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    How much do I need to stain my concrete?

    It will depend on the square footage of your application.

    The coverage rate is 200 square feet per gallon (2 coats) depending on concrete porosity. Two or more coats are required.

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    Product Tabs

    Product Details

    Portico™ Paver Stain is an advanced, semi-transparent, solvent-based concrete stain, expertly formulated to enhance the aesthetic appeal of rough and porous concrete pavers. Its robust formulation combines high-concentration pigments with cutting-edge dispersants to ensure even color distribution across uneven surfaces. Designed for a wide range of exterior applications, including driveways, patios, pool decks, and walkways, it revitalizes faded or discolored concrete by depositing pigments into the substrate's porous matrix for a durable and visually striking finish. The inclusion of UV-resistant components in its formulation helps mitigate the effects of photodegradation, thereby extending the visual enhancement's lifespan. Portico™ Paver Stain represents a harmonious blend of aesthetic elevation and functional durability, offering an advanced solution for professional-grade concrete paver restoration and enhancement.

    Quick Facts

    Application Tools: Best applied using a pump sprayer (filter removed).
    Location: Suitable for exterior applications.
    Dry Time: Requires 8 hours drying before sealer application. Dry times vary with environmental conditions.
    Re-Coat Time: Additional coats can be applied without waiting.
    Cleanup: Use xylene
    Coverage: Approximately 200 sq. ft. per gallon for two thin coats. It is recommended to apply two coats for optimal performance; coverage may vary depending on surface conditions.
    Recommended Sealers: Compatible with AcquaSeal™ Water-based Acrylic Sealer or EasySeal™ Solvent-based Acrylic Sealer.
    Application Temperature: Best between 40°F-95°F (4°C-35°C).
    Recommended Uses: Ideal for paved concrete driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways, and other outdoor concrete areas.
    Important Note: Requires proper ventilation due to strong fumes.

    Special Offers

    Portico™ Stain & Seal Bundle

    A package including one gallon of Portico™ Paver Stain and one gallon of sealer, ideal for small to medium projects.

    Portico™ Complete DIY Kit

    This comprehensive kit is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, containing protective gear, cleaning supplies, a gallon of stain, application tools, and sealer.

    Portico™ Mega Bundle

    A bulk deal offering five gallons of Portico™ Stain and five gallons of sealer, suitable for large-scale projects or professional use.

    Portico™ Paver Stain Trial Kit

    A sampler kit that includes three 4-ounce color choices, a 4-ounce satin or gloss sealer, and foam applicators, perfect for testing colors and finishes.

    FAQ

    Click/Tap each question to hide/show the answers.

    How does Portico concrete stain work?

    Portico Paver Stain is formulated using pigments. When sprayed onto a concrete surface, the liquid remains wet for an extended period, allowing pigments to travel and nest into the surface. Since paver stain is a pigment-based colorant, the pigments require sealing to hold them in place.

    Where can I apply Portico Paver Stain?

    Portico Paver Stain is typically intended for outdoor surfaces like concrete pavers. In most cases, Portico can also be applied to brushed concrete, extremely porous, or weathered and degraded surfaces due to its heavier pigmentation. 
    If your concrete surface or pavers aren't very porous, you might consider using Antiquing Stain. Uncertain about how porous the surface is? Consider an Antiquing Stain Trial Kit or Portico Paver Stain Trial Kit to confirm results before purchasing for your entire project.

    I’ve just applied Portico stain to my concrete and after it dried, it barely has any color. What happened?

    The good news is that concrete pigments don't disappear! Assuming your concrete surface is in relatively decent condition and isn't extremely deteriorated, the pigments you sprayed down are still in place. Once Portico is sprayed on the surface and dries for several hours, the dried pigment only appears faded. 

    When you apply the recommended two thin coats of concrete sealer, the color will “pop” to life, transforming your space! Be mindful of a decision you'll need to make between solvent-based or water-based sealers. While both are great options, the difference is that solvent-based sealers will “pop” color much more intensely than water-based sealers. Water-based sealers will tend to soften in color as they cure.

    Why didn’t Portico work on my concrete?

    It would be unusual if Portico Paver Stain didn't color your pavers or concrete surface successfully. Remember, this product is made of pigment, and pigments don't disappear! If Portico didn't add any color to your concrete, it could potentially be one of two issues: 
    1. The pigments became trapped or blocked in the sprayer. This can make it seem as if you sprayed liquid with no color. Make sure that you have removed all of the filters on the stain sprayer and that the O-rings are seated correctly in the sprayer head. 
    2. The concrete that you're applying Portico to is too damaged. When concrete has significantly deteriorated, the pigments will fall deeper into the concrete surface - causing the color to diminish. This is not a sign of a faulty product, but unfortunately, you may have selected the wrong product for your particular project.

