DecoGel™ Acid Stain

How-to-Guide

Pre-Application

Required Tools

Preparation

Application

Neutralizing

Sealing

Additional Info

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: 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.

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.

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.

Step 3 - Temperature: For optimal results, apply DecoGel™ Acid Stain when temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 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.

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

IMPORTANT: DecoGel™ will permanently change the color of your concrete. Onceapplied, it can't be undone.

Area Preparation: Cover any surfaces you don't want to stain to avoid accidentalapplication
Test in a Hidden Spot: Before starting your project, test the stain in an out-of-sight area to see how it reacts. This stain is permanent, so there's no going back.
Avoid Tape: Don’t use tape on concrete surfaces before orafter staining,as it can affect how well thestain works.

3 . Application

Please Note: The color of the stain in the bottle will not reflect the final colorafter reacting with theconcrete.

Applying

Utilize a foam roller, all-plastic brush, foam applicator, or artist brush for detailed work on small areas and stencil designs. These tools offer precision for intricate patterns and controlled stain application.

Saturate the selected tool with stain, applying it in random, overlapping strokes or with controlled spraying to achieve uniform coverage and avoid undesired patterning.

After application, allow the stain to dwell on the surface for at least 5 hours before proceeding with stencil removal, rinsing, or cleaning. This dwell time is essential for the chemical reaction to fully develop.

To check the result

Test for uniformity and depth of color by wetting the surface with a cloth dampened with water.

After the reaction has stopped, use fresh material for any areas that have not been colored, blending into previously completed sections to avoid lap marks.

Allow the stain to sit for a minimum of 5 hours to ensure adequate reaction time before any rinsing.

For enhanced color depth within stencil designs or on treated surfaces, apply additional coats once the initial reaction has concluded. Maintain a minimum interval of 5 hours between each application to ensure proper reaction and absorption.

4. Neutralizing

After drying, DecoGel™ Acid Stain leaves a powdery residue. Remove this by neutralizing the surface with a commercial pH neutralizer like ProClean Neutralizer™, followed by thorough water flushing and stiff brush scrubbing.
Rinse the surface with clean water to remove all neutralizer and residue. If you opt not to use our ProClean Neutralizer™ and choose another neutralizing method instead, be mindful that the rinse water could be slightly corrosive and capable of staining. This requires extra caution to protect unstained areas, those with different colors,and plant-lifezones.
Ensure complete removal of salty colored residue and achieve proper surface neutralization and cleanup.

Utilizea wet/dry vacuum to collect colored wastewater.
Final rinsing should continue until the runoff is clear. A white rag test, coming away clean, indicates a properly cleaned surface.
Collect and properly dispose of all residue water and rinse water,adhering to environmental regulations.

NOTE: Keep in mind, using ammonia will result in strong fumes, and baking soda requires additional cleanup timeto remove extra residue. We do not recommend this type of product for neutralizing concrete.

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

● Periodically inspect the sealed surface for areas where the sealer may be thinning or showing signs of wear due to traffic. Reapply the sealer as needed, following the guidance provided in the appropriate Technical Data Sheet.
● If traces of efflorescence are present, they should be removed using a gentle cleaner before resealing or applying any maintenance products.
● For interior surfaces, the application of ProWax Polish™ is recommended as a sacrifi cial layer on top of the existing seal coat to enhance protection and appearance. Ensure you obtain and review the appropriate Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet prior to using this product.

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

● Job site conditions, base color, concrete mix and slump, curing methods, finishing practices, stain application, surface permeability, and the age/condition of concrete can all vary — and these differences may cause color variations in the final result.

● Acid stain won't hide imperfections or existing stains in the concrete. Instead, it will create a mottled look, with colors and effects that depend on the concrete's texture and composition.

● Older concrete may not absorb the stain as well as newer surfaces, which can affect color uniformity and intensity.

● The DecoGel™ Color Chart shows standard colors on plain gray concrete. Since every concrete surface is different, actual results may not match the chart. Acid stain outcomes can be unpredictable.

● Product literature, photos, and color chips are meant to represent colors accurately, but actual results on concrete may differ significantly.

● Black and Coffee Brown are high-solids stains and should be applied in very thin layers. Two thin coats are recommended. Allow the longest possible drying time between coats — ideally 18 hours, with a minimum of 4 hours.

● Avocado, Azure Blue, and Seagrass are moisture-sensitive and can produce black, spotty effects. These colors are not recommended for slag concrete or areas with heavy water exposure. They are best suited for interior use only, on a well-drained sub-grade free from hydrostatic pressure. UV exposure may darken them over time. Allow at least 24 hours of drying before sealing so rinse moisture can fully evaporate. Follow the application instructions closely for best results.

● Hard-troweled concrete can be difficult to stain. Allow extra drying time between coats on these surfaces.

● Acid stain colors may fade over time, especially with prolonged sun exposure. Proper maintenance can help minimize or prevent fading.

● Avoid contact with metal objects — especially galvanized ones — as this can produce explosive hydrogen gas during the acid staining process.

Slip Resistance

● DecoGel™ 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

● DecoGel™ Acid Stain 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

4 Ounce(0.118L) Bottle
1 Quart (0.946L) Botlle

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