ACID STAIN

How much stain do I need?
One gallon of liquid will cover about 400 sq. feet. We recommend two coats of stain, so for a standard application, we suggest one gallon of stain for every 200 sq. feet of surface. If diluted, expand the sq. feet according to the ratio of dilution (if one part stain, one part water, your coverage rate for two coats would be 400 sq. feet per gallon). If your surface is 1000 sq. feet, you will need 3 to 5 gallons of stain. You can always order more if you need it, but if your time to complete the project is limited, 200 sq. feet per gallon is the safe a quantity to order.

How strong is your stain, or is your stain watered down?
No, we do not cut our stain with water or dilute it. You will find our stains hold as high a mineral load as we can manage to suspend in the acidic liquid for maximum strength, consistency and stain life.

Can I cut this stain with water?
Yes, our stains can be cut with the same effectiveness any other and better than most. Cutting the stain generally lightens the color effect, and for stains like Malayan Buff and Black causes predictable, interesting effects not normally achieved straight. We feel each slab needs small batch testing to ensure predictable project results when cutting. This is where the art comes in!

Can I stain the concrete and NOT seal it?
No! Unsealed decorative concrete is a blight on the landscape and you will not like it! The sealer closes the pores of the concretes and prevents the concrete from spitting its oxidized matter on the surface and destroying the look of your color! Sealer is as important as the coloring agents in a decorative finish.

Can I do this myself?
Read our how- to acid stain document. If you think you can do this, then you can! If you're still not sure, call us!

Why are there only eight colors?
Acid stain is a natural process determined by minerals suspended in the liquid, only certain natural colors are created from this process. The colors you'll find are the colors we see from natural oxidation in the earth.

Do we have to leave the house to do this?
No, but if you occupy the house, be sure and use the water based sealer option indoors, as it is less smelly.

How close are the color charts to the final color I will receive?
Relatively close. Every slab of concrete stains differently, but a given color is very predictable inside the range of colors described. If you use English Red, your floor will be English Red within a range of oxidized reddish brown tones. The color charts are to give you a good idea what your color will be. This is not a paint and contains no pigment, it's a chemical reaction that produces predictable color ranges.

Why does my concrete look white/green/yellow after I put the stain on?
Don't panic! This is the residue formed by the chemical reaction, it will be removed. See the HOW TO STAIN document!

What's the best method of applying stain?
A simple plastic pump sprayer set to mist, and pointing down to void drips is the method we recommend.

Is it permanent? Can I change it later?
Yes, it is permanent, and yes you can change it later!

I acid stained my patio a few years ago and now the color seems to be disappearing, what's going on?
You need to reseal the surface to maintain a new appearance. Indoors, you maintain the finish with wax as outlined in the How-To document and the maintaining concrete section.

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SEALERS

Why do I have to seal my concrete?
Sealing the concrete preserves the color from efflorescence which gives the concrete a pale, chalky appearance. Decorative or colored concrete has to be sealed!

What is the difference between water based and solvent based sealers and which should I use?
Basically the solvent based sealer smells for two or three days and generally shouldn't be used inside occupied premises. The water based sealer has much less odor for a few hours and applies in a milky white form, drying to clear. Both provide durable finishes and have easy maintenance. The solvent based is generally regarded as the tougher more durable option. SOLVENT BASED SEALER IS NOT AVAILABLE IN CALIFORNIA .

How long does the sealer last?
In most outdoor applications, the sealer will maintain the color for 2 to 4 years. Amount of direct sunlight and weather conditions, de icing agents etc are important factors in determining length between seals. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAINTAIN OUTDOOR DECORATIVE CONCRETE, PLEASE DO NOT GET DECORATIVE CONCRETE. Ugly decorative concrete is bad for the entire industry! The seal coat is virtually the only maintenance decorative concrete requires, and is very easy and inexpensive to apply and maintain, costing considerably less to maintain than the average lawn. Indoors, by properly maintaining a wax coat, the sealer will not need to be replaced. (See below how to maintain indoor sealed surfaces.)

How many coats do I need to apply?
We recommend two to three thin coats( if North/South first coat, East /West second to avoid streaks). This allows for faster curing and smoother, better appearance. Dependent on the sealer a fourth coat may be needed to increase the gloss level.

How should I apply the sealer and what should I use to apply it?
You can spray, roll or apply with a wax or sealer applicator. Click Here for sealing instructions.

What can I do to maintain the sealer and the new glossy finish indoors?
A thin water based acrylic wax is the key to preserving the new look of indoor decorative concrete. Depending on the amount of foot traffic, once or twice a year is enough for most residential applications. For those desiring higher sheens, or those having large pets and other floor intense situations, you may want to max three or four times a year. Our wax products can be applied with a sponge mop in thin coats to create a sacrificial barrier and preserve the seal coat and color appearance. Click Here for our floor wax.

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MULTI-PURPOSE ACRYLIC WAX

Why not just wax instead of seal your floor?
Wax does not replace the need for sealer on your decorative concrete. Sealer penetrates deep into the pores of your concrete, protecting your surface and maintaining your concrete’s true color. Unlike sealer, wax is a topical coat that’s designed to be used over a sealed surface. Wax protects the sealer while sealer protects the actual surface.

How does wax change the appearance?
Adding wax to your surface gives it a glossier look. By using wax you gain greater control over the gloss level of your surface, with every coat of wax increasing the gloss level.

How does wax work?
Our wax is acrylic based and when applied will form a cohesive matrix of acrylic across your surface. This hard layer of acrylic will serve as a sacrificial barrier against the extreme conditions surrounding your decorative surface.

How long should the wax dry before being walked on?
Our wax should only take a matter of hours before being dry enough. You can test the surface by applying pressure to see if any dents were created. If no dents appear, your surface is suitable for foot traffic.

How long should I wait before adding another coat?
For every application following the first, you will need to wait for an average of 3-8 months before adding an additional coat. The length of time between each application depends on many different variables; such as gloss level desired, amount of traffic, climate, etc.

Can I use your wax outside?
We highly discourage anyone from using our wax in an outdoor application, because conditions outside are too harsh and unpredictable. If applied outside your waxed surface will probably turn milky white.

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