Concrete stain · water-based
PreStain Color
4.7 · 19 reviewsMade in USAA translucent, water-based stain that soaks in and reacts with bare concrete for rich, natural-looking color. Fifteen colors, deeper with every coat.
- Low VOC, practically odorless
- UV resistant
- Freeze-thaw resistant
- Made in USA
What it is
SEMCO PreStain Color is a translucent, water-based reactive stain that soaks into bare concrete and X-Bond and bonds with it, so the color doesn't sit on top like paint. It's for driveways, patios, pool decks, garage and basement floors, and walls, in 15 colors. It colors concrete without the fumes of a traditional acid stain.
- 15colors
- 200–300sq ft per gallon, 2 coats
- 12–24 hdry before sealing
- 50–90°Fto apply
How much do I need?
Sized for 2 coats at the low end of 200–300 sq ft per gallon, so porous concrete doesn't leave you short.
Work out what you need
Stain and seal your surface.
Pick the bare surface, enter the area and choose a sealer. We'll size the PreStain, the prep cleaners and the sealer for the same area.
Choose a surface and enter your area to see what you need.
Total
PreStain is sized at 200 sq ft per gallon at 2 coats, the low end of its 200–300 range. Sealers: Titan Shield Gloss 150 sq ft per gallon at 3 coats, Sealer MATTE 120 at 2 coats, Natural Shield 200 at 3 coats. Rough or very porous surfaces may need more.
- In stock · ships from Las Vegas, NV
- Free shipping over $99 · delivery time for your address shown at checkout
- 30-day returns
What it is
SEMCO PreStain Color is a translucent, water-based reactive stain that soaks into bare concrete and X-Bond and bonds with it, so the color doesn't sit on top like paint. It's for driveways, patios, pool decks, garage and basement floors, and walls, in 15 colors. It colors concrete without the fumes of a traditional acid stain.
Contractor or bulk order? Ask for trade pricing · 1-833-211-2297
01 / Where it works
Color for bare concrete.
PreStain goes on unsealed concrete and X-Bond Seamless Stone, inside or out, flat or vertical.
- Driveways & walkwaysRefresh faded or patchy concrete with an even, translucent color. Seal it for vehicle and foot traffic.
- Patios & pool decksUV resistant and freeze-thaw resistant, so color holds up outdoors through the seasons.
- Garage floorsStain first, then seal with Titan Shield Gloss or Sealer MATTE for a finish that takes traffic.
- Interior & basement slabsWater-based and practically odorless, so it's comfortable to use indoors.
- Walls & below gradeWorks on vertical and below-grade concrete, and helps firm up weak, dusting surfaces.
- X-Bond Seamless StoneAdds color to X-Bond surfaces before they're sealed.
02 / Which prep
Where it fits in the prep.
PreStain needs clean, open, unsealed concrete. New concrete takes Prep A, weathered concrete or deposits take Prep D, and oily slabs get Prep B first.
| Prep | Use it for | Products, in order | Mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep ABefore PreStain | New concrete, fully cured (about a month) · dirt and grime | Stone Soap | 1:4 |
| Prep BBefore PreStain | Grease, oil, weathering | Power Cleaner, then Stone Soap | Each 1:4 |
| Prep C | Unknown or non-water-based coatings | Power Cleaner, then Nu-Lift, then Power Cleaner | 1:4 · 1:1 · 1:9 |
| Prep DBefore PreStain | Bare concrete before stain · efflorescence, mineral deposits | Nu-Lift, then Stone Soap | Nu-Lift undiluted · Stone Soap 1:4 |
03 / Specs
The numbers.
A water-based reactive latex stain. It penetrates and bonds with the surface instead of sitting on top like paint.
Download the data sheet- Type
- Water-based reactive latex stain
- Finish
- Translucent; deepens with each coat
- Colors
- 15
- Coverage
- 200–300 sq ft per gallon at 2 coats
- Apply at
- 50–90°F, no rain for 24 hours
- Surface moisture
- 3% or less
- Before sealing
- Dry 12–24 hours
- Tools
- Sponge, brush, foam roller or airless sprayer (17 tip)
- Tested
- EN 13144 and ISO 4624 pull-off
- VOC
- Low VOC, practically odorless
- Cleanup
- Stone Soap and water
- Shelf life
- 5 years
Often bought with it
The full version
Detailed application instructions.
PreStain first, then the full prep for your surface. Every step, with the detail you’ll want while you’re actually doing it.
01 Clear the surface
You’ll need: Stone Soap · stiff nylon brush · pump sprayer
Prep A is for dirt and grime, and for new concrete that has fully cured (about a month).
- Sweep or blow off loose debris.
- Mix 1 part Stone Soap to 4 parts water.
02 Wash
- Lightly dampen the surface with water first — it stops the cleaner soaking deep into the pores.
- Apply the Stone Soap mix with a pump sprayer and let it sit 2–3 minutes.
- Scrub with a nylon brush or scrub machine.
- Rinse well and make sure no residue is left.
