Staining Embedded Stones in a Concrete Memorial Sign

A "Lake Marion" memorial sign has 3/4-1" local stones embedded in concrete. Low contrast between stones and concrete needs enhancement without dyeing the concrete itself.

Recommended Approach: Brick Stain or Iron Oxide Paint

Brick Stain

• Iron oxide (rust) + potassium silicate binder
• Penetrates porous stone well
• Pigments added for color variation
• Long-lasting on stone/concrete

Iron Oxide Paint

• Used on pottery, less penetrating than stain
• Available in extensive earth-tone palette

Color Palette (Iron Oxide Range)

• Yellows: Light/dark yellow ocher, colonial yellow, curry, lemon
• Oranges: Apricot, Havana ocher
• Reds: Red ocher, Venetian red, brick red, burnt sienna, plum
• Browns: Clay brown, raw/burnt umber, terra cotta, sienna variants
• Greens: Nicosia green, Verona green earth, viridian
• Blues: Sky blue, ultramarine, lavender blue
• Neutrals: Titanium white, slate, pewter gray, natural black

Application Process

1. Test on one stone first
2. Clean stones thoroughly
3. Apply with small brush to stone faces only
4. Seal if desired for added protection

Stone Porosity Note

Sandstone/limestone absorb well; granite is dense and resists penetration. Test first.