ColorWave® Stain

How-to-Guide

Pre-Application

Required Tools

Preparation

Application

Sealing

Additional Info

Resources

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.

Get a Trial Kit

1 . Pre-Application

Step 1: Clean: ColorWave® 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 ColorWave® in temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°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: Poorly finished, broomed, or very old surfaces may absorb ColorWave® more deeply, leading to less visiblecolor.

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.

Preparation

ProClean Degreaser
Pressure Washer
Scrub Brush/ Broom
Mop /Bucket
Wet/DryVacuum
Surface Protector/Tape

Etching (If Required)

Safety Gear
Plastic Pump Sprayer
Spiked Shoes
CitrusEtch ConcreteEtcher
ProClean Neutralizer
Scrub Brush /Broom
Mop /Bucket
Wet/DryVacuum

Stain Application Tools

Safety Gear
ColorWave Stain
Pump Sprayer/Spray Bottle/ Foam Brush

Sealing Tools

Safety Gear
AcquaSeal or EasySeal Concrete Sealer
Plastic Pump Sprayer or 1/4' Nap Roller/Tray

Polishing Tools (Interior Only)

ProWax Polish Concrete Wax
1/4' Nap Roller/Tray

Tools for Residue Removal

Long-handled Deck Brush
Pressure cleaner

2 . Preparation

Before application, thoroughly mix ColorWave® to ensure uniformity. If using multiple jugs from different production lots, combine and mix them together to guaranteeeven coloration across the project.
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.

3 . Application

Please Note: The color of the stain in the bottle might not reflect the final color.

Applying

Apply ColorWave® using the prepared pump-up sprayer to achieve an even coat. To prevent track lines from the sprayer, use a circular spraying motion.

Apply the product evenly. If spraying, use a circular overlapping motion.

If you need to walk on the stained area, use spiked shoes to avoid disturbing the wet stain and maintain a smooth application.

For spraying applications, start and stop the sprayer off the work area or into a bucket to prevent drips.

Basic Application: It is recommended to use 2 coats for a single color application to ensure even coverage and depth of color.

Optional Additional Coats: You have the option to apply up to 4 coats, depending on the desired intensity and depth.

5 . Sealing

ColorWave stain must be sealed to preserve the colorand finish.
Ensure the surface is clean and dry prior to sealing. Fans and blowers can be used to speed up the drying process.

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 Indoor Projects

AcquaSeal™, available in Gloss or Satin, is the recommended sealer for indoor use. Its water-based composition and lower VOC emissions make it an ideal choice for enclosed environments.

To enhance durability and extend the life of the sealer protecting the stain, consider applying an additional coat of ProWax Polish™ after thesealer has fully cured.

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

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

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.

FOR INTERIOR SURFACES:

● Regularly examine surfaces coated with ProWax Polish™ for wear or thinning, especially in high-traffic areas. Reapply the coating as necessary to preserve the surface's integrity and aesthetics.

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

● 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: ColorWave® is a translucent stain that adds color to the concrete surface without behaving like opaque paint. It does not conceal discolorations, blemishes, cracks, or other surface irregularities. In fact, it may accentuate variations in porosity and typically appears lighter when dry compared to its wet appearance.

● Surface Compatibility: ColorWave® may face adhesion challenges on hard-troweled (machine troweled smooth) surfaces or surfaces with pores smaller than its particles. On such surfaces, the colored sealer risks drying without adhering properly. Ensure thorough surface preparation to mitigate this risk.

● Sealant Requirement: ColorWave® is not a sealant and should not be used as a standalone product. A sealer is required to maintain color enhancement.

CAUTION: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not breathe vapors. Do not take internally. In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with water. In case of skin contact, flush thoroughly with water. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call physician immediately. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Slip Resistance

● ColorWave® 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

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

ColorWave® 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. Do not allow to freeze.

Available Sizes & Packaging

4-Ounce(0.118L) Bottle
1-Gallon (3.785L) Jug
5-Gallon (18.925L) Carboy

Applicabe Standards

Meets EQ Credit 4.2 for Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings, when applied in conjunction with a low VOC sealer.

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.
● ProWax Polish™ Premium Floor Wax.