03 Dry, then coat
Let the surface dry completely before any SEMCO coating goes on — below 3% residual moisture.
| Use for | Dirt and grime · new concrete |
| Products | Stone Soap |
| Mix | 1 part Stone Soap : 4 parts water |
| Dwell time | 2–3 minutes |
| Before coating | Fully dry · under 3% moisture |
01 Mix both cleaners
You’ll need: Power Cleaner · Stone Soap · nylon brush · pump sprayer
Prep B is for grease, oil, weathering and tough build-up — and for EPDM, TPO, shingle and bitumen roofs, and for re-prepping cured SEMCO membrane before an extra coat.
- Power Cleaner: 1 part to 4 parts water.
- Stone Soap: 1 part to 4 parts water.
02 Degrease with Power Cleaner
- Lightly dampen the surface with water.
- Apply the Power Cleaner mix with a pump sprayer and let it sit 2–3 minutes.
- Scrub with a nylon brush or scrub machine.
- Rinse well until no residue is left.
03 Follow with Stone Soap
Repeat the same steps with the Stone Soap mix. It lifts the chemical residue Power Cleaner leaves behind and rebalances the surface pH.
04 Dry, then coat
Let the surface dry completely — below 3% residual moisture — before coating.
| Use for | Grease, oil, weathering · EPDM, TPO, shingle, bitumen |
| Products | Power Cleaner, then Stone Soap |
| Mix | Each 1 part : 4 parts water |
| Dwell time | 2–3 minutes each |
| Before coating | Fully dry · under 3% moisture |
01 Clear and dampen
You’ll need: Nu-Lift Cleaner · Stone Soap · nylon brush
Prep D is for efflorescence, mineral deposits and oxidation — basements, block, brick, stucco, weathered concrete — and for metal, which Nu-Lift etches so the coating bonds.
- Remove loose paint, dust and debris.
- Lightly wet the surface with water.
02 Nu-Lift, undiluted
- Apply Nu-Lift Cleaner undiluted and let it sit 2–3 minutes.
- Scrub with a nylon brush or scrub machine.
- Rinse well.
03 Stone Soap to finish
- Mix 1 part Stone Soap to 4 parts water, apply and let it sit 2–3 minutes.
- Scrub, then rinse until no residue is left.
Stone Soap clears the residue Nu-Lift released and rebalances the surface pH.
04 Dry, then coat
Let it dry completely — hours, not minutes — to below 3% residual moisture.
| Use for | Efflorescence, mineral deposits · metal |
| Products | Nu-Lift, then Stone Soap |
| Mix | Nu-Lift undiluted · Stone Soap 1:4 |
| Dwell time | 2–3 minutes each |
| Before coating | Fully dry · under 3% moisture |
01 Clean the surface
You’ll need: Nu-Lift Cleaner · Stone Soap · Power Cleaner if oily
- New concrete, fully cured (about a month): Prep A — Stone Soap.
- Mineral deposits or efflorescence: Prep D — Nu-Lift, then Stone Soap.
- Oil or grease: Prep B first.
- Let it dry completely — substrate moisture 3% or below.
02 Mask off
Mask anything that isn’t being stained. Pull the tape before it fully cures.
03 Thin, even coats
You’ll need: sponge, brush, foam roller or airless sprayer (17 tip)
- Stir well to mix the pigment.
- Work in small sections. Apply thin, even coats and don’t overload the applicator.
- Back-brush or use a pad straight away to remove puddles and spread the color evenly.
- Add another coat if you want deeper color — each coat increases saturation.
04 Dry, then seal if it takes traffic
Let it dry 12–24 hours, depending on temperature. Light foot traffic needs no sealer. For furniture, regular foot traffic, garages or vehicles, seal it with Titan Shield Gloss or SEMCO Sealer MATTE.
| Coverage | Qt 50–75 · Gal 200–300 · 5 Gal 1,000–1,500 sq ft at 2 coats |
| Temperature | 50–90°F · no rain for 24 hours |
| Max substrate moisture | 3% |
| Dry before sealing | 12–24 hours |
| Finish | Translucent · more coats deepen color |
Need a hand? Call 1-833-211-2297 or email info@semcoworks.com — the team will check prep, coverage and cure timing before you start.
Questions
The questions worth asking.
What is SEMCO PreStain Color?
PreStain Color is a water-based, reactive and penetrating color system that delivers rich, lasting color on interior, exterior, and below-grade concrete and masonry.
Does PreStain also strengthen the surface?
Yes. In addition to coloring, PreStain helps solidify and consolidate crumbling or weak concrete and masonry surfaces.
How much does PreStain cover?
One quart covers about 50 to 75 sq ft at two coats, with coverage depending on surface porosity and the depth of color desired.
Is PreStain eco-friendly?
Yes. It is a water-based, environmentally friendly stain that avoids the fumes and hazards of traditional acid stains.
What colors does PreStain come in?
It is available in a wide range of decorative concrete colors, from Grey Marble and Montego Stone to Espresso Bean and other natural tones.
Do I need to seal PreStain?
Not for light foot traffic. For furniture, regular traffic, garages or vehicles, seal it with Titan Shield Gloss or SEMCO Sealer MATTE after it has dried 12–24 hours.
What temperature can I apply it in?
Between 50°F and 90°F, with no rain due for 24 hours.
