferrous sulfate
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] .
This mix will produce a rusty colour in concrete.
Hassan [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Pakistan
A. HASSAN's recipe is a little bit wrong. Mixing and applying all together will result in a formation of insoluble calcium sulphate on concrete or marble surface. Hydrochloric acid is applied to the surface 10-15 minutes before. Then the sulphate iron solution. Once you do that the result will surprise you.
Of course the best formula is Ammonium Chloride, Iron Chloride and Water.
I tried the ferrous FeCl2 iron chloride (turquoise grains) and was really happy (the real rust colour shade).
I have not yet tried the FeCl3 that is marketed in the form of yellow grains.
I may get even better results though FeCl3 is used in a liquid form as copper remover
The tests were performed on marble surfaces. Why?
a) Calcium carbonate is also found in marble
b) Marble stain is popular in Greece
You can enter Greek characters in google search to see many photos.
I left the best for last. All our questions have been answered by Mr. SWIFT ERNEST since 1940 in his patent number US2379502A. You can download it online.
2004
May 1, 2020
- Kifissia Athens Greece
Q. Underneath the floor coverings in my condo there are concrete floors. In one of the bedrooms I would like to pull up the carpet and acid stain the concrete floors. I'm not looking to add in decorative designs, just acid stain the floor in one color. I don't really know much about the process and would be doing all the work myself. I've looked around in Kingston and can't find the product. Can anybody give me any info as to how to acid stain and where I can find the product near Kingston, Ontario Canada.
Cheers,
writer - Kingston, Ontario, Canada
2004
This meeting place welcomes Q&As, photos, history, & interesting tidbits 🙂
Please engage with other posters
• When people show interest in each other's situations, the page quickly becomes a fun & informative learning experience for everyone !
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Q. I am interested of getting the formula of making acid stains for concrete, I read some of the answers to that question but I couldn't make from that information any suitable material that can stain the concrete. I would appreciate getting any precise information.
Thank you.
hobbyist - Hod Hasharon, Israel
2005
A. I am also trying to make acid stains on my own.
So far I have understood that there are 3 components. Acid (HCL/sulfuric), Inorganic Metal Salts and water. Acids are used in less than 10% quantity. The salts used are ferrous sulfate
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] (tan), copper sulphate(blackish) etc. I suggest experimenting with sulphates further to get colours. I also found that a solution of manganese chloride with sodium bicarbonate and acid is also giving results. Ferrous chloride and cupric chloride can also be experimented with.
Other than the stain, it is imperative to have a good sealer.
In case anyone else comes up with a formulation do let me know.
- New Delhi, India
A. That is correct.
Any stronger than 10% acid will dissolve the cement cream that is required for the coloured surface and expose the aggregate.
As far as the metallic salts are concerned, keep adding and stirring until no more crystals dissolve, this is a saturated solution.
Add a squirt of detergent to the mix as a water softener to remove the surface tension, this will help the solution to penetrate better.
Hope this helps!
- Nelson, New Zealand
2006
This meeting place welcomes Q&As, photos, history, & interesting tidbits 🙂
Please engage with other posters
• When people show interest in each other's situations, the page quickly becomes a fun & informative learning experience for everyone !
• But when posters show no interest in other people's postings, it naturally deteriorates into a string of unanswered questions
Q. I am a contractor who lives in Mexico and am interested in learning and adding concrete staining to my business. I have not been able to find any staining products or suppliers in my area, so I became interested in mixing my own formulas. Luckily I came across your site and am hoping you could forward me any information and more precisely, the exact formulas. Thank you so much,
Ginger Martinconstruction - Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
2006
Q. I am a contractor who lives in Serbia and am interested in learning and adding concrete staining to my business. I have not been able to find any staining products or suppliers in my area, so I became interested in mixing my own formulas. I am hoping you could forward me any information and more precisely, the exact formulas.
Thank you so much!
stamped concrete - Belgrade, Serbia
2007
A. Ginger Martin:
There is a person in Leon Mexico with some non-commercial formulas for acid borne concrete stains. His name is Sr. Daniel Marquez of Leon, Gto. Mexico. Daniel is bilingual in English and Spanish. Daniel is knowledgeable concerning concrete. The knowledge he possesses should move you beyond the experimentation stage of decorating with acid borne stains. In closing, never forget the acid borne stains are hazardous in their liquid state and you will need to protect your skin, eyes and avoid inhaling the fumes.
- Omaha, Nebraska
2007
A. The inquiries I've read are interesting.
There are acid stains, non-acid stains, acrylic stains and concrete dyes. If you do begin making your own stains, be careful. Water first and acid or salts second in well ventilated area.
Have plenty of water on hand in case you get a splash in your eyes.
Some of the salts are poisonous if they penetrate the skin or by breathing.
You can actually lose your sense of smell if you breathe too much of this stuff.