    How much surface preparation is required before applying Portico Paver Stain?

    Surface preparation is often the most critical factor in any successful decorative concrete project. In order to achieve the best results, the concrete surface should be free of cure and seal, sealer, paint, dirt, grime, and grease. If the concrete was previously stained and the original sealer has worn away, go ahead and apply Portico over that previous stain. What you would particularly want to avoid is applying Portico over a previously sealed surface. This could cause the still intact sealer to repel the new stain you’ve applied. 
    Scrub the surface using ProClean Degreaser, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry before applying Portico.

    What should I use to apply Portico stain?

    The best application tool is a pump up sprayer for fences and decks. When using a sprayer to apply Portico, don't forget to remove any filters. These are normally found at the top or bottom of the straw in the canister. If the filter isn't removed, you would only spray the clear liquid onto your surface - the filter would prevent the pigment from being sprayed out. 
    For closer applications or a slightly different look, use a sponge or foam brush.

    Can I use multiple paver stain colors, and can they be mixed?

    We strongly advise against mixing one Portico stain with another. Instead, consider layering separate colors on top of one another to achieve your desired look. We recommend starting with your lightest color of Portico and then building up to a darker color.

    What’s the difference between Antiquing Stain and Portico Paver Stain?

    Time to settle any confusion once and for all! While these two outdoor concrete stains are quite similar, Antiquing Stain is intended for textured and stamped concrete and Portico stain is intended for flatter, more porous surfaces such as concrete pavers.

    I purchased the amount of product your concrete stain calculator recommended based on my square footage, and still needed more. What happened?

    Depending on your concrete surface and chosen application methods, coverage rates can vary. We follow industry standards of approximately 200 square feet per gallon, which commonly applies to lower viscosity products like colorants and concrete sealers.
    First, it's always good to double-check your calculation of square footage. From there, a few variables come into play. How porous, weathered, or worn is your concrete? How heavily are you applying the product? On smoother, less porous concrete, you may find you're getting a bit more coverage than anticipated. For stamped, textured, or more weathered, porous concrete, you may get a bit less coverage. These variables aren't calculation errors, but more of a common indefinite. When in doubt, follow the general construction rule of rounding up for your supply needs.

    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.

    Pre-Application

    • Clean & Dry: Portico™ Paver Stain should be applied to a surface that is completely clean and dry. If the surface was cleaned with water or pressure washed, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before staining. Ensure the surface is free from dust, dirt, oil, grease, paints, glues, curing agents, efflorescence, chemical contaminants, rust, algae, mildew, and other materials that might prevent proper bonding.
    • Cured: Concrete must be fully cured before application. It is recommended that cement-based products cure for at least 28 days to achieve optimal results.
    • Temperature: For optimal results, apply Portico™ Paver Stain when temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 95°F (35°C).
    • 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.
    • 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. If the concrete absorbs the water, it is ready for Portico™ application. Image showing two concrete surfaces: on the left, a surface that passes the water absorption test with water penetrating the concrete, and on the right, a surface failing the test with water pooling on top
    • Ventilation: When applying, be aware that odors can be strong. Ensure the area is properly ventilated during application to maintain a safe and comfortable working environment.

    Preparation

    • Block HVAC ducts to prevent solvent spread and odors. Ensure all ignition sources, like pilot lights, are extinguished before starting.
    • Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended in the Safety Data Sheet.
    • 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 the stain's effectiveness.

    Tools for Application

    • For Large Applications: Apply stain using a garden-type pump sprayer (with the filter removed).
      Hand showing filter removal from a pump-up sprayer
      Removing the filter from a pump-up sprayer to prevent clogging.
    • For Small Projects: Use a soft brush or a small foam applicator, alongside a tub or dishpan that's large enough for easy dipping of the brush.

