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 Vibrance™ Dye. 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 Vibrance™ Dye 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 stain.
Temperature: Apply Vibrance™ Dye in temperatures between 40°F (4°C) to 95°F (35°C).
Preparation
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended in the Safety Data Sheet.
Protect surfaces not intended for staining by covering surrounding areas to prevent accidental application.
Avoid using tape on concrete surfaces before or after dye staining, as adhesives can interfere with dye adhesion.
Vibrance™ Dye Preparation
Vibrance™ Dye comes in pre-measured amounts designed to be mixed with specific volumes of acetone. Follow these steps for easy preparation and application:
Select the correct pre-measured dye:
For 5 ounces of acetone: Use the 5-ounce pre-measured dye
For 1 quart of acetone: Use the 1-quart pre-measured dye
For 1 gallon of acetone: Use the 1-gallon pre-measured dye
For 5 gallons of acetone: Use the 5-gallon pre-measured dye
Pour:
Add the entire contents of the pre-measured dye container into a separate container with the indicated amount of acetone (5 oz, 1 qt, 1 gal, or 5 gal).
Shake:
Tightly seal the container and shake it vigorously for at least 20 seconds to ensure the dye mixes thoroughly with the acetone.
CAUTION:
When preparing the concrete dye mixture with acetone, please exercise extreme care. Do not use an electrical mixer to blend the dye and acetone in the sprayer, as acetone is highly flammable, and this could create a fire hazard. Instead, use a manual stir stick or shake the container vigorously to ensure the dye is thoroughly mixed. Always handle and store acetone in a well-ventilated area, keeping it away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Be sure to follow all warnings and safety instructions provided on the acetone label.
Wait:
Let the mixture sit for one hour before use.
Spray:
Remove all filters from the acetone sprayer, shake the Vibrance™ mixture well again, and pour it into the sprayer for application.
Before starting:
Ensure all sources of ignition are eliminated. Turn off any pilot lights, avoid smoking, and keep the area free from sparks or open flames. Always follow acetone safety guidelines as outlined on the product label.
Vibrance™ Dye Application
Start at a far corner:
Begin spraying at the corner furthest from the exit to maintain a clear path for leaving the area. Make sure to use an acetone-grade sprayer to avoid equipment damage and ensure proper application.
Spray technique:
Use slightly circular motions with irregular overlaps to apply the Vibrance™ acetone dye evenly. Frequently shake the sprayer tank from side to side during application to prevent the dye from settling. If you're applying multiple colors, start with lighter colors and then apply darker ones for a more natural blend. Always wear spiked shoes to avoid disturbing the wet dye.
Thin coats:
Apply thin coats to avoid puddling. For deeper color, apply up to four thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. If the sprayer drips or creates puddles, stop spraying and wait 4–6 hours for the dye to dry. Gently dab excess dye with a cotton cloth and acetone, then blend by lightly spraying more dye over the affected area.
Drying time and spiked shoes:
Allow at least eight hours of drying time between coats. Let the final coat dry for at least eight hours before applying a sealer. If you need to walk on the surface before it’s fully dry, wear spiked shoes to prevent smudging the base coat.
Remove excess dye:
After the dye has dried, gently use a dust mop or microfiber mop to remove any excess dye that hasn't bonded to the surface. Before sealing, use a soft cloth or clean dust mop to clear any clumps or residue from the application.
Avoid walking on wet dye:
Be careful not to walk on the floor until the dye has dried completely. Walking on wet dye may cause smudging or remove the color.
Note:
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 dye to dry for the recommended time to achieve the best results. The sealer is a crucial part of the process and should not be skipped.
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 blends 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 Vibrance™ Dye 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 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
Vibrance™ Dye 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 Vibrance™ Dye. The dye 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 Vibrance™ Dye dry for approximately 8 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 150 square feet per gallon, 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
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 Vibrance™ Dye 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 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.
