SLABHARD® SLABSTAIN™ is a professional-grade, water-based coloring system that penetrates deeply into porous substrates. Engineered for concrete flooring contractors and commercial application teams, it delivers reliable color consistency across interior and exterior environments. As high-performance concrete floor coatings, the combined stain base and color concentrate provide a safer and more predictable alternative to traditional acid stains.
Intended Users & Applications
Concrete flooring contractors, facility maintenance teams, and commercial painters use this system to color cementitious overlays, straight concrete, clay pavers, brick, block, and natural porous stone. It performs exceptionally well in both residential and commercial spaces requiring decorative yet durable finishes. Do not use this product on wood surfaces or substrates previously sealed with epoxy, polyurethane, or silicone.
Problems This Product Solves
- Provides consistent color results without the unpredictable chemical reactions typical of acid stains.
- Penetrates deep into the substrate to prevent the flaking and scratching common with inferior water-based products.
- Resists fading and discoloration in exterior applications through a highly UV-stable formulation.
- Eliminates the need for hazardous acid etching and neutralizing steps during the coloring process.
- Allows contractors to build and customize color layers precisely to achieve uniform or mottled aesthetic effects.
Key Features & Benefits
- Water-Based Formulation: Offers a safer application process with low VOCs and simple soap and water cleanup.
- Small Particle-Size Resin: Absorbs deeply into porous concrete and masonry surfaces to ensure long-lasting color retention.
- Non-Reactive Pigments: Delivers exact and repeatable color tones that contractors can rely on for large or phased projects.
- High UV Stability: Protects the finished surface from sun damage to maintain vibrant color in outdoor architectural coatings applications.
Performance Characteristics
- Coverage rate of approximately 300 square feet per gallon for main colors
- Coverage rate up to 1,000 square feet per gallon for highlight colors
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) rating of 55 to 58 grams per liter
- Dry to touch in four hours under standard ambient conditions
- Application requires a minimum substrate temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Available in 12 distinct earth-tone color concentrates
System Compatibility & Use Context
SLABHARD® SLABSTAIN™ operates as a two-part coloring system requiring the addition of a SLABSTAIN™ Color Concentrate into the SLABSTAIN™ Stain Base. Contractors must shake the combined mixture thoroughly before application without adding water. This product requires a porous substrate to penetrate effectively and will not adhere to surfaces previously coated with epoxy, polyurethane, or silicone sealers. After the stain dries completely, the resinous flooring systems require an appropriate clear topcoat to protect the color layer from traffic and wear.
Installation & Application Overview
Proper surface preparation is critical for success. Installers must ensure the substrate is clean, porous, and free of all existing coatings, sealers, curing agents, rust, and efflorescence. When applying to standard concrete, dampen the surface lightly with clean water prior to the first coat to prevent streaking. For cementitious overlays, apply the stain to a dry texture coat. Contractors can apply the material using a sprayer, grout sponge, or brush by building up thin layers until achieving the desired uniform or mottled effect. Do not allow the stain to puddle. Protect the newly stained area from water for a minimum of 48 hours to ensure proper curing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SLABHARD® SLABSTAIN™ take to dry?
The stain dries to the touch in four hours under standard conditions. Overnight drying is highly recommended before applying additional layers or a clear sealer.
Can I apply this stain over an existing sealed floor?
No. The substrate must be porous for the stain to penetrate. It will not adhere to surfaces containing existing epoxy, polyurethane, or silicone sealers.
Do I need to add water to the stain mixture?
No. You only mix the SLABSTAIN™ Color Concentrate directly into the SLABSTAIN™ Stain Base. Adding water alters the formulation and compromises performance.
Is this product suitable for exterior concrete patios?
Yes. The formulation is UV stable and resists fading or discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight.
How do I prevent streaking when applying the stain?
When applying to bare concrete, lightly mist the surface with clean water before putting down the first coat of stain. Use a fine mist sprayer and avoid letting the product puddle.
SLABHARD® is a shared product brand of Star Step Performance Coatings Group available through both Desert Polymer Flooring and Alta Paints & Coatings, delivering high-performance flooring materials and the SLABSEAL™ AutoShield system.