Preliminary Testing
Before using the product for your entire project, try it out on a small, hidden area of the surface you'll be working on. This will let you see how it looks and if it's the right fit for your project.
Pre-Application
- Clean: The surface must be entirely free from dust, dirt, oil, grease, paints, glues, non-water-based acrylic sealers, curing agents, efflorescence, chemical contaminants, rust, algae, mildew, and other materials that could prevent proper bonding.
- Cured: Ensure the concrete or overlay is fully cured before application. It's recommended that cement-based products cure for at least 28 days for optimal results.
- Temperature: For best results, apply AcquaSeal™ in temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 95°F (35°C).
- Sound: Only apply to cement-based products that are not flaking or spalling. The substrate must be structurally sound. For surfaces showing signs of delamination, use diamond grinding, shot blasting, or similar mechanical methods for removal.
- Profiled: Perform an absorption test to check if the concrete is ready for staining. Pour water onto the concrete surface and wait for 3-5 minutes. If the water is not absorbed, the surface will need to be cleaned and etched with CitrusEtch™ to open the pores of the concrete. Detailed instructions can be found in the CitrusEtch™ Technical Data Sheet. If the concrete absorbs the water, it is ready for AcquaSeal™ application.
Application
Work Area Planning: Divide the work area into manageable sections, using natural breaks like walls and joints. Control wet edges to reduce overlap marks.
Application Steps:
For Spraying:
- Apply the product in a circular motion to ensure even coverage. It is important to apply thin layers to avoid puddling and ensure uniform drying.
- Start and stop spraying into a bucket or off the work area to prevent drips. Back roll afterwards to smooth out any puddles or overlaps, maintaining a thin, even layer.
For Rolling:
- Use a ⅜” nap roller. Allow the roller's weight to apply the product without adding extra pressure, which could cause streaks and uneven coverage. Focus on applying thin, consistent layers.
- Before adding more product to the paint tray, shake the bottle for even consistency.
Drying and Recoating:
- Wait Time: Allow at least 2 hours between coats, depending on temperature, humidity, and airflow.
- How to Check Dryness: Press the surface gently with your thumbnail. If it doesn’t dent or scratch, it’s ready for the next coat.
- Second Coat: Make sure the first coat is completely dry before applying the second. Rushing this step can affect the finish.
- Recommended Number of Coats: For best results and durability, apply two coats of AcquaTint™.
- Application Tip: Avoid applying too heavily. Thick coats can cause bubbling, hazing, roller lines, or other surface imperfections. Use light, even pressure when rolling, especially when spreading out excess sealer.
Limitations
- Batch Variability: The supply of specialized pigments may vary between batches. To ensure color consistency, use the same batch for the entire job or mix multiple batches together (“boxing”).
- Surface Characteristics: AcquaTint™ coats the concrete surface with color but does not conceal discolorations, blemishes, cracks, or other surface irregularities. It may accentuate porosity variations and usually appears lighter when dry compared to its wet appearance.
- Surface Compatibility: Hard-troweled surfaces or those with smaller pores than AcquaTint™ particles may encounter issues with the stain drying on the surface without proper adhesion. Consider this during surface preparation.
- Avoid Liquid Contact During Curing: Ensure no liquids, including sweat, come into contact with AcquaTint™ while it is curing, as this can impact both the curing process and the final finish quality.
- Wear and Tear: Like all water-based acrylic sealers, AcquaTint™ is susceptible to surface wear. Its longevity and durability depend on proper application to a suitably prepared surface and will vary based on the volume and type of traffic it endures.
- Color Accuracy: While efforts are made to accurately represent colors in product literature, photos, and sample color chips, the actual color achieved on concrete can significantly differ. This discrepancy stems from the stain's translucent nature, allowing the color of the concrete base to affect the final shade.
Topcoat
- Exterior / Heavy Traffic Areas: Apply AcquaSeal™ clear water-based sealer topcoat for enhanced durability and environmental protection.
- Interior Surfaces: Use ProWax Polish™ as a topcoat to improve the durability and finish of indoor surfaces.
- Incompatible Topcoats: Do not use EasySeal™ solvent-based sealer over AcquaTint™. As AcquaTint™ is a water-based product, it is not compatible with solvent-based sealers like EasySeal™, which could lead to unsatisfactory results.
- Traffic Topcoat:
- Foot Traffic: Keep the area free from foot traffic for at least 24 hours to allow the topcoat to properly set.
- Vehicle Traffic: Avoid vehicle traffic for 48-72 hours to ensure the sealer fully cures and offers maximum protection.
Coverage
Estimated coverage is around 200 square feet per gallon, varying with surface conditions and application methods.
Clean-Up
For cleaning tools and equipment after using AcquaTint™, use ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water.
Disposal
Dispose of unused product according to local environmental or hazardous waste regulations.
Shelf Life and Storage
Use AcquaTint™ within one year of purchase and store it in a cool, indoor location away from sunlight and heat.
Maintenance
- Exterior Surfaces: Regularly inspect sealed areas for signs of thinning or wear due to foot or vehicular traffic. Reapply the sealer as needed to maintain protection and appearance.
- Interior Surfaces: Regularly examine surfaces coated with ProWax Polish™ for wear or thinning, especially in high-traffic areas. Reapply the coating as necessary to preserve the surface's integrity and aesthetics.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not take internally. In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with water. In case of skin contact, flush thoroughly with water. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call physician immediately. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Warranty
AcquaTint™ is guaranteed for uniform quality within manufacturing tolerances. No warranty is provided for its application effects. Liability for defects is limited to refunding the purchase price. Users bear all other risks and liabilities. For inquiries, contact Direct Colors customer service.
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