| Sometimes, you just need to try before you buy. With Direct Colors’ DIY DecoGel™ Acid Stain Trial Kits, you can do just that. Try your stain in different shades, with different sealer finishes, and on different surfaces around your home to find the best fit for your concrete coloring project.
Direct Colors’ DecoGel™ Stain Trial Kit has everything you need to test our best selling concrete colorant before you buy it, and to quickly add color to smaller concrete projects.
Trial Kit Includes
- Select 3 different colors out of 9 colors (4 oz each)
- Select 1 sealer finish (4 oz each)
- Foam Application Brushes (Qty 4)
- Neutralizer
Quick Facts - 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
If you’re wondering what everything in the kit is for, we’ve got you covered. In this brief guide, we’ll go through the steps to using our DecoGel™ Trial Kit, and when each of the included products are to be used. Let’s get started.
Concrete Surface Preparation
- Before you start your project, put your dust mask on to avoid inhaling dust and debris.
- Sweep any debris from a larger concrete surface.
- Clean with an organic degreaser and rinse completely.
- Allow the concrete surface to dry completely.
- Once your concrete surface is properly cleaned and free of debris, you’re ready to stain.
Applying DecoGel™ Acid Stain
One of the best parts of a DIY Trial Kit from Direct Colors is just how easy the application process is. But, safety first.
Put your Dust Mask, Goggles, and Safety Gloves on. DecoGel™ Stain can cause skin irritation, and damage your eyes if used improperly.
In your DIY Trial Kit, you’ll find 3 Sample Sized Bottles of DecoGel™ Stain in shades of your choosing. Pick one or a few of your colors (if you choose to mix). If the color seems too dark for your liking, dilute the concrete stain by gradually adding a bitof water to your mixture until the desired shade is achieved.
Apply the DecoGel™ Concrete Acid Stain using the foam application brush. Feel free to dab or brush the stain onto the surface depending on the project or desired effect. Apply the concrete stain in wet layers for a blended look or allow each previous layer to dry before applying another for a sharper transition between colors.
NEUTRALIZE DECOGEL™ ACID STAIN- Prepare Neutralizer and water solution using 1-2 tablespoons of Neutralizer (baking soda) per gallon of water.
- Spray or pour the neutralizer solution on acid stained surface.
- Scrub with a soft nylon bristle scrub brush where needed to remove residue.
- Wash the surface carefully using clean water until nothing but clear water is visible.
- Remove all residue and excess color from concrete before leaving to dry.
NOTE: The clean, wet surface will be the approximate color of the final sealed surface.
Leave to dry. After the surface has completely dried, the floor should be ready to seal.
Sealing the Concrete Surface
Once the DecoGel™ Stain has dried, you’re ready to seal the surface. Put your Safety Gloves, Goggles, and Dust Mask back on.
In your DIY Trial Kit, you’re able to choose 1 of 2 finish options for concrete sealers. In terms of the finish, the Satin will give you a slightly matte, but beautiful covering that will pop the underlying colorant. High gloss, on the other hand, is a sheer, shiny product that gives the appearance of highly polished stone such as marble. Your choice will depend solely on how you want your concrete surface to look.
Once you’ve chosen your sealer, simply cover one of the Foam Application Brushes in the sealer, and spread evenly across the newly colored concrete surface. Apply in thin layers. Two coats are recommended for sufficient protection from UV rays, moisture and other elements, and foot traffic.
Allow to dry for up to 24 hours.
And you’re done! For more information on concrete staining and to get ideas for your next concrete coloring project, visit our resource center.
Disclaimer: Direct Colors does not warrant 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.
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