Comparison Chart of Concrete Coloring Products

Color options available (See these sample color charts)
Acid Stain	Water-Based Stain	Concrete Dye	Integral Color	Dry-Shake Color Hardener
Limited to earth tones and soft blue-greens	Nearly unlimited; different colors can be mixed to create custom hues	Nearly unlimited; colors can be mixed or diluted	Limited to earth tones and pastel shades	Comes in a wider array of hues than integral color, but tones are more muted than dyes or water-based stains
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Yes	Yes	Check with the manufacturer. Not all dyes are UV-resistant.	Yes	Yes
Can be applied to new or existing concrete
Yes	Yes	Yes	New concrete only	New concrete only
Can be applied to cement-based overlays
Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Ease of application and cleanup
Poor After application, surface must be scrubbed to remove stain residue and to neutralize the acid.	Good No neutralization or rinsing is required; application tools can be cleaned with soap and water.	Good No need to clean the slab after application; dye particles are very fine and absorbed into the surface.	N/A	Poor Must be hand broadcast, and can be labor-intensive and messy to work with.
Application tool requirements
A low-pressure sprayer, or brushes or sponges for detail work. All tools must be acid-resistant, with no metal components.	A low-pressure sprayer, roller, brush or sponge	A low-pressure sprayer, roller, brush or sponge	N/A	A bull float, to work the hardener into the surface
Performance
Excellent Because they penetrate the concrete surface, most acid- and water-based stains have excellent UV stability and wear resistance.		Good Some dyes are not recommended for exterior use because they can fade when exposed to direct sunlight.	Excellent The color goes through the entire slab and will not wear away.	Excellent Improves the strength and density of the concrete surface; also UV resistant.
Are safety precautions required?
Yes May contain corrosive components that can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation. Wear impervious gloves and boots, eye protection, and a facemask to prevent inhalation.	No Water-based stains typically have a low VOC content and are safe to apply without concern for odors or toxic fumes.	Yes, if solvent-based Solvent-based dyes are flammable and can produce hazardous vapors. For projects in occupied spaces or where ventilation is poor, use a water-based dye.	No	Yes Airborne powder can be harmful to breathe. Wear a respirator or facemask when working with these products.