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    How much do I need to stain my concrete?

    It will depend on the square footage of your application.

    The coverage rate is 200 square feet per gallon (2 coats) depending on concrete porosity. Two or more coats are required.

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    Product Details

    Introducing AcquaTint™, our high-quality colored sealer that adds a touch of color to your surfaces while providing long-lasting protection. This water-based sealer is easy to apply and its non-toxic formula is safe for use on a variety of surfaces, including concrete. Plus, AcquaTint™ is environmentally friendly, making it a responsible choice for your project. Protect and enhance your surfaces with AcquaTint™, our durable and stylish colored sealer. If you're not sure which color to choose, we offer AcquaTint™ Trial Kits so you can test out different options before committing to a full-size bottle. We also highly recommend waxing your surfaces with ProWax Polish™ for added durability. To save money and get the best adhesion, check out our AcquaTint™ Stain & Wax Kit, which includes both AcquaTint™ and ProWax Polish, as well as CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher for optimal results.

    Quick Facts


    Application Tool: 3/8" nap roller
    Location: Interior and exterior surfaces
    Dry Time: 24-48 hours
    Cleanup: ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water
    Coverage: Approximately 200 sq. ft. per gallon depending on concrete porosity 
    Recommended Uses: Semi-smooth concrete floors


    Note: Since this is a made to-order-product, we cannot offer refunds, exchanges, or returns.

    Disclaimer: Direct Colors does not warrant or guarantee results (outcomes). Concrete variations or improper application may cause unintended results. Test product on an inconspicuous or small area and allow to fully cure to ensure compatibility and desired result.

    FAQ

    Click/Tap each question to hide/show the answers.

    How does AcquaTint™ work?

    AcquaTint™ is a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), water based concrete sealer with pigment added to it - along with a few other ingredients. It’s a stain and sealer in one, allowing you to stain and subtly color your concrete simultaneously. When you apply the sealer, the pigments suspend in the sealer, providing beautiful, tinted color. AcquaTint™ produces a semi-translucent color with a much more natural look and durable finish than concrete paint.

    Where can I apply AcquaTint™ colored sealer?

    Effective on most concrete surfaces, AcquaTint™ is a UV stable colorant that can be applied on both indoor and outdoor projects. For best results, we recommend that tinted sealer is applied in areas intended primarily for foot traffic.

    I’ve just applied AcquaTint™ to my concrete and after it dried, it barely has color. What happened?

    Fortunately, this isn’t something we hear very often. The good news is that concrete pigments don't disappear! Assuming your concrete surface is in relatively decent condition and isn't extremely deteriorated, the tinted sealer you applied is still in place. Sometimes on severely aged or deteriorated concrete surfaces, the extreme porosity "drinks" the sealer in. As the pores absorb the sealer, the pigments are taken with it - diminishing the color result. It may take additional coats of concrete sealer to develop a more vibrant color. In this case, we prefer to review your project with you before you apply more product.

    How do I know if my concrete is properly prepared for AcquaTint™ tinted sealer?

    Before applying AcquaTint™, you should lightly etch the surface of the concrete with CitrusEtch™ concrete etcher (or sand) if the surface is very smooth. The sanded or etched surface will promote better adhesion of the sealer as it bonds to your concrete.

    How much surface preparation is required to use AcquaTint™?

    Surface preparation is often the most critical factor in any successful decorative concrete project. In order to achieve the best results, the concrete surface should be free of cure and seal, sealer, paint, dirt, grime, and grease. Remember to practice proper preparation - if the sealer can't bond well, it can lead to the finish peeling up along with the color. Trust us, it's totally worth it to put in the extra time to set yourself up for a successful and long-lasting project!

    I purchased the amount of product your concrete stain calculator recommended based on my square footage, and still needed more. What happened?

    Depending on your concrete surface and chosen application methods, coverage rates can vary. We follow industry standards of approximately 200 square feet per gallon, which commonly applies to lower viscosity products like colorants and concrete sealers. 

    First, it's always good to double-check your calculation of square footage. From there, a few variables come into play. How porous, weathered, or worn is your concrete? How heavily are you applying the product? On smoother, less porous concrete, you may find you're getting a bit more coverage than anticipated. For stamped, textured, or more weathered, porous concrete, you may get a bit less coverage. These variables aren't calculation errors, but more of a common indefinite. When in doubt, follow the general construction rule of rounding up for your supply needs.

    I applied AcquaTint™ concrete sealer and it started to flake or peel off, what did I do wrong?

    Most often, any sealer releasing from concrete is due to a short list of reasons. 
    • The concrete wasn’t properly cleaned and dirt, residues, or other contaminants prevented proper adhesion. 
    • The concrete was too smooth (slick), and the tight surface did not allow proper penetration or adhesion to the concrete. 
    • When sealer is over-applied, the heavy amount of caked-on acrylic becomes soft or spongy, leading to a weakened finish that will deteriorate quickly. This can also lead to trapped moisture, particularly on exterior concrete.
    In most cases, two thin coats of AcquaTint™ will provide you with a long-lasting decorative finish.

