Find the right masonry stain for brick with confidence. This guide highlights practical, purpose-built options for interior and exterior surfaces, from pre-mixed stains to concentrates you mix with water. The best picks are suited for homeowners tackling brick walkways, facades, fireplaces, or decorative walls, as well as pros planning large-scale jobs. Each product is chosen for color versatility, ease of application, and how well it complements brick, mortar, and stone textures. Read on to identify which stain fits your project type and climate.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Quikrete Concrete Colorant Bottle, Terracotta | DIY projects on concrete, mortar, and stucco | Adds durable color that won’t fade or chip |
| Cement Stain Concentrate – Mocha | Indoor floors, outdoor patios, walkways | Water-based pigment for layered color effects |
| Surecrete Eco Stain Water-Based Stain | Exterior and interior concrete with low VOCs | Professional-grade, safe for plants and animals |
| Cement Stain Concentrate – Onyx | Indoor/outdoor decorative concrete | Water-based, creates translucent, marbled finishes |
| Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint | Brick surfaces and fireplaces | Water-based, breathable whitewash look |
Quikrete Concrete Colorant Bottle, Terracotta
Brand: Quikrete. This colorant is designed for concrete, mortar, sand, stucco, and other cement mixes. It blends into dry mixes or mixed concrete to deliver a colored surface that resists fading, chipping, or wear. Best for DIY projects like decorative walkways, planters, and masonry features where a stable color is desired. Caution: color intensity may vary with porosity and concrete mix ratio, so test a small area first.
Cement Stain Concentrate – Mocha
Brand: Concrete Resurrection Store. This is a 32-ounce concentrate designed for indoor floors, outdoor patios, and walkways. It creates layered color effects that complement brick, mortar, and stone. Best for projects needing a natural, variegated look. Caution: the final color depth depends on concrete porosity and the amount of water used.
Surecrete Eco Stain Water-Based Stain for Concrete – 4 oz Tester – Pewter
Brand: Surecrete Store. This tester-size stain is ideal for choosing the right color before committing to larger amounts. It is water-based, UV-stable after sealing, and suitable for exterior and interior projects. The stain is zero VOC and environmentally friendly, with no acids or harmful chemicals. Best for testing color compatibility and small projects; not a complete color package for large areas.
Cement Stain Concentrate – Onyx (32 Ounce)
Brand: Concrete Resurrection Store. This 32-ounce concentrate is mixed with water to penetrate clean, porous concrete and achieve semi-transparent color rather than opaque paint. Best for interior floors, patios, walkways, and driveways where a translucent finish is desired. Caution: exact shade depends on substrate porosity and application technique. Choose this if you want color depth without full opacity.
Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint for Brick and Fireplaces
Brand: Giani Store. This brick-friendly whitewash paint is a water-based acrylic finish intended for brick surfaces and fireplaces. It requires dilution at least 1:2 with water to achieve full coverage and offers a breathable, low-odor coating. Best for achieving a lighter, classic brick look without full opacity. Limitation: whitewash may require multiple coats for even coverage on deeply textured brick.
Buying Guide
What type of stain should I choose?
Water-based stains like Mocha and Onyx offer easier cleanup, lower odor, and flexible color layering. For exterior brick and high-traffic areas, a UV-stable, low-VOC option such as Eco Stain helps maintain color and health of surrounding vegetation.
Do I want translucent color or solid coverage?
Translucent stains penetrate and color without hiding texture. Solid or semi-solid finishes cover more distinctly but can obscure brick detail. Consider the look you want: natural stone-like depth versus uniform color.
Interior versus exterior application?
Interior projects often need low odor and minimal VOCs, while exterior projects demand sun and weather resistance. Look for UV stability and compatibility with outdoor sealing products when choosing exterior stains.
Porosity and surface prep matters
Highly porous brick accepts more color quickly; non-porous surfaces may require additional prep or multiple coats. Always test on a small area to gauge absorption and shade before full application.
Testing before committing
Use tester sizes, such as Surecrete Eco Stain tester options, to preview color on your exact brick type. Testing minimizes waste and helps you determine whether to adjust dilution or layering strategy.
Application and maintenance considerations
Follow manufacturer directions for mixing ratios, drying times, and sealing recommendations. After staining, sealing improves durability and color longevity, but choose a sealer compatible with your stain to avoid color changes.
FAQ
- Is masonry stain the same as brick paint? No. Masonry stain penetrates the surface for color, while paint sits on top and can conceal texture. Stains preserve natural brick texture and porosity.
- Can I use stain on sealed or painted brick? Stains typically require some degree of porosity. If brick is sealed or paint-coated, prep or stripping may be needed for best color uptake.
- Will stain fade in sunlight? Most modern water-based or UV-stable stains resist fading well after sealing, but color may lighten over time in extreme exposure. Reapplication may be needed.
- Which product is best for testing color? The Surecrete Eco Stain tester is designed for color selection before purchasing larger quantities.
- Can I mix different stains? Layering different colors can create marbling or variegated effects, but test combinations first to avoid unintended results.