Antiquing™ Stain
How-to-Guide

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.
1 . Pre-Application
Step 1 - Clean: Antiquing™ 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.
Step 2 - 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.
Step 3 - Temperature: For optimal results, apply Antiquing™ in temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 95°F (35°C).
Step 4 - Sound: Apply only to cement-based products that are not flaking or spalling. The substrate must be structurally sound. For surfaces showing signs of delamination, employ diamond grinding, shot blasting, or similar mechanical methods for removal. For concrete, ensure the surface has a minimum strength of 2500 psi.
Step 5 - 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.
Note: For surfaces with previous sealer applications, it is necessary to strip the old sealer before applying Antiquing™ Stain.
Before
After
IMPORTANT: Use spiked shoes when etching. If shoe prints are etched onto the concrete surface, you will need to usea mechanical grinder to removethem.
Required Tools
Personal Safety: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended in the Safety Data Sheet.
2 . Preparation
- Antiquing™ Stain is a semi-transparent stain designed for outdoor use.
- Plan the work area in manageable sections, utilizing natural break points such as walls and joints to avoid discrepancies in application. Maintain control of wet edges to reduce overlap marks.
- Area Preparation: Protect surfaces not intended for staining by covering surrounding areas to prevent accidental application.
- Avoid using tape on concrete surfaces before or after staining, as adhesives and plasticizers can interfere with thestain's effectiveness.
Please note that Antiquing™ Stain will not cover imperfections like paint would.
3 . Application
Please Note: The color of the stain in the bottle might not reflect the final color.
Applying
- Remove pump-up sprayer filters.
- Shake the Antiquing™ bottle thoroughly before use and pour the stain into the sprayer.
- Spray two thin coats on the surface using circular motions and overlapping patterns. Frequently shake the sprayer side-to-side to keep the color mixed.
- Start at the farthest corner and work your way towards an exit. There is no need to wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second.
- Allow the stain to dry completely for at least 8 hours before proceeding to sealer application.
For Smaller projects
- Shake the Antiquing™ bottle well before use.
- For bottles larger than 4 ounces, pour a small amount into a separate container. If using a 4-ounce bottle, dip the foam brush directly into the bottle.
- Submerge and saturate a foam brush or sponge in the Antiquing™ stain, and apply the stain to the surface using the foam brush or sponge.
- Shake the Antiquing™ bottle well before pouring more for the next batch or before re-dipping the brush if using the 4-ounce size.
- Allow the stain to dry completely for at least 8 hours.
4 . Sealing
- Antiquing™ Stain must be sealed to preserve the colorand finish.
- Ensure the surface is clean and dry prior to sealing.
- Apply two thin coats of the chosen sealer.
- Sealing stained surfaces enhances their brilliance and depth of color.
- Epoxy and solvent-based sealers will produce a deep and brilliant look, whereas water-based sealers tend to givea moretoned-down appearance.
For Outdoor Projects
- Choose between EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™ acrylic sealer .
- Keep in mind that EasySeal™, being solvent-based, generally enriches and darkens the stain color more than the water-based AcquaSeal™.
- Satin finish will be less slippery.
- Gloss finish will be more resistant (add Oxigrip™ into the final layer of sealer, to ensure slip resistance).
Additional Information
Coverage
Coverage
Estimated coverage is approximately 200 square feet (18.58 m²) per gallon. Actual coverage rates may diff er based on factors such as surface porosity, texture, the age and condition of the concrete, chosen application method, and prevailing environmental conditions.
Surface Protection and Maintenance
Surface Protection and Maintenance
FOR EXTERIOR SURFACES:
- Regularly inspect sealed areas for signs of thinning or wear due to foot or vehicular traffic. Reapply the sealer as needed to maintain protection and appearance.
- Exterior surfaces should be resealed every 2-3 years.
- Resealing frequency depends on weather conditions and use.
Suitability Sample
Suitability Sample
Prior to application, prepare a sufficient number of test areas on the actual substrate to determine the aesthetic suitability of the product for its intended use.
Limitation & Precautions
Limitation & Precautions
● Batch Variability: The supply of specialized pigments may vary between batches. To ensure color consistency, use the same batch for the entire job or mix multiple batches together ("boxing").
● Surface Characteristics: Antiquing™ is a semi-transparent stain, and it will show the previous color of the surface, which can create variations on the final result.
● Sealant Requirement: Antiquing™ is not a sealant and should not be used as a standalone product. A sealer is required to maintain color enhancement.
CAUTION: Antiquing™ is flammable, harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Store and use with adequate ventilation, allowing airflow to disperse vapors. Before applying Antiquing™, open windows and doors and extinguish all open flames such as gas appliance pilot lights, candles, etc. Do not smoke, use a lighter or matches, or anything that could cause a potential spark.
Slip Resistance
Slip Resistance
● Antiquing™ does not alter slip resistance. Slip resistance is determined by the chosen sealer.
For enhanced slip resistance on exterior surfaces, integrate OxiGrip™ into the sealer. Ensure you obtain and review the appropriate Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet prior to using this product.
Disposal
Disposal
For the disposal of any unused product, please refer to your local environmental or hazardous waste management authority to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Shelf Life & Storage
Shelf Life & Storage
Antiquing™ should be used within one year of purchase for optimal effectiveness. For storage, keep the product indoors, in a cool area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Available Sizes & Packaging
Available Sizes & Packaging
- 4-Ounce(0.118L) Bottle
- 1-Gallon (3.785L) Jug
- 5-Gallon (18.925L) Carboy
Applicabe Standards
Applicabe Standards
Meets EQ Credit 4.2 for Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings, when applied in conjunction with a low VOC sealer.
Complementary Products
Complementary Products
● ProClean Degreaser™ Concentrate Cleaning agent.
● CitrusEtch™ - Concrete etching agent.
● ProClean Neutralizer™ Concentrate.
● EasySeal™ Acrylic Solvent-Based Sealer.
● AcquaSeal™ Acrylic Water-Based Sealer.
● OxiGrip™ Slip resistant Sealer additive.