When selecting an interior concrete stain keep in mind that acid-based stains are good for high traffic floors due to their longevity, while water-based stains are easier to apply, require less cleanup and aren’t as toxic.
What are acid stains on concrete?
Concrete acid stains are a way to color concrete. But they work very different from a water based stain or paint. Unlike concrete paint or water based stains, acid does not sit on the surface of the concrete. Rather, it penetrates deep into the pores of the concrete and actually changes it’s color forever.
Are concrete stains safe?
And in some cases, these newer stain products are easier and safer to apply. Concrete stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. Because of concrete's porous qualities, they penetrate and react chemically in the concrete. Concrete stains become a permanent part of the concrete.
Can I stain concrete with aggregate?
Only the concrete portion of the surface will accept the stain. Staining concrete with aggregate should not affect the cost of the project. Stamped concrete is just as suitable for acid staining as broomed concrete and will run similarly in cost.
How to neutralize acid stain on concrete?
What is concrete stains?
How Much Does it Cost to Acid Stain a Concrete Floor?
How do I stain a concrete slab?
How long does it take for acid stain to penetrate concrete?
What color is acid stains?
What is a suitability test for concrete?
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What is the difference between concrete stain and acid stain?
Acid stains actually change the color of the concrete by permanently staining it. They're very durable and great for outdoor use. On the other hand, water based concrete stains act more like a paint. They sit closer to the surface and don't permanently change the concrete's color.
What is concrete acid stain made of?
Acid stains are chemically reactive and basically made of hydrochloric acid, blends of metallic salts, and water. Once the hydrochloric acid breaks through the tight cream at the surface of the concrete, the metallic salts get in and react chemically with the free lime at the surface of the concrete.
How long should acid stain sit on concrete?
Allow the acid stain to penetrate the entire concrete surface and fully develop its color for from 5 to 24 hours (check manufacturer's instructions for exact timing). The longer you leave the acid stain on, the deeper the final hue will be.
What does acid stain do to concrete?
Acid staining is a finishing technique for concrete that mixes water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. This mixture penetrates and chemically reacts with the hydrated lime in the concrete. The stain lightly etches the concrete surface, which allows the metallic salts to penetrate easier.
Is concrete acid stain permanent?
Acid Staining Acid stains are a reactive coloring process that penetrates into the porous concrete surface. This is probably the most permanent of all coloring options but is usually limited to eight colors.
Should I acid stain concrete?
4:296:23Important Things to Know about Acid Staining Concrete Floors ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThose manufacturers which carry artist grade stains it is suggested and recommended that. You neverMoreThose manufacturers which carry artist grade stains it is suggested and recommended that. You never acid wash or use an acid etching top product on your concrete. If you acid wash the concrete.
What happens if you don't neutralize concrete acid stain?
Note: If you do not properly neutralize the stain, then the sealer will lose it's bond, which will then have to be stripped and re-applied. If you leave too much residue you could have streaking or discoloration.
What neutralizes acid stain?
Neutralizing Acid StainPrepare baking soda and water solution using 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda per gallon of water.Spray or pour the soda and water solution on every inch of the floor.Move the solution around the floor using a squeegee.Scrub with a soft nylon bristle scrub brush where needed to remove residue.More items...
Do I need to seal concrete after staining?
To prolong stain life, stain manufacturers recommend keeping stained surfaces protected with multiple coats of clear sealer (outdoors) and a floor wax (indoors). A good sealer will provide other benefits as well, such as adding sheen to the surface and enhancing color intensity.
Can you acid stain concrete yourself?
Acid stains can give concrete a look of deep marbling, along with a color unlike any other type of available flooring. Acid staining your concrete surface can be a do-it-yourself weekend project, or you can have professionals come in and do the job.
How long does acid stain take to dry?
After the stain is applied, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. If the color intensity is not what you wanted, simply repeat the application process after the first coat dries.
Is it better to paint or stain outdoor concrete?
Concrete paint coats the surface with a thin film that forms on the surface. This traps moisture which damages concrete over time. Stain, however, colors the porous concrete surface without sealing it. This enables the free flow of moisture into and out of the surface.
