DecoGel™ Acid Stain

• Application Tool:  Foam brush, foam roller or artist brush
• Dry Time: 5-6 hours before applying concrete sealer
• Cleanup: Baking soda and water
• Coverage: Approximately 150 - 200 sq. ft. per gallon depending on concrete porosity
• Top Coat Sealer: Acrylic, Polyurethane, Penetrating or Epoxy Sealer
• Recommended Uses: Concrete walls, stamped concrete, concrete brick pavers, rough concrete, cultured stone, previously acid stained concrete surface

• Cover areas at risk of over-spray with plastic drop cloth 
• Newly poured concrete must cure for 30 days prior to application 
• 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 oils, dirt, or debris using Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser. Also use this after applying stripper or mastic remover 
• Verify absorption by pouring a cup of water in various areas. If not absorbed within 5 minutes, etch the surface with Hard Troweled Floor Pre-Treatment or mechanically etch with a floor sander or grinder 
• Rinse thoroughly and allow the concrete to dry before stain Application

• Apply a generous coat using a foam brush, foam roller, artist brush or plastic trowel 
• Allow the stain to develop color over time, usually 4-6 hours. (Darker colors may take longer) 
• Once desired color has developed, remove excess DecoGelTM and neutralize the stained surface using either baking soda and water or ammonia and water:  
• Baking soda: 2 tablespoons per gallon of water 
• Ammonia: 1/2 cup Ammonia per gallon of water 
• Spray a saturating coat of neutralizer onto stained concrete. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes 
• After 15-20 minutes, use a scrub brush and water to scrub the surface completely clean of all stain residue 
• Continue cleaning and rinsing until the rinse water runs clear. For interior applications, use a shop vac to remove rinse water 
• Allow cleaned surface to dry thoroughly before sealing 
• As the floor dries, the color will begin to look chalky and faded. This is normal and should not cause concern. The color will “pop” once sealer is applied

• Interior, apply two thin coats of Acrylic Sealer, followed by two coats of Concrete Floor Wax
• Exterior, apply a final thin coat of Acrylic Sealer

• Plastic Drop Cloth 
• Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser
• Hard Troweled Floor Pre-treatment (if needed) 

• DecoGel™ will only react with the Portland Cement in your concrete, not exposed aggregate or sand particles
• Some colors vary more than others. Many factors determine how the color will turn out, such as age of concrete, cement content, and weathering
• Use soap, baking soda, and water to clean tools and equipment. Use up or dry out extra material and dispose of it according to local regulations. Do not pour into sewer systems or storm drains
• If applying more than one color, begin with the darkest color accents, applying where you wish to see them. Then apply the lighter colors over the entire area

Printable DecoGel™ How-To Guide

Step 1: Preparation

• Cover areas at risk of over-spray with plastic drop cloth.
• Newly poured concrete must cure for 30 days before application.
• 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 the surface with CitrusEtch™, then neutralize surface with ProClean Neutralizer™ and rinse thoroughly.
• Allow the concrete to thoroughly dry before application.

Step 2: Application

Coverage rate is approximately 150 square feet per gallon. Coverage rates may vary based on concrete texture, surface porosity, and application method.

NOTE: Only apply DecoGel™ when surface temperature is between 40 °F (4 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C), and wear spiked shoes to avoid leaving footprints before surface is neutralized.

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

• Apply a generous coat (1/16” thick) using a foam brush or paint brush.
• Allow stain to react and develop color over 4-6 hours (richer colors may take more time).
• Once desired color has developed, neutralize stain with ProClean Neutralizer™.
  • Remove excess dried DecoGel™ using a scrub brush.
  • Spray a saturating coat of ProClean Neutralizer™ on surface and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
  • Using scrub brush, break up all remaining DecoGel™ residue.
  • Immediately rinse surface with water until surface is clear of residue.
• Allow concrete to thoroughly dry for at least eight hours before applying sealer.
• As surface dries, color begins to look chalky or faded - this is normal. Color will “pop” once sealer is applied.

Step 3: Seal & Protect Finish

• Apply two thin coats of sealer (AcquaSeal™ Water-Based Acrylic Sealer or EasySeal™ Solvent-Based Acrylic Sealer).
  • For interior only: Also apply two thin coats of ProWax Polish™
• For additional application instructions, see AcquaSeal™, EasySeal™, and ProWax Polish™ How-To Guides.

Pro Tips:

• Darker acid stain colors will override lighter colors. If lighter colors are applied first, follow up with darker colors. If darker colors are applied first, leave bare spots to fill in with lighter colors.
• DecoGel™ reacts with minerals found in Portland Cement. Areas with more minerals will develop more color than areas with less minerals. DecoGel™ will not stain rock or sand.
• If new concrete is being poured, it must have less than 10% Fly Ash for DecoGel™ to work properly.
• DecoGel™ may be used for vertical concrete surfaces such as retaining walls, columns, borders, concrete brick, and stenciling.

Cleanup:

• Neutralize tools and supplies with ProClean Neutralizer™.
• Then wash tools and supplies with ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water.

Maintenance:

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

Tools & Supplies:

• Foam Brush or paint brush
• Plastic drop cloth
• Scrub brush
• Spiked shoes

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.