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
Cured: Ensure the concrete or concrete overlay is fully cured before applying ColorWave®. A minimum curing period of 28 days is recommended for optimal results. Applying the stain to concrete that is not fully cured may result in unpredictable color and adhesion.
Sound: Surface must be dry, structurally sound, and free of dirt or other materials.
Profiled: Conduct an absorption test to determine if the concrete is ready for staining. Pour water onto the surface and wait 3-5 minutes. If the water is not absorbed, clean and etch the surface using CitrusEtch™ to open the pores of the concrete. Refer to the CitrusEtch™ Technical Data Sheet for detailed instructions. If the water is absorbed, the surface is ready for ColorWave® application.
Left: Concrete surface passing water absorption test. Right: Surface failing the test.
Clean: Thoroughly clean the surface to remove dust, dirt, oil, grease, paint, glue, sealers, curing agents, stamp tool releases, efflorescence, chemical contaminants, rust, algae, mildew, and other foreign matters that may interfere with the proper application of the colored sealer.
Note on Porous Surfaces: Poorly finished, broomed, or very old surfaces may absorb ColorWave® more deeply, leading to less visible color.
Temperature: Apply ColorWave® in temperatures between 60°F (15°C) to 95°F (35°C).
Application
1. Mixing: Thoroughly mix ColorWave® before application. For consistent color, combine contents from different jugs.
2. Work Area Planning: Divide the work area into manageable sections. Use natural breaks like walls and joints to your advantage. Be mindful of maintaining wet edges to reduce the appearance of overlap marks.
3. Preparation: Remove all filters from the pump-up sprayer hose to prevent clogging.
Removing the filter from a pump-up sprayer to prevent clogging.
4. Application Steps: Apply the product evenly. If spraying, use a circular overlapping motion. Use spiked shoes if you need to walk on the stained area. Start and stop the sprayer off the work area or into a bucket to prevent drips.
Basic Application: Apply 2 coats for a single color application to ensure even coverage and depth of color. Up to 4 coats can be applied for greater intensity and depth.
Combining Colors for Effects:
For a mottled effect , combine different colors. There's no need for drying time between layers, which facilitates seamless blending.
Stages of mottled stain design in black, molasses, and steel ColorWave®
For a layered design with more defined color separation, allow the base color coat to dry completely before applying additional colors.
Layered design application order: Stone, Iron, and Black ColorWave®
Color Shade Application Order: Start with the lighter colors first when using multiple colors. This helps maintain the integrity of the lighter shades against the darker ones.
Layered design application order: White, Steel, Stone, and Iron ColorWave® colors
Drying Time Considerations: For a mottled design, proceed with subsequent coats without waiting. For a layered design, allow each coat, especially the base color coat, to dry fully before applying the next to create distinct layers.
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: ColorWave® blends concrete but does not conceal discolorations, blemishes, cracks, or irregularities. It highlights porosity variations and dries lighter than its wet appearance.Sealant Requirement: ColorWave® is not a sealant. A sealer is required for color enhancement.Surface Compatibility: On hard-troweled surfaces, or surfaces where pores are smaller than the AcquaTint™ particles, there's a risk of the stain drying on the surface without proper adhesion. Account for this during surface preparation.Durability with Sealer: If a sealer is removed, ColorWave® will also come off as it bonds with the sealer.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.
Slip Resistance
ColorWave® does not affect slip resistance, which is determined by the chosen sealer. For enhanced slip-resistance on exterior surfaces, add OxiGrip™ to the sealer.
Sealing
Sealing is an essential step after applying ColorWave® Stain. The stain itself penetrates the pores of the surface but does not form a permanent bond, meaning it can largely be washed off if not sealed. Without a protective sealant layer, the stain will not adhere effectively to the surface. Before proceeding with sealing, it's important to let ColorWave® dry for approximately 4-12 hours, with the drying time varying based on the surrounding environmental conditions.
For Exterior Surfaces:
Choose between EasySeal™ Satin or AcquaSeal™ Satin. Both provide a satin finish that is less slippery compared to their gloss counterparts.
Keep in mind that EasySeal™, being solvent-based, generally enriches and darkens the stain color more than the water-based AcquaSeal™.
Gloss Finish Consideration: If using gloss finish sealers, which can make surfaces more slippery, consider adding OxiGrip™ slip-resistant additive to the second coat for enhanced safety.
If you choose to use EasySeal™ indoors, ensure there is sufficient ventilation to maintain good air quality.
For Interior Surfaces:
AcquaSeal™, available in Gloss or Satin, is the recommended sealer for indoor use. Its water-based composition and lower VOC emissions make it an ideal choice for enclosed environments.
To enhance durability and extend the life of the sealer protecting the stain, consider applying an additional coat of ProWax Polish™ after the sealer has fully cured.
If you choose to use EasySeal™ indoors, ensure there is sufficient ventilation to maintain good air quality.
Coverage
Estimated coverage is around 200 square feet per gallon, varying with surface conditions and application methods.
Clean-Up
Product
Clean-Up
ColorWave® Stain
ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water
AcquaSeal™ Water-based Sealer
ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water
EasySeal™ Solvent-based Sealer
Xylene
ProWax Polish™
ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water
Disposal
Dispose of unused product according to local environmental or hazardous waste regulations.
Shelf Life and Storage
Use ColorWave® within one year of purchase and store it in a cool, indoor location away from sunlight and heat.
Maintenance
Regularly inspect exterior sealed surfaces for wear and reapply sealer as needed.
For interior surfaces, monitor and maintain wax coatings or polish, especially in high-traffic areas.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not inhale vapors. Seek medical attention if ingested or in case of contact with eyes or skin. Keep out of reach of children.
Warranty
ColorWave® 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.