Can you make your own acid stain?
Making a homemade acid-based stain is not recommended. It is usually best to leave it to a professional. However, if you buy the stain already made, then the project is much easier to tackle.
What is the best acid stain for concrete?
What Are Some of the Best Concrete Stains?VIVID Acid Stain. Regarded as one of the best acid-based stains both for indoor and outdoor use, the VIVID brand is highly regarded as a universally great choice. ... Kemiko Stone Tone. ... Concrete Resurrection. ... Surecrete Ecostain.
Which is example of acidic stain?
Acidic stains (dyes) are acidic in nature because they possess negative (anionic) charge on their surface on ionization. Acid fuchsin, eosin, and picric acid are examples.
Can you paint over acid stained concrete?
Unfortunately, stains that penetrate deep into the concrete are almost impossible to remove. When this happens, you can paint the floor to cover them up and beautify the look of the room. When painting, floor preparation is critical for successful adhesion of the paint.
What does acid stain do to concrete?
Unlike paint, which sits on the top of the concrete surface, acid stain penetrates the concrete and infuses it with a translucent tone that adds color while allowing the natural concrete to show through. Depending on the type of stain and technique chosen, various effects are available, including mimicking the look of hardwood planks or marble.
How much does acid stain cost?
Having acid stain professionally applied runs about $2 to $4 per square foot for a simple, all-one-tone application. Complex projects that involve blending colors or creating patterns and textures will run more—ranging from about $12 to $25 per square foot. Buying a gallon of stain for DIY projects can run in the neighborhood of $60 per gallon.
What to use to seal concrete countertops?
After staining, apply concrete surface wax to interior floors or concrete countertops. For concrete countertops, use a food-safe wax, such as carnauba, to seal the countertop and give it a lustrous sheen.
How long does it take for acid to penetrate concrete?
Allow the acid stain to penetrate the entire concrete surface and fully develop its color for from five to 24 hours (check manufacturer’s instructions for exact timing). The longer you leave the acid stain on, the deeper the final hue will be.
How to clean concrete with TSP?
Mix the TSP with water as directed on the container and apply the solution liberally to the concrete, scrubbing thoroughly with a heavy-duty push broom. If you’re working indoors, you’ll need a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water solution as you go. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with clean water .
How much does it cost to etch concrete?
If a contractor is handling the project, this will result in an additional fee. If it’s a DIY project, expect to pay about $20 for a gallon of concrete etching solution, such as Valspar Fast Prep (available from Lowes) to treat the concrete before staining.
What is the best way to neutralize concrete?
When the concrete reaches the desired color, apply an alkaline neutralizing solution such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), which you can buy at a hardware store, to stop the chemical reaction. This involves some elbow grease and a lot of water!
What is concrete acid stain?
Concrete acid stains are a way to color concrete. But they work very different from a water based stain or paint.
Which is better, acid or water based concrete stain?
Many factors are involved in determining which is best, acid vs water based concrete stains. But in general, both are considered better options than paint.
Why are water based stains more durable than paint?
Because water-based stains sit on the surface and don’t actually react and change the color of the concrete, they’re more delicate. They’re still more durable than paint but not nearly as tough as an acid. They’re also more opaque and don’t use as much of the concrete’s natural coloring.
Why use a stain on concrete?
Another benefit of using a stain is that they’re semi translucent. This means that you can see some of the concrete beneath the coloring. If you’ve got a concrete with aggregate stones that show, this can be a big advantage because the coloring looks more natural. Stained concrete is a unique look because it works with the concrete rather than simply covering it up with thick opaque color. Painted concrete looks very artificial.
What is the difference between water based and acid based concrete stain?
The main difference between an acid stain and a water based concrete stain is how they interact with the concrete. Acid stains have a muted more natural coloring. They penetrate into the concrete’s pores and interact with it’s natural coloring. Acid stains actually change the color of the concrete by permanently staining it. They’re very durable and great for outdoor use. On the other hand, water based concrete stains act more like a paint. They sit closer to the surface and don’t permanently change the concrete’s color. Because of this they’re colors can be bolder and more vibrant. They’re also less durable and better for indoor use. Which type of concrete stain is best depends on the project because they’re both great at doing different things.
