How to Use Liquid Dyes for Concrete Stepping Stones

Using liquid dyes for concrete stepping stones is super easy and a fun way to add color to your DIY garden projects. Quickrete offers several colors — I like Gray and Terracotta, but pick the one you love. Keep in mind that the color will appear about half as vivid when dry as it does when wet.

Materials You’ll Need

• 80 lb bag of Quickrete concrete mix

• 10 oz container of liquid concrete dye

• Mixing bucket with a measuring scale

• Mixing container (tub or wheelbarrow)

• Mixing tool (hoe, shovel, or cement mixer)

• Safety gear: gloves and glasses

Pro Tip: Because liquid dyes can leave color behind, it’s a good idea to use a separate container or mixer for colored batches. I have had some trouble getting all of it out of the mixer.

Here is a video of some Sunflower stepping stones being made and colored with liquid dye.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pour 3 quarts of water into a bucket with a measuring scale.

2. Add half the color (5 oz) and mix thoroughly.

3. Pour the colored water into your mixing container.

4. Start adding your concrete mix. If it’s too dry, add a little more water — you want a consistency similar to oatmeal.

5. Mix until the color and concrete are fully combined.

And that’s it — easy, right?

How Much Does Liquid Color Cost?

Using our stepping stone molds, here’s the cost breakdown for adding color:

• A 10 oz container of liquid dye can color two 80-lb bags of Quickrete, enough for 10 - 12-inch stones. Cost per stone: $1.10.

• For 16-inch stones, the cost is about $2.70 per stone.

The color is integrated throughout the stone, so even if it chips, the color remains the same. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also permanent and vibrant.

Ready to Make Your Colored Stepping Stones?

Browse our unique stepping stone molds

Want to read more about concrete molds? How to Acid stain them, how to make stepping stones?