Concrete Dye vs Paint: What Is the Difference

If you have ever stood over a dull grey concrete slab and thought, this could do with a bit of colour, you are not alone. But before you reach for the first thing that says “concrete” on the label, let us talk about the difference between dye and paint. Because it matters. A lot.

Let us start with paint. It sits on top. You roll it on, it dries, and that is your colour. It might look alright for a while, but the truth is it wears out. It chips, it peels, and the moment someone drags a chair across it or the weather turns, it starts to show its age. That said, paint can give you a more vibrant colour and will show off more of the surface texture, which some people really like. It is just worth knowing that those bold colours may not hold up as well over time. Paint is more of a short term fix than a long term solution.

Now concrete dye, that is a different story. Dye goes into the mix before the concrete is poured. It becomes part of the slab. The colour runs through the whole thing, so there is nothing to chip or peel off. Even if the surface gets a bit scuffed or worn down, the colour stays put. It is cleaner, stronger, and gives a more natural finish. You can pair it with whatever surface style you like such as brushed, stamped, or power floated, and then seal it to keep it looking sharp for even longer.

Dye is for when you want the colour to last as long as the concrete itself. Paint is for when you are after a quick win that may not stick around. And if you are putting time, money, and energy into the job, I always say go with what is going to hold up and look better over the years.

So if you want your concrete to stand out and stay that way, skip the paint shelf and give dye a proper look. And if you are still unsure, just ask. I am always happy to help pick the right thing for the job.