PROVEN MASONRY STAINING
Permanent.
Weather-Tested.
Maintenance-Free.
do-it-yourself
Whether you're a homeowner trying to boost your curb appeal, or a contractor looking to expand your business, our range of DIY kits are sure to fit your needs.
all-in-one
Each kit comes with everything you'll need to stain your project, including brushes, mixing cups and spoons.
support
Our team is here to help you with every step of the process. By sending us pictures of your current masonry, and what you want it to look like, we'll tell you how much of each pigment to use.
color theory
Our stains are transparent and natural, so the base masonry color will play a part in developing the color(s) to add to achieve your ideal outcome.
diy kits for homeowners
All-in-one kit for homeowners who want a complete DIY solution for fireplaces, exterior masonry projects and more. Covers approximately 100-250 sq ft depending on the recipe and project.
Business Starters
Think of all the mismatched masonry repairs and additions in your town, and no one to fix them. Take over this unmet need with guidance from the most knowledgeable experts in the business.
Concrete pavers Kit
All-in-one kit for concrete pavers covers approximately 250 sqft to boost your curb appeal or revive your patio. Over 30 colors to choose from to achieve your ideal look.
Industry Professionals
Sometimes you just can’t find materials that will fully match existing masonry. With this kit, you'll get better matches, improved appearances and avoid the dreaded punch list.
DIY'ERS TELL THEIR STORY
"Wow!! I am so happy with this product! I had the ugliest hearth bricks before using this product and now I love my hearth. It is a lot like painting with watercolors but it works great. The first photo is my hearth before. I cleaned the brick with water, a scrubber, and Sonett scouring powder and let it dry for a week before applying the stain. The first photo is my hearth before, and the second is after staining.
ADVICE I found mixing colors to be fairly easy. The instructions did not define how much powder to put in the water because it will depend on how bright you want the color. I found that about 4 teaspoons worked the best in the recommended water quantity for color mixing. I would apply many light coats to achieve your color. There was more than enough powder in the kit to likely color two hearths the size of mine. I am an artist and I am skilled at mixing colors, but I know that there is a number you can call and they will give you a formula to help you mix your color just right.
I would and likely will buy this product again. I have exterior brick that is the same ugly color and I can't wait to change it too!"
-Holly
BEFORE
AFTER
the water test
is your masonry a good staining candidate?
Absorption is key
Our stains are long-lasting because the pigments embed themselves into the masonry pores, like a tattoo would on your body. If the masonry is sealed or has low absorption, our stain will not be able to chemically bond with it well, and we do not recommend using our product.
To check your masonry's absorption, pour a little water on the wall. If the water beads off it and doesn't darken the wall, you have low absorption. If the wall absorbs the water, and the wall darkens until it is dry, your masonry is a good candidate for our proven masonry staining.
need advice?
Our professional color specialists are here to help you if you need assistance. Contact info@masonrycosmetics.com for a free consultation. If you want to get the process started early, here's what you can send us to help get you started:
Take close-up pictures of the water test if you're not sure of absorption. We'll be able to advise on your absorption.
Take pictures of your masonry that you're looking to stain. Take pictures 3 feet away, then more a couple steps back, and then from far away of the entire scope.
Send pictures of the brick color you're looking to achieve, or pull ideas of possible colors off the web.
how to stain Masonry
weather
The masonry need to be dry (with no rain for 24 hours previous or after) and warm (at least 50 degrees) for best results.
application
Once you've created your recipe and are ready to stain, make sure to stir the mixture well, and then drain excess liquid from the brush. Repeat the stirring and draining each time you re-dip.
test panel
Coming up with the right color for your project can be trial and error. Because of this, we highly advise that you create a test panel to ensure your recipe is what you want.
how-to videos
How-To Staining Videos
How-To Staining Videos
DIY Brick Makeover Stain Kit
Masonry Cosmetics - How to Apply Stain to Brick (practicing with water)
Masonry Cosmetics - Applying a Masonry Stain to Mortar DIY
step by step instructions
Nothing ruins the natural beauty of masonry than mis-matched additions and repairs. Think of brick staining as a tool or option to use anytime you need. “Brick” Matching 101 also applies to block, mortar and stone.
