Understated Elegance: A Modern Concrete Makeover with Ten Second Color

If you’re drawn to interiors that feel clean, contemporary, and quietly confident, Concrete Resurrection’s Ten Second Color system is your secret weapon. This acetone-based dye doesn’t just color concrete—it transforms it into a sleek, architectural surface with soft movement, layered depth, and a finish that feels both grounded and elevated.

Think smooth, satin-gray floors that echo polished stone. Warm taupes and driftwood browns that soften industrial edges. Or layered neutrals that shift subtly in the light, like weathered leather or brushed steel. The final look is never flat or artificial—it’s translucent, tonal, and full of character.

Whether you’re designing a minimalist loft, a modern farmhouse, or a boutique retail space, Ten Second Color™ gives you the ability to dial in a custom, high-design aesthetic that feels effortless. It’s not about loud color—it’s about quiet impact.

Let’s walk through how to prep, apply, and seal your way to a floor that looks like it belongs in a design magazine.

🧼 Step 1: Prep the Surface

Start with a spotless floor. Use CR-580 Degreaser, CR-590 Paint and Sealer Remover and CR-587 Floor Cleaner to remove dirt, oils, glue, or residues as needed. For smooth or sealed concrete, etch with CR-765 Surface Prep & Etch to open the pores and ensure proper dye adhesion - or mechanically open the surface with a concrete grinder.

Pro tip: If the floor has excessive old paint or stains, use a concrete grinder to expose clean substrate. Expect dust—mask up and ventilate.

🧱 Step 2: Patch Cracks & Imperfections - Optional 

Fill any cracks or rough spots with a concrete patch compound. Smooth it out and let it cure fully before dyeing. This ensures even color and a polished final look. Remember, small cracks can enhance the look and add a rustic charm to your floor.

🌡️ Step 3: Check the Temperature

Ten Second Color™ works best between 40°F and 95°F. If it’s too cold, warm the space with heaters. If it’s too hot, wait until it cools. Turn off fans and HVAC during application to prevent uneven drying.

For radiant floors, set underfloor heating to 60–65°F and switch it off before staining.

🎨 Step 4: Mix & Apply Ten Second Color™

• Pour your chosen Ten Second Color into acetone (per label instructions - can dilute up to 2x the amount for a lighter more subtle shade).
• Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Let sit for 1 hour.
• Use an acetone-rated sprayer—never electric mixers or standard garden sprayers.
• Remove filters, shake often, and spray in overlapping circular motions.
• Apply in thin layers to avoid puddling. Up to four coats can deepen the color.

For multi-layer or multi-color effects, wear spiked shoes to avoid footprints.

⏳ Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow to dry. Use a microfiber mop to gently remove excess pigment. Avoid walking on the surface until fully dry.

🛡️ Step 6: Seal the Floor

Apply two thin coats of CR-520 Inside Acrylic (water based, low odor, low shine sealer) or your preferred Concrete Resurrection sealer. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next.

✨ Step 7: Optional Wax Finish

For added protection, finish with CR-520Floor Finish or CR-52M Matte Floor Finish. This helps extend the life of your floor and makes maintenance easier.

🏁 Done!

You’ve just transformed your concrete floor with Ten Second Color™—fast, vibrant, and professional-grade. Whether you went with River Rock and Cream, or a custom blend, your space now has serious style.

*Acetone is flammable - take proper precautions when using on an interior application.