I write manufacturing manuals on these products.
It is great to be able to make your own and save money, however, it can cost you much more.
Johnny
- Memphis, Tennessee
2006
Excellent posting, Johnny, thanks!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. Thanks for the info on how to make the acid stains. There doesn't seem to me much available on this topic on the internet. Would someone be able to suggest any good books on the subject?
Also, any luck with making one's own sealer for concrete?
- Karachi, Pakistan
A. If you are looking for acid stain formulas and can't find them, you aren't looking hard enough. There are books on eBay ⇦[this on eBay or Amazon affil links] and thru the search engines. They are not cheap, but hey, you are asking for a short cut.
Johnny Brown [returning]- Memphis, Tennessee
2006
Q. I would like to enquire if any further information was found in regards to how to make acid stains for concrete/cement. Has anyone been successful. Where can one find some technical info, specification, products required, and mixing ratios. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Corne le Roux- South Africa
2007
A. I found the exact answer for this question at
www.stainedfloor.com ⇩
[ed. note: DON'T DON'T DON'T go to that site!].
Arvin W [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Austin, Texas
2007
Ed. update 2018: That site presently tries to install an "Adobe upgrade" (malware!).
Ed update 2022: still malware, now disguised as an Apple help site.
Thankfully, the Internet Archive preserved a copy here ]
Q. I am also searching for the acid stain, I am a contractor in Karachi city and also want to use this stain procedure in my works.
If anyone has there more information about composition and results, please update so I get more knowledge.
Thanks.
- Karachi Pakistan
2007
Hi Babar. Please try to engage in the discussion, sharing your experience. Readers would be interested in your efforts, successes, & failures -- I am. Thanks!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. I have found a very good walk-through of how to apply the stains:
diystainedconcrete.com ⇩
Sorry no info on making the stain yet.
- Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
October 16, 2008
Ed. note 2018, and 2022: Sorry, that site is long gone; thankfully, the Internet Archive preserved a copy here ]
A. For all measurement/homemade acid stain recipes take a look at this site.
www.stainedfloor.com/index.html ⇩ [ed. note: DON'T DON'T DON'T go to that site!]
- Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
October 29, 2008
Ed. note 2018 & 2021: That is a malware site!
Thankfully, the Internet Archive preserved a copy here .
Q. I would like to enquire if any further information was found in regards to how to make acid stains for concrete/cement. Has anyone been successful. Where can one find some technical info, specification, products required, and mixing ratios. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Secondly, can pool acid be used for stain purposes?
artificial rock builder - Mogale, Republic of South Africa
November 27, 2008
Q. I need a formula to make water based concrete dye for polished concrete flooring. If anybody can help.
Tarek aboelatacontractor - Cairo, Egypt
March 29, 2009
Q. Dear Sir
Thank you for your remarkable web site, I already got some information looking for concrete staining, My questions are specific (we have no library, cannot purchase books on line).
1- What is Metallic Salt.
2- What metallic salt (S), to be added to HCl .
3- Does metallic salts with HCl create the color, or color will be added later.
4- What procedure to be followed to stain concrete .
Again thank you for your website
construction chemicals - Erbil kurdistan regional government of IRAQ
May 15, 2009
A. Hi, cousin Araz.
Metallic salts are compounds where a metal like iron or copper is compounded with an anion like acetate, chloride, nitrate, or sulphate. Some examples are copper nitrate ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , ferric nitrate, ferric chloride, ferrous sulfate ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , and cupric chloride. Yes, these are added to the HCl and water. Yes, these metallic salts are the source of the colors. Good luck!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. I had posted a response in 2006 and was surprised to see it still here. Metallic Salts are by-products of other products. Some can be liquid form, granular or powder. Examples are ferrous sulfate
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] which can be used to make browns, terra cotta, tans; Then there's sodium dichromate combined with ferrous sulfate
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] to make different shades of brown. Others salts are ferric chloride
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] , manganese chloride, copper (cupric chloride) and chromic chloride. Different combinations of these salts mixed with a coagulant or activator like hydrochloric acid and water can result in several acid stain colors.
One of the best authors of how to apply them is Gaye Goodman. I write instructional manufacturing manuals on subjects like this one and others. My web address is:
www.concretesurfaces.com ⇩
- Memphis, Tennessee
May 26, 2009
Ed. note: The above link is broken as well; thankfully, the Internet Archive preserved a copy here
Mr. Ted Mooney.
Thanks, I made many chloride stains a long time ago just after your response to me. I asked chemist friends in Baghdad, so I purchased Iron sulphate, sodium dichromate, copper sulphate, and started first with acid staining, then chloride staining. Spent a lot of time and came up with so many results, so I am trying to sell my stain now after 2 years.
