Garage floor previously etched. Stain?

[MattPerzan]

I have recently scoured the surface of an old garage floor. Years of paint, grease, oil, etc. All has been stripped and chiseled away and now power washed with a 3600 psi power washer. I then etched the concrete and power washed that a few times to ensure a clean and residue free surface. Now, I wanted to stain the concrete but I have read that acid staining is out of the question because of the muriatic acid used in the etching process. This leaves me with... water based stains? I really love the look of a stained floor and was hoping to see if anyone has had any decent results with water-based concrete stains. I see that there are a good number of products out there. Has anyone had any luck certain a stain or have a brand preference? SoyCrete looks interesting.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

How about a dye?

 

[MattPerzan]

A dye will work with old concrete? Does that have a similar effect to water-based acid?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Yes, it will.
Actually, more pronounced colors and a much larger color selection.

 

[48RON54]

I tried a concrete stain from HD and was not pleased with the results in my house. Some sections never did dry and I finally paid someone to tile over it. Whether it was my fault or the products fault, I don't know. I felt I followed the directions pretty well, but who knows. I think the results of those epoxy kits you see on this site are light years ahead of what you can expect out of concrete staining IMO. Whichever way you go, please share pics!

 

[msgross]

Is dye opaque or see through like a stain?

 

[MattPerzan]

In have seen some really bad reviews for both Behr and Valspar concrete stain. Most state that it looks more like a poorly diluted paint. Youtube has some pretty cool videos of results that could be expected with dyes though that make me want to try them. Has anyone used any brands that they like? Eagle?

 

[msgross]

You could always try Legacy Industrial... free shipping and a discount for members...