    I applied AcquaTint™ on my concrete surface and there are areas that look hazy or whitish in color, what is going on?

    This somewhat common problem can be avoided with a few simple considerations. First, what's happening? The culprit is usually moisture. Most acrylic sealers are designed to pass around 3% or 4% of moisture when applied correctly in two thin coats. When the moisture rate exceeds this, the moisture cannot escape, becomes trapped, and creates a white or cloudy effect. 
    A few preventative measures: 
    • Make sure that the concrete you're sealing isn’t located in a space that holds water after rain for an extended period. Sealers left submerged underwater will soon begin to lose performance. 
    • If your concrete is in low-lying areas at risk of being submerged, consider installing these areas, drains, rock beds over sand for quick absorption of water, or a trench next to the concrete so water can be redirected away from your decorative finish. 

    Decorative finish or not, this would be good practice for any concrete surfaces to simply protect your investment.

    PDF Downloads

    How-To Guide

    Printable AcquaTint™ How-To Guide




    Step 1: Preparation

    • Newly poured concrete must cure for 30 days before application.
    • Cover areas at risk of over-spray with plastic drop cloth.
    • For existing concrete:
      • Remove paint or previously applied sealer using Soy Gel Stripper.
      • Remove carpet glue or other adhesives using Bean-E-Doo® Mastic Remover.
      • Remove any oils, dirt, debris, Soy Gel Stripper, or Bean-E-Doo® Mastic Remover using scrub brush and ProClean Degreaser™.
    • Verify absorption by pouring a cup of water in various areas. If not absorbed within five minutes, etch surface with CitrusEtch™, then neutralize surface with ProClean Neutralizer™ and rinse thoroughly.
    • Allow concrete to thoroughly dry before application.

    Step 2: Application

    Coverage rate is approximately 200 square feet per gallon (two thin coats). Coverage rates may vary based on concrete texture, surface porosity, and application method.

    NOTE: Only apply AcquaTint™ when surface temperature is between 60°F (15°C) and 95°F (35°C).

    Caution: May be harmful if swallowed or ingested. Contact with skin can cause mild irritation. Avoid contact with eyes.

    Option 1: Spraying 

    • Remove all filters from pump-up sprayer.
    • Shake AcquaTint™ well before pouring into sprayer.
    • Spray AcquaTint™ on surface in slightly circular motions with irregular overlaps.
      • Shake sprayer tank from side to side often to prevent color from settling.
      • Spray thin coats to avoid puddling.
    • Allow 12 hours before applying second coat (maximum of two thin coats).
      • Use a thumbnail to see if coat dents or scratches; if so, allow more time to cure.
    • Apply a second coat following same method.

    Pro Tips:

    • Begin spraying at a far corner to maintain a clear path to exit.
    • If sealer is pooling or appears uneven, backroll with a 3/8th nap roller.
      • Roller must be wetted in sealer with excess rung out before back rolling.
    • To avoid droplets dripping onto surface: before releasing sprayer trigger, immediately place tip in a bucket.

    Option 2: Rolling

    • Shake AcquaTint™ well before pouring into paint tray.
    • Use 3/8” nap roller to apply first thin coat and roll in one direction only.
      • Do not apply pressure to roller as this will cause streaking (let weight of roller do the work).
    • Allow 12 hours before applying second coat (maximum of two thin coats).
      • Use a thumbnail to see if coat dents or scratches; if so, allow more time to cure.
    • Apply a second coat in opposite direction following same method.

    WAIT UNTIL CURED:

    • 24 hours before foot traffic or placing heavy furniture
    • 48 hours before driving over surface or allowing parked vehicles

    Step 3: Seal & Protect Finish

    • For exterior: Allow AcquaTint™ to cure for 12 hours and then apply one thin coat of AcquaSeal™.
    • For interior: Allow AcquaTint™ to cure for 48 hours and then apply two thin coats of ProWax Polish™.
    • For additional application instructions, see AcquaSeal™ and ProWax Polish™ How-To Guides.

    Cleanup:

    • Uncured AcquaTint™: Clean tools and supplies with ProClean™ Degreaser and warm water.
    • Cured AcquaTint™: Clean tools and supplies with Soy Gel Stripper.

    Maintenance:

    • For exterior: Protect finish every two years with AcquaSeal™ or as needed.
    • For interior: Protect finish every two years with ProWax Polish™ or spot treat high-traffic areas as needed.
    • For additional application instructions, see AcquaSeal™ and ProWax Polish™ How-To Guides.

    Tools & Supplies:

    • Pump-up sprayer
    • 3/8th Nap roller and paint tray (if rolling)
    • Plastic drop cloth
    • Scrub brush
    • Spiked shoes (if using CitrusEtch™)

    Disclaimer: Direct Colors does not warranty or guarantee results (outcomes). Concrete variations or improper application may cause unintended results. Test product on an inconspicuous or small area and allow to fully cure to ensure compatibility and desired result.

    How-To Videos

    AcquaTint™ Application
    Let's Talk About AcquaTint™ Stain
    Concrete Stain Calculator Help

    Color Chart

    AcquaTint Color Chart

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