Best Concrete Stain for Brick Surfaces: Easy, Eco-Friendly Colors for Brickwork
Direct answer: for brick and concrete-brick combos, water-based or semi-transparent stains offer safer application, better color control, and lower odor. This guide focuses on five top options that balance ease of use, durability, and suitability for brick-adjacent concrete areas. The buyers most likely to choose these products include DIY homeowners staining brick pathways, contractors finishing brick patios, and property managers upgrading curb appeal on exterior brickwork. Below is a quick comparison of the five selected products to help decide which is best for your project.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Stain Concentrate Just Add Water (Mocha) – Concrete Resurrection | Medium brown, decorative brick and concrete blends | Water-borne concentrate with marbling/mottling options for variegated finishes |
| Concrete Stain Concentrate Just Add Water (Onyx) – Concrete Resurrection | Low-light or dark-toned finishes on concrete and brick areas | Same water-borne formula with deep Onyx shade, versatile layering |
| Surecrete Eco Stain Water-Based – Titanium Gray | Interior or exterior projects requiring low odor and VOC-safe finish | Professional-grade, UV-stable, zero-VOC formula |
| Walttools Tru Tint (Storm) – 1 Quart | Decorative, customizable color with easy dilution control | Water-based, low VOC; adjustable color depth for mottled looks |
| Concrete Stain Concentrate Just Add Water (Onyx) – Concrete Resurrection (8 oz) | Smaller projects or test applications | Same base formula in a smaller size for precision work |
Concrete Stain Concentrate Just Add Water – Mocha
Brand: Concrete Resurrection. Features: Water-borne, water-reducible concentrate; ideal for floors, pool decks, patios, driveways; creates marbling and mottling by layering colors. Best for achieving a natural stone-like finish on brick-and-concrete mixes. Caution: dye depth and layering require careful application to avoid uneven saturation on brick joints.
Concrete Stain Concentrate Just Add Water – Onyx
Brand: Concrete Resurrection. Features: Same water-borne concentrate; Onyx shade for darker tones; suitable for layering to create depth. Best for deep, dramatic brick-and-concrete combos. Caution: darker colors can emphasize surface imperfections unless properly prepared.
Surecrete Eco Stain – Titanium Gray
Brand: Surecrete. Features: 4 oz tester size; water-based, semi-transparent; UV-stable and zero VOC. Best for deciding color before full application and for projects that require a low-toxicity approach. Caution: tester size may not fully represent final coverage on large brick surfaces.
Walttools Tru Tint Storm – 1 Quart
Brand: Walttools. Features: Water-based, low VOC; 40 color options; adjustable color depth by dilution; designed for decorative applications on concrete, pavers, and stone. Best for custom, layered brick finishes. Caution: color results depend on base concrete porosity and application technique.
Concrete Stain Concentrate Just Add Water – Onyx (8 oz)
Brand: Concrete Resurrection. Features: 8 oz size; A coat-based reference for color testing and small-area projects. Best for controlled, precise color application on brick edges or sample panels. Caution: small size requires careful measuring for larger surfaces.
Buying Guide
What should you consider before staining brick and adjacent concrete?
Finish Type and Color Depth
Choose between semi-transparent, translucent, or solid-looking finishes. Water-based concentrates offer flexibility to layer colors for mottled, marbled effects that look natural on brick textures.
Project Size and Preparation
For large areas, select a product with a proven, uniform application like a water-based stain. For small patches or testing color depth, use a tester or 8 oz samples to preview results on brick and concrete alike.
Safety and Environmental Impact
Low-VOC formulas reduce odor and environmental impact. Water-based products are generally safer for interior projects and for settings near plants or pets.
Durability and Maintenance
Stains that are UV-stable and sealable tend to resist fading and wear in exterior settings. Plan for a sealing step after staining if you want enhanced durability and easier cleaning.
Application and Layering
Layering different colors can create natural variegation. If you mix or dilute colors, test on a sample board first to predict the final look on brick and concrete.
Choosing By Use Case
- Best for large exterior brick-and-concrete surfaces: water-based concentrates from Concrete Resurrection or Walttools.
- Better for testing color before full application: Surecrete Eco Stain tester.
- Choose this if you want deep, dark tones and depth: Onyx shades from Concrete Resurrection.
- Avoid this if you require high heat resistance without color change; stains are primarily cosmetic and may still fade without sealant.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a stain concentrate and a ready-to-use stain?
Answer: Concentrates require dilution with water and allow color layering, while ready-to-use stains come premixed and ready for immediate application. - Can these stains be used on brick alone?
Answer: Yes, many options are suitable for brick surfaces, but tests on a sample area are recommended to predict color on brick textures. - Do I need a sealer after staining?
Answer: Sealing helps protect color and extend durability, especially for exterior surfaces exposed to sun and weather. - Are these products safe for indoor use?
Answer: Water-based and low-VOC formulas are generally safer for indoor use when ventilation is adequate. - How should I prepare brick and concrete before staining?
Answer: Clean the surface, remove loose material, and allow it to dry completely before applying stain. - Can I achieve a marbled look on brick with these products?
Answer: Yes, layering different colors or diluting shades can create marbling and mottling effects.