acid_stain

Acid Stain Tutorial

TRAINING ACID STAINING INSTRUCTION SHEET

We hope you find this information helpful. Staining is a practical way to beautifully enhance the appearance of concrete surfaces. Have fun with it!

INTRODUCTION
Acid stains are made from hydrochloric acid, wetting agents and metallic ions. When this solution is placed on concrete it colors the concrete by chemically combining the metallic ions with the particles in the concrete to form oxides. The finish won't fade or chip - it's permanent. Do a test area so you have an idea what you will get on the larger area.

This procedure is not a dye technique like staining leather or wood. The acid stains may not even appear to be the color they will produce. The English Red has a dark greenish tint yet turns the concrete a vibrant terra cotta as the metallic particles in the solution combines with the concrete.

APPLICATION
Acid stains, unlike paints, are not opaque - they are translucent. Some areas will be darker than others, similar to marble or flagstone. Along with the naturally occurring variations and marbling - any blemishes and imperfections in your concrete simply add character and charm. Even cracks look great! Some designers chip and scar floors before they are stained so that the floors have an aged appearance ... creating more "ambiance."

Newer concrete will need less stain than weathered concrete. Our stain is a concentrate - one gallon of water added to one gallon of stain will color about 400 square feet. The stains may be diluted with more water for more subtle shades. Concrete that is one week old may be stained with a solution of 6 parts water to 1 part stain.

To see if acid staining will work on your concrete prepare a test area. Hopefully it has never been painted or sealed. First, drop water on the concrete to see if it absorbs the water and turns dark. If it does proceed to test 2 which is to apply some stain in an inconspicuous area, like a closet or where carpet or appliances will eventually cover.

Apply the stain using non-metallic equipment: sprayers, brushes, brooms, buckets, etc. Choose cooler temperatures as opposed to the heat of the day. Think about the "look" you are after and either: spray the stain, scrub, lightly spray again and leave it (most mottled); or brush with a swirling figure 8 motion or use a mop or push broom (least mottled). If the solution doesn't fizz you may have sealed concrete. Let ft dry a minimum of 4 hours, sweep off the residue and hose off. Once wet the stained area will appear similar to a sealed floor. If the stain appears to have had little effect, your concrete is dirty, has been sealed or is too heavily aged to have the sufficient reactive materials. If you want more color, apply the stain once or even twice more using the same process.

Proceed with the entire area, always working "wet to wet." Spraying the acid stain, scrubbing in with a brush or push broom and then lightly spraying again to hide the brush swirls provides the deepest color. Remember, always work wet to wet. This is easier to do when temperatures are cooler or if you are in the shade.

Warning: Remember this is an acid. PROTECT yourself from accidental splashes, spills and fumes. Keep a 5-gallon bucket of water close by should you need to neutralize yourself or spills. Protect vegetation and other concrete surfaces. Don't inhale the fumes from the concentrate or your mixed solutions.

CLEANUP
Sweep off the residue with a broom. Even the residue may stain, so be aware where your rinse water and residue go. Rinse with clean water - 1 cup of ammonia per 5-gallon water to neutralize - continue to flush and rinse with water until the water is clear. Test with a white cloth.

SEALING
is recommended (when the floor is dry) to enhance the color and to protect the concrete. Because sealed surfaces can be slippery when wet we suggest using Sharkskin with the sealer for safety. Apply the sealer with a phenol core roller or with an airless or quality pump-up sprayer. We recommend a "Finish" be applied periodically to restore luster. Crystal Coat and Premier are the finishes we recommend. Just damp mop on, low odor, quick drying.

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