Why is concrete earthy?
Although the colors are earthy because the stain works with the concrete’s natural coloring. Concrete is a porous material. However, water based stains are too thick to penetrate into it’s deep pores like an acid. So water based stains are more like a paint. They sit on top of the concrete’s surface.
What is the difference between stained concrete and painted concrete?
Stained concrete is a unique look because it works with the concrete rather than simply covering it up with thick opaque color. Painted concrete looks very artificial. Both acid and water based concrete stains work with the concrete’s existing color to varying degrees. Acid transforms it to permanently alter it’s color.
How long does concrete stain last?
You will need a top coat or sealant to keep the color fresh for as long as possible. With proper care most of the color should keep for a few years. The sealer may need a fresh coat sooner than you'll need to apply a new dye or stain.
How much does it cost to color concrete?
A colored concrete finish in light earth tones will run about $2.62 a square foot. Tack on about $0.40 per square foot for adding special color tones. Materials will cost about $3 per square foot, and a base labor projection is approximately $36 an hour to lay down the color.
What is the difference between dye and stain?
The development of synthetic dyes has widely increased the array of colors for decorating concrete flooring, walls and structures. Dyes are different from stains in that they contain very fine color pigments , along the lines of an ink solution that can easily breach into the tight construction of concrete.
Why do you need top coat on a stain?
A top coat or clear sealer should be applied to lock in the color because dyes are not UV stable and can fade within months without protection.
Can you put tinted stain on concrete?
The concrete is a very porous material and will immediately soak up stains or dyes, so be careful to not go in overzealous and create an uneven coat of color. If you are pouring new concrete, add the tinted stain or dye directly to the mix. You will need a top coat or sealant to keep the color fresh for as long as possible.
What is the difference between acid stained and water based concrete?
When selecting an interior concrete stain keep in mind that acid-based stains are good for high traffic floors due to their longevity, while water-based stains are easier to apply, require less cleanup and aren’t as toxic. Acid stained concrete floors have an old-world mottled look that blends well with stone and wood and helps bring a timeless appeal to your indoor spaces. Concrete floors colored with water-based stains will have more vivid, consistent coloring suitable to more modern interior designs.
What color is concrete stain?
Acid stains offer a variety of variegated earth tones, while water-based stains offer a broader range of hues, including black, white, yellow and orange .
HOW MUCH STAIN DO I NEED?
To determine how much stain you need for your project you will need to know the following:
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CONCRETE STAIN TO DRY?
Most stain manufacturers recommended a dry time of up to 24 hours. Many contractors find that letting stain dry overnight is sufficient and convenient for their schedule. If applying multiple coats of stain, allow for an hour or two of dry time in between.
How does acid stain work?
Acid stains work by chemically reacting with the concrete to change its color and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Use an acid stain if you want: Permanent color that won’t fade, chip or peel. Rich, natural color variations that bring character and distinction to your concrete.
What is water based concrete stain?
WATER-BASED CONCRETE STAINS. Water-based concrete stains are a newer, non-reactive option for staining concrete. Like acid stains they are UV stable and can be used indoors and outdoors, but unlike acid stains they offer a full spectrum of colors with longer working times.
What is the benefit of acid stains?
The primary benefit of acid stains is that once the reaction is complete the color is permanent and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Acid stains are translucent and produce a unique look every time depending on the condition of the concrete. The colors are limited primarily to earth tones and the acid in the stain must be neutralized to stop the reaction.
What is the pH of a mist?
The severity of damage depends on the duration of the exposure. In general, solutions and mists with a pH of 3 or less are a significant health concern. Contact with alkali liquids will generate heat. Contact with most metals will generate flammable hydrogen gas.
What happens when you react with water and metal?
Reactions with metals and water can liberate hydrogen gas and may form explosive mixture in the air. At high temperatures, toxic corrosive fumes of anhydrous gas may be emitted. Because fire may produce toxic thermal decomposition products, we a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in pressure-demand or positive-pressure mode.
