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: DecoGel™ Acid Stain should be applied only on clean surfaces devoid of dust, dirt, oil, grease, paint, adhesive, sealers, curing compounds, efflorescence, chemical pollutants, rust, algae, and mildew, which could interfere with the chemical reaction. Acid washing is discouraged as it may alter the surface's reactivity. Clean the surface with an eco-friendly degreaser and ensure thorough rinsing with clean water to remove any residues.
- Cured: The concrete or overlay must be fully cured prior to application. For optimal results, it is advised that cement-based products undergo a curing period of at least 28 days. In instances where a curing compound is necessary for freshly placed concrete destined for staining, the use of an impregnating internal cure is recommended. Distinct from traditional curing agents, internal curing compounds do not create a film or membrane on the surface. Primarily formulated for uncolored concrete, these internal cures do not disrupt the chemical staining reaction, unlike typical sodium silicate-based products. This eliminates the need for membrane removal during the preparatory phase, facilitating a smoother application process.
- Temperature: For optimal results, apply DecoGel™ Acid Stain when temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 95°F (35°C).
- Sound: Apply only to cement-based products that are not flaking or spalling. The substrate must be structurally sound. For concrete, ensure the surface has a minimum strength of 2500 psi.
- Profiled: Perform an absorption test to check if the concrete is ready for staining. Pour water onto the concrete surface and wait for 3-5 minutes. If the water is not absorbed, the surface will need to be cleaned and etched with CitrusEtch™ to open the pores of the concrete. Detailed instructions can be found in the CitrusEtch™ Technical Data Sheet.
Preparation
- Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended in the Safety Data Sheet.
- Check Kit Contents: Confirm your kit includes three EDecoGel™ Acid Stain colors, one sealer, one ProClean Neutralizer™, and four foam brush applicators.
- Choose Your Color: Select which of the three DecoGel™ Acid Stain colors you'd like to experiment with.
- Important: Be prepared that color removal will not be possible, as acid stains permanently change the composition of the concrete.
Application Process
- Please Note: The color of the stain in the bottle will not reflect the final color after reacting with the concrete.
- Dip the Brush: Immerse the foam brush applicator into the DecoGel™™ Acid Stain bottle.
- Apply Stain Generously: For optimal coverage and color depth, apply the stain generously. Apply at least two generous coats for the most accurate color representation.
- Dwell Time: After application, allow the stain to dwell on the surface for at least 5 - 12 hours. This dwell time is essential for the chemical reaction to fully develop.
- Test for Color Depth: Wet the surface with a cloth dampened with water to test for depth of color.
- Additional Application: For enhanced color depth on treated surfaces, apply additional coats once the initial reaction has concluded. Maintain a minimum interval of five hours between each application.
Neutralization
- Remove Residue: After drying, DecoGel™ Acid Stain leaves a powdery residue. Neutralize the surface with ProClean Neutralizer™, followed by thorough water flushing and stiff brush scrubbing.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the surface with clean water to remove all neutralizer and residue. Ensure complete removal of salty colored residue for proper surface neutralization and cleanup.
- Final Rinsing: Continue rinsing until the runoff is clear. A white rag test, coming away clean, indicates a properly cleaned surface.
- Dispose Properly: Collect and properly dispose of all residue water and rinse water, adhering to environmental regulations.
Sealing
- Prepare for Sealing: Ensure the surface is clean and dry prior to sealing. Acid stained concrete must be sealed to preserve the color and finish.
Limitations
- Acid stain will not conceal imperfections or existing stains in the concrete; it will reveal a mottled appearance, with colors and effects varying based on the concrete's texture and composition.
- Older concrete surfaces may not accept the stain as readily as newer surfaces, affecting the uniformity and intensity of the color.
- The DecoGel™ Color Chart shows standard colors applied to uncolored gray concrete. However, each concrete substrate is unique, and acid stains may produce different effects than those shown on the color chart. The use and final appearance of acid stains can be uncertain and unpredictable.
- While product literature, photos, and sample color chips aim to accurately represent colors, the actual colors achieved on concrete may significantly differ.
- Black and Coffee Brown are high-solids acid stains best applied in very thin layers. For these colors, two thin applications are recommended, with the longest possible drying times between coats. The optimal dry time after each coat is 18 hours, with a minimum of 4 hours.
- Avocado, Azure Blue, and Seagrass stains are sensitive to moisture and can produce a black, spotty effect. These colors are not recommended for use on slag concrete or in areas prone to excessive water exposure or slag concrete influences. Ideally suited for interior applications, these stains require a well-drained sub-grade, free from hydrostatic pressure. Additionally, UV exposure may darken these colors over time, reinforcing the recommendation for interior use only. To ensure proper application, a minimum drying time of 24 hours is necessary to allow any rinse moisture to fully evaporate before sealing. Adhering strictly to the application instructions is essential for achieving the desired outcome with these specific stains.
- Hard-troweled concrete surfaces may present difficulties in staining. It's particularly important to allow extra drying time between application coats on hard-troweled surfaces.
- Over time, acid stain colors may fade, especially with prolonged exposure to sunlight. This fading can be minimized or prevented with proper maintenance and care of the stained surface.
- Prevent contact with metal objects, particularly galvanized ones, as this can lead to the production of explosive hydrogen gas during the acid staining process.
Coverage
Estimated coverage is around 6 square feet per trial size color, varying with surface conditions and application methods.
Clean-Up
| Product |
Clean-Up |
| DecoGel™ Acid Stain |
ProClean Neutralizer™ |
| 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 DecoGel™ Acid Stain within one year of purchase and store it in a cool, indoor location away from sunlight and heat.
Warranty
DecoGel™ Acid Stain 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.
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