Stained concrete countertops are quickly becoming the most popular way to enhance the look and feel of concrete countertops. No matter what the theme of your room is there is a stain color that will complement it perfectly. Using an acid based concrete stain will give your countertop a rich, full, color that is reminiscent of exotic stone or marble. Most of the colors available are earth tones including many shades of browns, greens, and dark reds.

Stained concrete countertops are incredibly durable, and require very little maintenance. The colors will not fade or require re-application. The only upkeep that is necessary is to re-seal them every so often. This is by far the most cost effective and least time intensive way to produce beautiful looking countertops. Your guests will be blown away by their elegant, expensive look, and you will never have to tell anyone how affordable it really was.

The process of staining concrete countertops is no different than what we outlined in our guide on how to stain concrete floors. It will just be done on a smaller scale.

If your countertops are new then you will have little prep work in order to get them to be ready to accept the stain. If they are dirty of have any stains you will need to thoroughly clean them before you add the acid stain. A mixture of TSP and water should be able to do the job.

Before you apply the stain seal off the surrounding area with plastic and tape. You do not want the stain spilling or dripping anywhere it should not.

When staining concrete countertops it is essential that you wear all the proper protection. You are working with a mild acid, so make sure you wear rubber gloves, eye protection, a face mask, and a long sleeved shirt.

You will usually dilute the stain with water at a 1:1 ratio, but always be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the detailed process on how to apply their product. The best way to apply an acid stain to the countertop will be with a sponge. Working from one side to the other apply the solution in a circular motion. Work the stain into the concrete countertop, and make sure to go back over any areas that have any streaks.

Once you have completely covered the area, you must let it sit long enough for the chemical reaction to fully complete. This will vary depending on what brand of acid concrete stain you use.  After the proper time has elapsed it is time to neutralize the reaction and clean off any excess residue. This is easily done with a mixture of baking soda and water. For best results clean the area twice to ensure all the residue has been removed. You will now let the area dry for 24 hours. During this time it is essential that you let nothing touch the area.

Once your countertop is completely dry it is time to apply the sealer. Apply the sealer recommended by your stain manufacturer with a paint tray and small roller. Make sure you leave no streaks as these will be visible if left to dry. Give the first coat a few hours to dry and then apply at least two more. For an extra level of protection you can also apply a few coats of an acrylic wax finisher. This will protect your colors, while making the countertops very easy to clean up.

Now you know how to stain concrete countertops. Concrete acid stain is an easy and affordable way to increase the character of your home. With how easy this DIY project is, there is no reason to settle for boring gray countertops an longer.