Thanks
construction chemicals - ERBIL, KRG, Iraq
January 23, 2013
A. That's great, Araz! Very happy for your success, and good luck with the sales!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. The reason I want to know how to make my own stain is so that I don't have to buy a gallon of product for when I only need a half-cup of each color. Nor do I want to buy the individual ingredients in bulk. Where do I go to buy small quantities of acids, and mineral salts?
Has anyone ever tried rusted radiator fluid? I've seen driveways stained with that stuff and it seems pretty permanent.
Hobbyist - Muscatine, Iowa, USA
February 28, 2010
Q. Hi, My name is Waleed Yosif. Trying to add decorative concrete to my construction line of work. Interested to know the difference between a concrete stain and dye and if both come in water or acid base and preferred application of both.
Thanks,
Purchaser - Turlock, California, USA
March 2, 2011
A. Try using a clothing dye, I believe one brand is called Rit; mix with alcohol.
Works pretty well. Good luck!
- Boise, Idaho, USA
February 21, 2012
Q. Hello,
Does anyone know what kind of acid is used nowadays to stain concrete floors? I know that muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) most of the times weakens concrete surfaces.
Thanks
- Brazil
November 16, 2012
Can I make concrete stains by dissolving metals in acid?
Q. At the risk of sounding dumb, I'm an experienced stainer but have no access to stains or the chemical compounds referred to here. Stuck in the west indies. Can colours be cooked from raw metals rather than the compounds mentioned, i.e., can you melt iron in the acid to make a rust stain?
Adrian coulson- Castries, st. lucia, west indies
April 6, 2018
A. I found this info posted by Mr Mathis of Macomb IL on a
FineHomebuilding.com
page; it seems relevant to this conversation:
"I needed to repair a crack in a chimney and wanted the color of the new mortar to match that of the existing mortar. I had heard about using acid concrete stain for this purpose, so I called the local paint store. They could mix only gallons. I started researching the idea of making my own concrete stain and found this web page on the topic: finishing.com/242/29.shtml.
From some of the conversations on the web page, I gathered that I could put two parts muriatic acid (a common cleaner for concrete and mortar) into eight parts water to make a solution for concrete-coloring pigments. Wearing rubber gloves and eye goggles, I used a glue syringe to inject 4 cc of acid into 16 cc of water. (Always add acid to water to avoid splashing acid.) After that, I just needed some pigment.
Years ago, I read a tip in Fine Homebuilding about Mixol universal tints. I bought the basic kit, which comes with a color chart showing the different hues that can be produced with the 10 concentrated pigments. The lightest shade of #23 looked exactly like what I wanted, so I put about four drops of color #23 into my 20 cc of acid/water mix and tried it on concrete in my shop. It was a little too light, but about six drops more gave me the color I needed.
If you try this, follow all the instructions on the muriatic-acid container, and be sure to do a test in an out-of-the-way place."
The original research and info provided by:
Mr Mathis, Macomb, IL
- Phoenix, Arizona, USA
November 18, 2018
----
Ed. note: Thanks Rocko!
Q. I read on this website:
homeguides.sfgate.com/stain-concrete-iron-oxide-28067.html
about using iron oxides instead of iron salts. Have any here tried those? Maybe I'm going to make a test with muriatic acid and some pigmented iron oxides (red, yellow, green and blue), those are cheaper. Any experiences are welcome.
- Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia
March 10, 2019
A. 2 HCl + FeO = FeCl2 + H2O
Hydrochloric acid - approximately 74 g
Ferrous Oxide - approximately 71 g
Ferrous Chloride - approximately 127 g
Water - approximately 18 g
Adding more hydrochloric acid gives you an acid stain.
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
December 19, 2019
A. I am looking for acid stain formulas too. I found that the SDS sheets, safety data sheets, in PDF format for various commercial brands of acid stains show the ingredients and a formula. I don't know if the formula is by weight or percentages but it is a start. The metal salts are usually chlorides, plus hydrochloric acid which is muriatic acid, available inexpensively. I have ordered the metallic salts on eBay .
I have a 7000 sq feet horrible looking floor with patches and stains to camouflage and at 200 to 400 sq ft coverage ft per gallon, commercial stain is out of the question.
property manager - Waldorf, Maryland, USA
March 16, 2020
Q. Maybe you can help me--I now live in Huatulco, building a smaller house with smooth concrete floors. Plan to stain and seal, BUT, I have not found any Mexican retailers. Do you know of Mexican suppliers, maybe with connection with American companies? I have seen products demonstrated on Pinterest and youTube, mainly just products that are colored Muriatic acid along with sealers and protection.
Thank you for any help and referrals.
- Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
March 26, 2021
Ed. note: Rick, we'd be happy to change your inquiry to an RFQ/RFP where your contact info is made available to those sources you seek. Apologies, but posting public suggestions of specific products & sources is something we can't do (huh? why?).
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