DIY EverStain™ Acid Stain Kit

Printable EverStain™ 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 200 square feet per gallon (two coats). Coverage rates may vary based on concrete texture, surface porosity, and application method.

NOTE: Only apply EverStain™ 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 irritation. Avoid contact with eyes.

Spraying:

• Remove all filters from pump-up sprayer before pouring EverStain™ into sprayer.
• Wear spiked shoes before spraying EverStain™ or walking across surface until it’s neutralized.
• Begin spraying at a far corner to maintain a clear path to exit.
• Spray EverStain™ on surface in circular motions with irregular overlaps.
• To develop deeper color, apply additional coats (maximum of two coats).
• Allow 30 minutes between coats.
  • Apply additional coats following the same method.
• Allow stain to react and develop color over 4-6 hours (richer colors may take more time).
• Once desired color has developed, neutralize stain using ProClean Neutralizer™.
  • Spray a saturating coat of ProClean Neutralizer™ on surface and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
  • Use scrub brush to break up all remaining EverStain™ residue.
  • Immediately rinse surface with water until surface is clear of residue (repeat steps as needed).
• Allow concrete to thoroughly dry for at least eight hours before applying a 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.
• EverStain™ reacts with minerals found in Portland Cement. Areas with more minerals will develop more color than areas with fewer minerals. EverStain™ will not stain rock or sand.
• If new concrete is being poured, it must have less than 10% Fly Ash for EverStain™ to work properly.
• To avoid droplets dripping onto surface: before releasing sprayer trigger, immediately place tip in a bucket

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:

• Pump-up sprayer
• 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.