Stained Concrete
Stained Concrete
Stained Concrete is fast becoming a cost effective alternative to tile or carpet because of the beautiful finishes that can be achieved. Not only does stained concrete reduce the amount of airborne allergens that are associated with carpet, but provides an elegant aged look that is a great conversation piece.
Stained Concrete is fast becoming a cost effective alternative to tile or carpet because of the beautiful finishes that can be achieved. Not only does stained concrete reduce the amount of airborne allergens that are associated with carpet, but provides an elegant aged look that is a great conversation piece.
When it comes to staining concrete there are several types of stain that can be used depending on the application:
Acid Based Stains- Acid based stains are the most common among the concrete stains. Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Like stains for wood, acid-based stains are translucent and the color they produce will vary depending on the color and condition of the substrate they are applied to. Each concrete slab will accept the stain in varying degrees of intensity, creating natural color variations that bring character and distinction to each project. What acid stains don't offer is a broad color selection. You'll mostly find them in a limited array of subtle earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens. To see complete step by step instructions visit Kemiko's guide or click here for Kemiko’s Acid Stain Color Chart .
DIY Rating- 5.
Water Based Stains- Water based stains, unlike acid stains, are not reactive and provide topical colorant. They come as a concentrate that gets mixed with water making them more user friendly than acid based stains. They can be applied to give an opaque finish or can produce a transparent look similar to that of acid stains. Concrete artists enjoy using water based stains because the colors provide a truer finish. A leading manufacturer of water based stains is Smiths Paints. To find out more click here or to see a color chart click here (Link).
Water based stains can be applied via airbrush, high volume low pressure unit (HVLP), production gun, pump (bug) sprayer, sea sponge and traditional bristle brush. For best results, create a “mist” of Smith’s Color Floor on the intended surface.
DIY Rating- 2.
Solvent Based Stains- Solvent based stains contain pigment that is mixed with a penetrating solvent to color concrete surfaces. Dye N Seal is one of the main producers of solvent based stains. A small container of powdered pigment is mixed with one gallon of acetone and can be applied through and HVLP gun or a sprayer that is fitted with solvent resistant gaskets. Solvent base stains can be used in conjunction with acid based stains to touch up any areas where the stain may not have penetrated. Click here to see Dye N Seal’s color chart or here to browse Dye N Seals product lines on their website.
DIY Rating- 3.