Deco Gel Print this page

Surface preparation is one of the most important steps of the staining process. The concrete must be free of debris, dirt and oils, sealers or waterproofing agent. If your concrete has been treated with a waterproofing agent or cleaned with muriatic acid, the Deco Gel Acid Stain will not be able to penetrate the pores of your concrete. If you do not know the history of your surface, preparing a test patch or sample would be highly advisable. For older or exposed concrete, the surface must be completely intact with no exposed aggregate. Deco Gel will only work on the cement portion of the concrete not the aggregate, rocks or sand particles.

Material may settle during transportation. Stir well before use.

Thin with water as needed for application. Slowly add small amounts of water up to 1 oz. of water per quart of Deco Gel.

Safety while applying Deco Gel is very important. Remember to use gloves and a mask while working with the gel.

The appearance of the finished product is Influenced by the manner in which it is applied.

The application of the stain will vary according to size, design, and desired effect.

The most common tools used to apply Deco Gel Acid Stain are foam brushes, artist paint brushes for fine work or foam rollers.

Avoid nap rollers as they apply the gel too thickly on the surface.

For a more variegated effect, use a plastic dry wall trowel for application.

Artist’s brushes can also be used to apply the gel particularly in hard-to-reaches crevices.

Deco Gel can be thinned slightly with water to provide easier control with a brush. When applying stain to the surface, you should notice a light “fizzing” reaction with the concrete.

Apply one thick, saturating coat to the surface and allow to process for the appropriate length of time (See Acid Stain Activation Times). Check your stain’s activation time before beginning the project.

Stains can be left on the surface for longer but not less than the activation time.
If you are working on a countertop project, use a timer to insure the same activation time for each of the countertop sections.

Each stain needs different times to activate and fully color the concrete, generally from two to eight hours. Stains can be left on the concrete for a longer period time if a darker color is desired. As the Gel dries and processes, an alkali and minerals residue will form on the surface. This is completely normal and is part of the reaction process. If the gel flakes off when dry, reapply the stain to any exposed areas and allow to process.

Once the residue has dried and the stain has been given at least the recommended minimum time to react, the residue should be neutralized and all debris or extra stain removed in the following manner:

1. Prepare a base solution using baking soda at a ratio of 2 tablespoons of baking soda per gallon of water. Slosh the solution on to your surface and clean with a mop, brush or water hose as is appropriate for the project. A shop vacuum can be used to remove the residue.
2. Repeat the process, using clean water. After this step, all but a light residue should have been removed. For stubborn residue or porous surfaces, use a floor soap or organic degreaser with a brush to aid in removal. The clean wet surface will be the approximate color of the final sealed surface.
3. After the surface has completely dried, it should be ready to seal.

After the surface has been neutralized and has thoroughly dried, the acid stained project must be sealed with an appropriate concrete sealer.

Direct Colors offers both solvent and water-based sealers suitable for any concrete project. Sealers can be applied with either an applicator or a sprayer; however, some solvent-based sealers.

The method used to apply sealer depends on the type of surface and the variety of sealer used.

Our solvent-based sealers are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor applications; however, we recommend using a water-based sealer for occupied indoor applications and for basements.

If you are sealing a concrete wall, statuary or a similar project, a solvent-based, Satin Acrylic Sealer is by far the easiest sealer because it can be sprayed on.

Use caution when applying solvent-based sealers, particularly during indoor applications. Wear a mask and make certain the area is well ventilated to the outside. Extinguish all open flames in the area.

Generally, the thinner the application, the stronger and more durable the sealer will become.

Applying a thick coat will result in an inconsistent finish with tacky areas that may not cure properly.

Depending on the sealer selected, leave the solvent-based sealers to dry for at least 4-6 hours between coats.

The solvent-based satin finish acrylic sealer has the shortest drying time between coats and the water-based acrylic sealers the longest.

Water-based sealers should be given at a minimum 24 hours to set-up between coats.

The surface should be completely clear and dry before applying an additional coat.

If you live in a humid climate or the weather conditions are damp and overcast, give the surface additional time to dry.

Re-seal any exterior concrete surfaces or décor every 2-3 years if using an acrylic sealer.

Cold Temperature Warning
Water-based sealers must be applied to surfaces at temperatures greater than 60°F with an air temperature difference of 5 degrees or less. Central heating, radiant or convection heaters, or similar heating devices should be turned off during application. In-floor heating should be set at 60-65 degrees before application and turned off during the process.