Step 1: IDENTIFY AREA NEEDING STAIN
This can be the entire exterior of your home or business, or it can be something as simple as one small exposed wall. Whatever it is, you wouldn’t be reading this guide if you didn’t already have the place in mind. The amount of area will define which kit/how much pigment you need.
Step 2: Check for absorption
The second step is to make sure your masonry will absorb water. We recommend testing your wall or surface before you purchase any materials. You can use a hose or spray bottle or just throw some water from a cup onto the surface. If the water beads up and the masonry doesn't change color, then it cannot be effectively stained by our product.
You may have some form of sealant applied to your surface. We recommend trying to remove any sealant with lacquer thinner. Repeat the water test, and if your surface retains moisture, your wall can be stained. However, some sealants may be too strong, so you can repeat the process with a commercial grade brick or concrete sealant remover to remove any sealant. If the wall still does not retain any moisture, then, unfortunately, a brick dyeing product may not be right for you.
If you're not sure if your masonry is absorbent - reach out! We ask for pictures of the water test, and we'll have a good idea of the level of absorption.
Step 3: buy a stain kit!
No matter the work that needs to be done, Masonry Cosmetics has a kit that can suit your color changing needs! All kits come with everything needed to stain, and more pigment or mixing solution can be ordered through our office.
Colorant Kit
Designed for use by homeowners for one-time use on projects. The kit will cover from 150-200 sq. ft, depending on the recipe used. The Colorant Kit is perfect for fireplace makeovers and smaller repair jobs on mismatched brick or brick repairs.
brickman stain kit
Designed for large projects and multiple uses, and will cover 300-400 sq. ft. depending on the recipe used. It's perfect for home makeovers or for use by contractors for use multiple times on jobs sites in order to quickly take care of punch list items.
restore pavers
Specially engineered for use on horizontally laid masonry, this kit can be used to restore or change the color of concrete pavers that can last year after year. With over 30 colors to choose from, your pavers will be rejuvenated in no time!
Step 4: Develop a staining recipe
Our expert staining specialists will help develop a starter recipe upon request - email pictures of the masonry and the color you’d like. If developing your own recipe, keep in mind:
1. Our stain is translucent, so the masonry color affects the final result. Think of the color wheel when creating a recipe. Example: To change red brick to burgundy, you’d add blue.
2. Take notes on your recipe so you can accurately recreate.
3. Start small with 1/2-1 level teaspoon of pigment. You can always add more, but can’t take it out after it’s been added.
Step 5: create a test area in a low visibility area
Coming up with the right color for your project is a process of trial and error. Because of that, we highly advise that you create a test area in order to test out both recipes for your color(s), as well as get a taste for what the end result will be.
Below you see a picture of one of our professional staining team's test areas, taped off to show the homeowner what the color match looked like. However, we recommend that you do your testing in a more innocuous area, in case the mix isn't right yet. If possible, we advise that you do it off the wall completely, if you have spare pieces of masonry you can test colors on.
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Step 6: Masonry Staining
For a tutorial on good staining technique, watch the above video. We advise you practice staining with water before doing the real thing!
Here are some staining tips to help you accomplish your project:
Make sure to drain your brush well! Think of it like the brick is drinking the stain - it needs to absorb into the pores to be effective. Very little stain is required to make a significant color change: don’t slap it on like paint!
Stain the whole brick in one smooth stroke to avoid creating lines from overlapping brush strokes. The side of the brush can be used to touch up parts that you miss with the single stroke.
For a tighter range of color, you’ll most likely stir, dip and drain the brush every 1-3 brick. For wider ranges of color, you’ll only stir, dip and drain every 4-7 brick. Re-dipping too often and not draining well enough are the leading causes of the product being applied too heavily.
Keep a wet cloth nearby to quickly remove excess product if you applied it too heavily, or in case you accidentally stain something you don’t want to.