Podcast: Tips for Pouring Acid Stain Ready Concrete

Amie Nolen: Not all concrete is created equal. Increasingly, ready mix companies are including additives like fly ash in the concrete that can interfere with the acid staining process. With more and more people interested in pouring acid stain ready concrete, we’ve got a few tips and recommendations to make that process easier and more successful. I’m joined by Shawna Turner, General Manager with Direct Colors, to find out best practices for pouring acid stain ready concrete. Welcome, Shawna.

Shawna Turner: Thank you.

AN: What’s the first thing a customer needs to do to get started?

ST: The first thing to do is have a conversation with your general contractor. Make sure he or she understands your plan to acid stain and what that means for the overall construction process. Preparing to acid stain begins before the concrete is poured, so it should be discussed with the general contractor in the planning stage.

AN: You mentioned preparing to acid stain before pouring the concrete. What does that mean?

ST: Well, not all concrete is created equal. Depending on where you live, concrete can contain additives and/or fly ash that negatively impact the acid staining process, so it’s imperative that you know what’s going in your concrete BEFORE it’s poured. How do you do that? Either the homeowner or their contractor needs to call the ready mix company pouring the concrete to ask for the mix design details. The concrete should not include retarders, accelerators or more than 10% fly ash if it is to be successfully acid stained later. None of these additives are essential, but are often used when temperatures are very hot or cold, and to cut costs in the case of the fly ash. I’d also avoid using a topical curing compound unless it is self-dissipating and will evaporate within two weeks of application.

AN: That’s very helpful information. What about finishing the concrete? I know that’s also an important part of the process.

ST: You’re right. Finishing the concrete properly will yield better final staining results. The best option for indoor floors or patios is either a hand-troweled or light machine-troweled finish. Stamping or texturing concrete is fine too if you’re working outside. The objective is to avoid making the concrete so smooth that acid stain can’t readily absorb into the pores. If the stain can’t absorb, the chemical reaction will not occur and the stain will simply wash off during the cleaning process. No one wants that to happen. Overly smooth concrete can be corrected using CitrusEtch™ after the fact if needed.

AN: When should a customer plan to acid stain the concrete?

ST: We usually don’t recommend acid staining until the concrete is fully cured, or achieves a uniform light gray color. That could occur anytime after 20–28 days depending on weather conditions. The concrete will need to be protected throughout the construction process. Overlapping cardboard works best to cushion blows and absorb spills should they occur. Spills and other contaminants on unprotected concrete only make the home or business owner’s job that much harder when it’s time to stain. Again, remind your GC to talk to every contractor about not marking the floor or making a mess. Covering the floor can make a big difference, but nothing’s better or more effective than a conscientious contractor.

AN: In the case of interior floors, at what point in the construction process would you acid stain?

ST: The best time to uncover, clean, acid stain and seal the floors is after the drywall has been hung but has not yet been mudded in. Drywall mud is notoriously difficult to get off of concrete. Staining and sealing before that step is the better option for sure. Once the floors have been stained, neutralized and cleaned, apply one coat of sealer. I prefer EasySeal™ Satin because it’s so easy to apply and dries quickly. Six hours after application, cover again with overlapping cardboard and continue with construction.

AN: At what point should the finishing coats of sealer and wax be applied?

ST: Just before the baseboards are installed, remove the cardboard, clean thoroughly and apply another coat of sealer. The second coat of sealer will repair most minor scratches on the surface and add additional luster. 24–48 hours later apply three coats of concrete wax and allow to dry for 24 hours before moving in furniture. I highly recommend our guide on care and maintenance of acid stained floors — please give that a read before moving in, to avoid unnecessary damage to the floors.

AN: Thanks for this essential staining advice for new construction floors. If you have questions, call one of our expert technicians at 877-255-2656 and we’ll help you select the best products and technique for your needs. If you prefer email, send in a free online project consultation and we’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours. Direct Colors DIY Home Improvement podcasts were produced twice monthly for your enjoyment, and the show notes live here in the Direct Colors listening archive. Thanks again for joining us!