Can mist cause tooth enamel?
Repeated and prolonged exposure to low concentrations of mist or vapor can cause discoloration and damage to tooth enamel, bleeding of the nose and gums, gastrointestinal symptoms, and chronic bronchitis and gastritis. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of liquid, mist or vapor can cause redness, swelling, sensitization, and pain (dermatitis). Metallic taste and garlic breath are signs of selenium absorption. No evidence of carcinogenicity in human studies. This product does not accumulate in the body.
What to know before acid staining concrete?
Before Acid Staining: Know Your Concrete. Prior to staining, a slab must meet the following criteria: Concrete must be free of debris, dirt and oils, paint, dry wall mud, adhesive, sealers, stains of any kind or similar materials. Acid stain cannot react properly with the concrete if these things are present.
How many colors are there in concrete acid stain?
Direct Colors Concrete Acid Stains are available in 10 standard colors. Use our Acid Stain Sample Trial Kit to test colors and our Design by Color photo gallery for color combination and technique ideas.
What Are Acid Stains?
Acid concrete stains are composed of a unique concentrated formulation of blended metallic salts in an acidic water-based solution. These metallic salts penetrate and react with the minerals in the concrete to deposit the colors into the concrete pores. Each color is composed of a complex proprietary mix that contains no pigments or resins. When highlighted with the proper sealer, the combination provides a natural and attractive glow that will not chip off.
How long does it take for acid stain to activate?
Different stains require varying amounts of time to activate and fully color the concrete, generally from 2 – 8 hours. See our Acid Stain Color Activation Times Chart for details. Be sure to check the acid stain color activation time before starting a project to ensure full surface coloring. For the most color from a given stain, spray another coat over the dried residue.
How many different colors of acid stain?
Acid stains typically come in 10 different colors. Acid stain colors are translucent and the overall effect has an element of unpredictability because the color outcome depends on the reaction between the stain and the components of your concrete slab.
How long does it take for concrete to be acid stained?
Newly poured concrete can be acid stained anytime from 20-28 days after the pour, or once the concrete has achieved a uniform light gray color. Older, excessively power-washed, or mechanically-profiled concrete may not react with acid stains. Concrete acid stain does not stain rocks, sand or aggregate.
How to get acid stain out of plastic?
If you'd lile a darker, more even tone, brush the acid stain into the surface using consistent circular strokes. If using a brush, spray on a second coat to eliminate any brush strokes on the surface unless that is the desired finish.
How to neutralize acid stain on concrete?
Once your concrete has attained the desired hue, we apply an alkali solution to neutralize the acid stain. We use a push broom to scrub as we apply this solution.
What is concrete stains?
Water-based stains are a combination of acrylic, pigments, and water that produce permanent colors when applied to the concrete. This composition contains fewer chemicals compared to acid stains.
How Much Does it Cost to Acid Stain a Concrete Floor?
Acid staining concrete costs range between $7 and $15 for every square foot. Depending on how simple or intricate your project is, we charge anything between $2 to $25 per square foot for our services.
How do I stain a concrete slab?
We then dilute the acid stain according to the product manufacturer’s guidelines. Start spraying from one end of the concrete slab moving towards the other end. If it’s interior places like your garage, we begin with the corners away from the entrance as we move out using a pump sprayer. We also use paintbrushes to reach hidden sections of your concrete.
How long does it take for acid stain to penetrate concrete?
Again, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines and your requirements, we give the stain five to 24 hours to penetrate the concrete. The longer it stays, the deeper the staining goes into your concrete. Once your concrete has attained the desired hue, we apply an alkali solution to neutralize the acid stain.
What color is acid stains?
The chemical reaction that happens here results in a range of earth colors like browns, terra, tans, cottas, subtle greens, and blues.
What is a suitability test for concrete?
A suitability test often comes into play if we suspect that your concrete is too damaged or has a lot of moisture content. A concrete stain should be used on a dry concrete surface or one with low moisture emission.