    Application Process

    • Before application, thoroughly mix Portico™ Paver Stain to ensure uniformity. If using multiple jugs from different production lots, combine and mix them together to guarantee even 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.
    • Apply Portico™ Paver Stain using the prepared pump-up sprayer (with the filter removed) in a circular spraying motion.
    • Two saturating coats may be applied successively, without waiting for the first to dry, to ensure thorough coverage and optimal color depth.
    • Use spiked shoes if walking on the stained area is necessary. Avoid walking on wet stain to maintain a smooth, even application.
    • Apart from spraying, methods like mopping, sponging, and ragging are effective, particularly for creating accents and artistic finishes.
    • Over-application should be avoided; excess stain that doesn’t penetrate the concrete surface can hinder sealer adhesion. If stain can be easily wiped away after application, it indicates insufficient surface penetration, necessitating further surface preparation.
    • Allow the final coat of Portico™ Paver Stain to dry completely, usually over a minimum of 8 hours, to ensure solvent gases fully evaporate, preventing blotchy spots under the sealer.
    • Although Portico™ Paver Stain is applied in rich color, it dries to an almost colorless state until the sealer is applied, which significantly enhances the color depth.
    • Apply a high-solid content acrylic sealer, a critical step to ensure the protection, enhancement, and durability of the stain's color and finish.

    Limitations

    • 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: Portico™ Paver Stain is a translucent stain designed to enhance but not hide the concrete surface. It won't cover discolorations, blemishes, cracks, or other irregularities and may highlight differences in porosity. Typically, it appears lighter when dry than when wet.
    • Surface Compatibility: Portico™ Paver Stainn might not adhere well to hard-troweled (smoothly machine-finished) surfaces.
    • Sealant Requirement: Portico™ Paver Stain requires a sealer for color enhancement; it is not a standalone sealant product.
    • Color Accuracy: While efforts are made to accurately represent colors in product literature, photos, and sample color chips, the actual color achieved on concrete can significantly differ. This discrepancy stems from the stain's translucent nature, allowing the color of the concrete base to affect the final shade.

    Slip Resistance

    Portico™ Paver Stain does not affect slip resistance, which is determined by the chosen sealer. For enhanced slip-resistance on exterior surfaces, add OxiGrip™ to the sealer.

    Sealing

    Portico™ Paver Stain on concrete requires sealing to encapsulate the pigments and preserve the color and finish.

    • Choose between EasySeal™ Satin or AcquaSeal™ Satin. Both provide a satin finish that is less slippery compared to their gloss counterparts. For detailed information on sealers, refer to AcquaSeal™ TDS and EasySeal™ TDS.
    • Keep in mind that EasySeal™, being solvent-based, generally enriches and darkens the stain color more than the water-based AcquaSeal™.
    • Gloss Finish Consideration: If using gloss finish sealers, which can make surfaces more slippery, consider adding OxiGrip™ slip-resistant additive to the second coat for enhanced safety.

    Coverage

    Estimated coverage is around 200 square feet per gallon, varying with surface conditions and application methods.

    Clean-Up

    Product Clean-Up
    Portico™ Paver Stain Xylene
    AcquaSeal™ Water-based Sealer ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water
    EasySeal™ Solvent-based Sealer Xylene

    Disposal

    Dispose of unused product according to local environmental or hazardous waste regulations.

    Shelf Life and Storage

    Use Portico™ Paver Stain within one year of purchase and store it in a cool, indoor location away from sunlight and heat.

    Maintenance

    • Regularly inspect exterior sealed surfaces for wear and reapply sealer as needed.
    • For interior surfaces, monitor and maintain wax coatings or polish, especially in high-traffic areas.

    Complementary Products

    ProClean Degreaser™ Concrete cleaner & degreaser
    CitrusEtch™ Pre-stain concrete pore etcher
    ProClean Neutralizer™ Concrete cleaner & neutralizer
    EasySeal™ Solvent-based acrylic sealer
    AcquaSeal™ Water-based acrylic sealer
    OxiGrip™ Slip-resistant sealer additive
    PatchRx™ Concrete repair
    Resurface-It™ Concrete overlay/micro-topping

    Safety & Precautions

    DANGER: HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. COMBUSTIBLE. Do not swallow. Do not get in eyes or on skin or clothing. Do not breathe fumes. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Wear a mask. Wear safety glasses and chemical resistant gloves. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Contains: Petroleum Distillates and Aliphatic amine derivative FIRST AID TREATMENT: If swallowed, call physician immediately. Do not induce vomiting. If in eyes or on skin, rinse well with water. If on clothes, remove clothes. If breathed in, move person into fresh air.

    Warranty

    Portico™ Paver Stain is guaranteed for uniform quality within manufacturing tolerances. No warranty is provided for its application effects. Liability for defects is limited to refunding the purchase price. Users bear all other risks and liabilities. For inquiries, contact Direct Colors customer service.

    How-To Videos

    How to Apply Portico� Paver Stain
    How to Apply EasySeal�
    How to Apply AcquaSeal�
    Concrete Stain Demonstration
    How to Stain faded Pavers

    Color Chart

    Portico Paver Stain Color Chart

    PDF Downloads

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