GemTone Concrete Stain

GemTone Concrete Stain Decorative Color That Penetrates and Lasts

See full - Color Chart

Consolideck® GemTone Stain is a concentrated, water-reducible concrete stain formulated to transform dull gray concrete into decorative, low-maintenance finished flooring. Designed for contractors and trades professionals working on interior concrete surfaces, it penetrates and colors cementitious substrates without etching the surface or corroding nearby architectural metals. Its non-flammable formulation makes it safer to handle and store on active job sites compared to solvent-based alternatives.

Unlike acid-based stains that react chemically and can produce unpredictable results, GemTone Stain can be applied alone or layered over gray, integrally colored, acid-stained, or color-hardened concrete to achieve an unlimited range of colors. Its concentrated formula also reduces freight, handling, storage, and container disposal costs — a practical advantage on large commercial or multi-site projects.

Key Features & Benefits

Penetrating Colorant

GemTone Stain penetrates cementitious surfaces rather than sitting on top as a film or coating. This means the color bonds into the substrate, reducing the risk of peeling or flaking under foot traffic.

Non-Flammable, Water-Reducible Formula

The water-reducible, non-flammable formulation eliminates the fire hazards associated with solvent-based stains. This simplifies compliance with on-site safety requirements and makes the product easier to transport and store.

No Etching or Metal Corrosion Risk

Unlike acid stains, GemTone Stain will not etch the concrete surface or corrode adjacent architectural metals. Contractors can apply it in occupied or partially finished spaces without risk of collateral damage to hardware, framing, or decorative elements.

Layerable for Unlimited Color Range

GemTone Stain can be applied in multiple layers or over existing stain treatments — including acid-stained and color-hardened concrete — to build depth and achieve custom color effects. This flexibility supports a wide variety of decorative concrete specifications.

Concentrated Formula

The concentrated formulation reduces the volume of product that must be shipped, stored, and disposed of on site. For contractors managing multiple projects or large-scale pours, this directly lowers logistics costs.

Integrated System Compatibility

GemTone Stain is engineered to work within the Consolideck product system. After staining, concrete can be hardened and densified with Consolideck LS®, then sealed with the appropriate Consolideck protective treatment for a high-gloss, protective finish that enhances the final color.

Common Applications

Decorative Concrete Flooring

GemTone Stain is purpose-built for transforming plain gray concrete slabs into decorative finished floors in commercial, institutional, and retail environments.

Integrally Colored Concrete Enhancement

Apply over integrally colored concrete to deepen, shift, or layer color tones beyond what is achievable with a single integral pigment.

Acid-Stained Concrete Overcoat

Use GemTone Stain over existing acid-stained surfaces to add additional color layers or correct uneven acid-stain results.

Color-Hardened Concrete Finishing

Compatible with color-hardened substrates, making it suitable for tilt-up, precast, or dry-shake finished concrete surfaces requiring decorative treatment.

Multi-Step Consolideck System Applications

Use as the color stage in a full Consolideck system application — stain with GemTone, densify with Consolideck LS®, and protect with a Consolideck topcoat — for a complete decorative and protective concrete floor system.

Compatible Materials

• Cementitious surfaces (concrete)
• Gray concrete
• Integrally colored concrete
• Acid-stained concrete
• Color-hardened concrete
• Consolideck LS® (applied after staining as hardener/densifier)
• Consolideck protective treatments (applied as topcoat sealer)

Product Documents

• Product Data Sheet
• VOC Compliance
• Color Chart
• LEED Verification Letter
• SCS Certification

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can GemTone Stain be applied over an existing acid stain?
A: Yes. GemTone Stain can be applied over acid-stained concrete, either to layer additional color or to modify the existing hue.

Q: Will GemTone Stain etch or damage nearby metals during application?
A: No. The formulation is specifically noted to not etch the concrete surface or corrode adjacent architectural metals, making it suitable for use in spaces with exposed hardware or metal framing.

Q: Does GemTone Stain need to be used with other Consolideck products?
A: GemTone Stain can be used on its own, but it is designed to work as part of the Consolideck system — applied first, followed by Consolideck LS® for hardening and densifying, then a Consolideck protective treatment to seal and enhance the color.

Q: Why is a concentrated formula an advantage on commercial projects?
A: Concentrated product reduces the volume that must be shipped, stored on site, and disposed of after use — lowering freight, handling, storage, and container disposal costs across large or multi-site projects.