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: 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 dye.Temperature: Apply in temperatures between 40°F (4°C) to 95°F (35°C).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 Vibrance™ Dye application.
Left: Concrete surface passing water absorption test. Right: Surface failing the test.
Preparation
Ensure your Vibrance™ Trial Kit includes 3 dye colors, 1 sealer, 1 Preval sprayer, and 1 foam brush.
Purchase at least 1 quart of acetone solvent.
Unboxing of the Vibrance™ Trial Kit with all necessary items for dyeing.
Select the desired Vibrance™ Dye color for testing.
Carefully open the Vibrance™ Dye container.
Pour the entire contents of Vibrance™ Dye trial size container into the Preval sprayer.
Dye preparation steps: selecting the color, opening the dye container, and dispensing into the Preval sprayer.
CAUTION: Acetone is extremely flammable, harmful if swallowed, or inhaled. Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Store and use with adequate ventilation, allowing airflow to disperse vapors. Before using acetone, open windows and doors and extinguish all open flames such as gas appliance pilot lights, candles, etc. Do not smoke, use a lighter or matches, or anything that could cause a potential spark.
Measure 5 ounces of acetone solvent.
Add acetone to the Preval sprayer container with Vibrance™ Dye
Seal the Preval sprayer container with the provided lid.
Shake the mixture for 20 seconds.
Allow the mixture to sit for one hour before use.
Mixing instructions: Measure and add 5 ounces of acetone to the dye, seal and shake for 20 seconds.
ASSEMBLE THE PREVAL SPRAYER
Remove the filter from the Preval power unit straw.
Attach the acetone dye-filled container to the power unit by turning counterclockwise.
Assembling the Preval sprayer: remove the filter, attach and secure the mixed dye container to the power unit.
Application
Spray the Vibrance™ Dye stain in a continuous motion with the Preval sprayer.
Avoid runs by releasing the button while still moving at the end of the stroke.
Overlap strokes and keep the sprayer upright.
Apply 2 or more thin coats for the best results.
Applying Vibrance™ Dye: use a smooth, even motion with the Preval sprayer for uniform coverage and best results.
Let the dye dry completely, which will take about 8 hours. The color may appear faint after drying, but don't worry – it will become more vibrant once the sealer is applied. Be patient and allow the stain to dry for the recommended time to achieve the best results. Keep in mind that the sealer is a crucial component of the process and should not be skipped.
Important: Before applying the sealer, inspect the surface for any loose pigment that may not have adhered. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently remove any excess dye particles. Failure to do so could prevent proper sealer adhesion, leading to an uneven finish.
Clean-Up
To reuse the Preval sprayer for other dye colors, rinse the container with acetone and spray clear acetone for 5 or 10 seconds to clean the internal buildup.
Sealing
Shake sealer bottle.
Dip the foam applicator brush into the sealer bottle.
Apply a thin coat in a west-to-east direction.
Allow the sealer to dry before applying additional coats.
Sealing steps: dip brush in sealer, apply east-to-west, let dry, repeat for multiple coats.
Apply a second coat of sealer in a north-to-south direction.
Applying a second coat of sealer with a foam brush, brushing north-to-south for even coverage.
Let the sealer dry completely and you are done!
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.
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: Vibrance™ Dye colors concrete but does not conceal discolorations, blemishes, cracks, or irregularities. It highlights porosity variations and dries lighter than its wet appearance.Sealant Requirement: Vibrance™ Dye 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, Vibrance™ Dye may 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.
Coverage
Estimated coverage is around 5 square feet per trial size color, varying with surface conditions and application methods.
Clean-Up
Product
Clean-Up
Vibrance™ Dye
Acetone
AcquaSeal™ Water-based Sealer
ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water
EasySeal™ Solvent-based Sealer
Xylene
Disposal
Dispose of unused product according to local environmental or hazardous waste regulations.
Shelf Life and Storage
Use Vibrance™ Dye within one year of purchase and store it in a cool, indoor location away from sunlight and heat.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not breathe dust. 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
Vibrance™ Dye 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.
