6 Steps to Fix Acid Staining Problems on Concrete Floors

If you’re working on an acid stain project for your concrete floor and things aren’t turning out as planned, don’t worry – there are ways to fix common problems like uneven color, fading, and seal bubbling.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to use concrete dye and sealer to fix any issues and achieve a professional-looking finish.

Whether you’re looking to do a large-scale transformation or just need some minor touch-ups, these tips will help you troubleshoot and fix any acid staining problems on your own.

Step 1: Clean the concrete surface.

Use an organic concrete cleaner & degreaser solution to thoroughly scrub and rinse all residues from the surface. Allow the floor to dry.

Step 2: Seal the concrete surface.

Apply one coat of acrylic concrete sealer prior to applying the dye. This is especially important for porous and outdoor concrete.

Step 3: Mix the concrete dye.

Follow the instructions on the dye packaging to properly mix the powder. Remember to wear goggles and gloves while working with the dye. If you need additional guidance on how to use concrete dye, you can check out our blog “How To Use Concrete Dye” for more information.

Step 4: Apply the concrete dye.

Shake the mixture in the sprayer frequently to ensure an even, consistent color. Spray the dye going right to left, then north to south. Avoid applying the dye too thick, as it will dry almost instantly. Generally, three to four coats should be sufficient, but you can add more for a darker color. Be sure to mop up any areas where the dye pools up.

Step 5: Wipe off any residue.

Allow the dye to dry thoroughly, then use a dry buffer, soft cloth, or dust mop to remove any excess colorant or residue.

Step 6: Seal the dyed concrete.

Apply the same acrylic concrete sealer that you used in Step 2, using a pump up sprayer. Use caution when applying solvent-based sealers, especially in indoor areas. Wear a mask and ensure the area is well ventilated. If the space is poorly ventilated, such as a basement, use a water-based sealer instead.

If you’re dealing with old acid stained concrete, you may need to strip the existing sealer before starting the staining process again. If you need additional guidance on how to acid stain old concrete, you can watch the video below which is an acid staining troubleshooting tutorial.

If you’re still experiencing issues with your acid stain project, you may want to consider contacting our customer service team or submitting a free project consultation form for additional assistance. Our team is here to help troubleshoot any issues and find a solution for your acid stain project.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix any acid staining problems on your concrete floor and achieve the desired result. Whether you’re looking to touch up some areas or transform the entire floor, these tips will help you troubleshoot and fix any issues. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can have a beautiful and professional-looking finish for your acid stain project.