Concrete designs are one of the hot new trends for concrete patios, concrete floors, entryways, pool decks, and more. From expansive new homes with elaborate concrete driveways to budgeted one-room remodels showcasing a stunning stained concrete floor, the attraction is continuing to grow when it comes to using concrete for decorating. Concrete is no longer plain, grey and boring it is now thought of as a beautiful decorative element.

If you want to go beyond the subtle drama and subdued earth-toned palette of acid staining, consider using water-based stains, which come in a much broader spectrum of hues. Most manufacturers offer dozens of standard colors, including black and white and even metallic tints. Like acid stains, water-based stains (typically a blend of acrylic polymers and pigments) penetrate the concrete to produce permanent color, ranging from translucent to opaque depending on the product.