Concrete Staining 101

For over many years decorative concrete companies in Philadelphia have been providing decorative concrete services to a city known for its wealth, artistry and great real estate. Manned by experienced contractor professionals, among the services offered is concrete staining. Also called colored concrete, the main attraction of stained concrete is the distinctive outcome reached with a mixture of creativity and professional techniques and color combinations. The two different methods of concrete staining are acid or reactive stains and water-based/non-reactive or dye stains.

The phosphoric acid and/or mild hydrochloric acid with some inorganic metallic salts in the application of acid stains open the pores in the concrete. The salts react with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete to give blotchy, earth-tone colors, mainly reddish earth tones, greens and brown tones. The different shades and color intensity produced depend on the age of the concrete, its porosity and the amount of salt absorbed. It is suggested that at least two coats of acid stain will deliver best results, and as in any painting job, it is best to wait for at least 4 hours or until dry before re-coating.

The varying shades results in giving the entire flooring a stylish effect with its marbled or glazed/natural stone appearance giving it an expensive-stone- look making this type of concrete staining popular. After application of the stain, the floor needs to be washed with an ammonia solution to neutralize the chemical reaction and remove any acid remains. Once done, it can then be sealed with a professional grade concrete sealer. Unlike paint or other coatings, acid stain will last the lifetime of the surface it is applied to. Because of its durability and low maintenance, it is economical.

Water-based stains are generally used as an alternative to acid stains; especially on floors that will not accept acid stain or as an addition to an acid stain application. Water-based or dye stains the resulting color are much more consistent throughout the entire floor. They do not have the different and translucent colorings that are characteristic with acid stained floors. “What you see is what you get” because it does not have to rely on any chemical reaction to get the desired color. Instead, the color pigmented particles are absorbed into the pores by penetrating the cement surface. As a rule, water-based stains look best with at least two-coat. The first coat to penetrate and seal the concrete and because it is absorbed, it does not show much color. The second thin coat, applied 12 to 24 hours over a dry surface will already bring out the desired color. A third coat would intensify the color.

More and more people are adopting this method because of the variety of colors that are available than the acid stains. It is, also, easier to apply and does not need to neutralize the surface after application like acid stains. An added advantage, water-based stains or dye is free from solvents and acids and has, therefore, very low VOC (volatile organic compound) count, making it a product of choice for interior projects. It is ideal for exterior use, also, because it does not contain any toxic chemicals, which could damage the lawn as one would with acid stains.

Whatever method one chooses, it is best to leave the application to professionals who already have acquired the necessary skills and technique to produce fine-looking decorative concrete.

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