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Portico™ Stain

How-to-Guide

Pre-Application
Required Tools
Preparation
Application
Sealing
Additional Info
Resources
LBL-POR-703-1GAL_15_x_5

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.

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1 . Pre-Application

Step 1 - Clean: Portico™ Paver 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 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: For surfaces with previous sealer applications, it is necessary to strip the old sealer before applying Portico™ Paver Stain.


Before

Before Before

After

After 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.

Direct Colors
Preparation
  • ProClean Degreaser
  • Pressure Washer
  • Scrub Brush/ Broom
  • Mop /Bucket
  • Wet/DryVacuum
  • Surface Protector/Tape
Direct Colors
Etching (If Required)
  • Safety Gear
  • Plastic Pump Sprayer
  • Spiked Shoes
  • CitrusEtch ConcreteEtcher
  • ProClean Neutralizer
  • Scrub Brush /Broom
  • Mop /Bucket
  • Wet/DryVacuum
Direct Colors
Stain Application Tools
  • Safety Gear
  • ColorWave Stain
  • Pump Sprayer/Spray Bottle/ Foam Brush
Direct Colors
Sealing Tools
  • Safety Gear
  • AcquaSeal or EasySeal Concrete Sealer
  • Plastic Pump Sprayer or 1/4' Nap Roller/Tray
Direct Colors
Tools for Residue Removal
  • Long-handled Deck Brush
  • Pressure cleaner

2 . Preparation

  • Portico™ Paver Stain is a semi-transparent stain specifically designed for porous concrete pavers and intended for outdoor applications.
  • 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 Portico™ Paver 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 Portico™ 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 Portico™ 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 Portico™ stain, and apply the stain to the surface using the foam brush or sponge.

  • Shake the Portico™ 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

  • Portico™ 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

Direct Colors
  • 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

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Warranty

Portico™ , a proprietary product, is guaranteed to maintain uniform quality within the bounds of manufacturing tolerances. However, as we have no control over its application, no explicit or implied warranty is provided concerning theeffects of such use. In the event of a proven defect, our liability is strictly limited to refunding the purchase price of the defective material. The user is responsible for all other risks and liabilities that may arise from the use of this product. For any inquiries, please reach out to Direct Colors customer service.