Can it go on sealed concrete?
No. It needs bare, unsealed concrete so it can soak in. Clean with Prep A, B or D first.
More questions? Browse every SEMCO FAQ.
Customer reviews
What customers say.
Stained our wood deck with their product and it came out great. Very happy with the result.
I ordered water proofing for my basement. This company sent me pre stain. When I explained that this was the wrong product, you refused my return. I used my last $100.00 for this water proofing for my basement. Your company is terrible. I rate you at a big fat zero, fir stealing from an elderly person.
We would like to clarify that the product shipped was the same product you selected and purchased on our website: Pre-Stain, not SEMCO Liquid Membrane. The product description was clearly listed at the time of purchase, and we fulfilled your order accordingly. Therefore, the claim that we sent you the wrong product is incorrect.
Our return policy clearly states that special-order products are not eligible for returns. This policy applies to your purchase, and we communicated this to you. Despite this, we went a step further and offered you a 15% discount as a gesture of goodwill, which you declined.
We understand that you may be unhappy with your purchase, but it is unfair to characterize our company as terrible for correctly fulfilling an order based on the product selected by the customer and adhering to our clearly stated return policy. We take our customers seriously and strive to be fair and transparent in our dealings, and we believe the facts of this situation speak for themselves.
We use this product and it works well. The staff at Semco are very helpful; they answer the call immediately and this product works well.
Color looked great.
Waterproofing made easy should be there slogan. I’ve been involved in the waterproofing industry in one way or another for more than 25 years and I have to say this product is shocking as far as ease of use and quality. If you really want to know how good this product is brush or roll it on an area that is rough concrete and then run your hand over the area that is untreated continuing onto the area treated after it has cured and you will see it is like glass. Good job.
Nice Color as ordered. Covered my 20x20 deck with about Have a bit left for next year touch up. Roller and pump spray are fast but wasted a lot. Use paint bush.
The product is a good product sprays well and even. We used it to finish our privacy fence. Didn't like having to pay more for the second 5 gal pail that was required.
Excellent product extremely easy to use
I had searched around for a good stain from Lowe’s Home Depot etc and found this stain on their website I placed the order for 5 gallon bucket it it was easy to apply with roller brushes vs pump spray
Pleasantly surprised was a great colour upon application dried quick and 2 coats on the deck and spindles
I purchased this based on the reviews we were very happy with this purchase
This product is nice to work with. Even having to stop and start the next day it blends in nicely. I followed the directions and put 2 light coats using a 2 inch brush, about an hour apart. Really looks good. The prep work took me longer than the actual staining. Cleaning, sanding, flipping bad boards over, more sanding and more cleaning. I waited 3 days for the deck to be completely dry. Water now beads up as it should. Highly recommend this product. This is the first time I have stained. Great product!!
We applied this to both sides of a 740 square foot cedar fence (1480 sq feet total) and couldn't be happier with the results.
My neighbors raved about this stain for years. Finally, I had to stain a gate I made on my porch as well as my deck that I power washed. I also decided to stain a fence I put up for my dogs around my pond.
Let me say... I am absolutely amazed.
I reluctantly ordered this instead of going to the usual big box store and getting some. Order arrived quick and undamaged. I had about 250 Ft. of 6 'wooden fence about a year ago. It was beginning to wear and I knew I needed to finish it in order to protect the wood. I have an old cambell hausfeld airless paint sprayer that I reconditioned and decided to give it a go. the stain is fairly thin so the sprayer had no problem spraying it. I used a 517 tip and used the medium pressure setting on my paint sprayer. I had to get the initial hang of it at first because it does take some practice to get the stain to not run all of the place. I used a 4 inch paint brush to quickly brush out and runs and make the surface look smooth and consistent. I only did one side since the outside faces the woods and its in the shade.
Easy to use product. Beautiful results. Excellent customer service. The new concrete gave a different result.
If you are looking for solid color, this is not your product. It is a stain, not a paint. I use it on the brick patio. Clean the surface well and roll it on with a paint roller. Let it dry,then use their clear sealer by again simply rolling it on. The sealer covers a large area.
Product did what it was supposed to do. I didn’t dilute it and used pump
Sprayers to apply it on my outdoor kitchen concrete counter tops. Used 3 different colors and came out looking just like a slab of granite. Will buy again for my garage floor :)
I used this in my basement after removing the carpet. After all the hard work of removing glue and preparing the floor, this stuff delivered. It looks amazing, was easy to use, and delivered on all the promises. I recommend to everyone! The key is preparing the floor to take the stain. If the stain doesn't work, you didn't get the floor ready. Get all glue and finish off first or it can't penetrate the concrete.
I bought this to stain a DIY concrete fire pit table that I built. I wanted the table top to have a dark rich color... And I was hoping that this black stain would turn it more of a dark dark charcoal... But at the end of the day it ended up turning it a very deep chocolate brown... Which in the end I'm very happy with so I can't really take any stars away for that. It's easy to use and you can control the shade by adding more applications to darken it up.
I really like this product and recommend it.
I applied the stain over 15 year old exposed aggregate concrete after power washing it and allowed it to dry for three days.