Staining Concrete: How To
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 Not to be confused with color-impregnated concrete, stained or colored concrete offer a wide variety of colors and patterns. The results are limited only by the skill and creativity of those involved in the staining process. Because of concrete?s porous qualities and neutral gray color, it is a blank canvas for topically applied color. The process uses acid-based chemical stain to create rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling wood, natural stone, marble, or even leather. The results are warm looking and natural. Staining can be done on cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more. It can be done in conjunction with scoring or stamping to provide more texture. Whether new construction or upgrading an old slab, staining is an easy way to convert a drab unattractive surface into an eye-catching low-maintenance surface. Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. Concrete Stains work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acids in the stain etches the surface and allow the metallic salts to penetrate in adding color.. The stain is not like a paint coating that sits on top of the concrete, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete. Although is can fade or chip, it is very durable. One nice feature of concrete stains is the natural variations in the color over the surface. The acid-based stains are translucent and the color varies depending on the base color and condition of the concrete. Each concrete slab will be unique. Every slab accepts the stain in varying degrees of intensity, creating natural color variations that bring character and distinction to each project. Because all stains are based on a gray background, the finished product is limited to earth tones like tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens. To get brighter colors, you can add dyes to concrete. Dyes are solvent-based product that can produce soft pastels to vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. Once the floor has be stained and dyed, most people prefer to have it polished. Using special equipment contractors can grind the surface of concrete to produce a high-gloss shine that never need waxing or coating. This explains the recent explosive use of stained and polished concrete in the retail world. Although the concrete can still take on more stains including food stains, the new stains simple add to the complex finish of the concrete. Increasingly, homeowners are adding high-luster stained concrete floors to their wish list for their homes. By combining different techniques like staining, dying, stamping, storing, and polishing, you can get a truly unique organic feeling floor. The information on this site is provided for reference only and is provided "AS IS", "AS AVAILABLE" with no guarantee of accuracy. Information comes with no warranties, express or implied. Use the information from this site at your own risk. See our disclaimer for more details. |