The use of water-based stains makes it easy to add color to concrete and enhance the flooring for your patio, basement, garage or even an interior living space. Unlike acid etch stains, water-based stains provide more consistent results and include pigments and dyes made from organic or mineral oxide colors. These products are easy to apply and the results are stunning. They are a non hazardous alternative to acid stain, and you can still produce a mottled, variegated look, that chemical reactive stains produce.
One of the greatest advantages of a water based stain over other methods of topical coloration is that the color is built up over multiple coats and there is no need to wait for a chemical reaction to take place. This means there are NO surprises and consistent color matching to the original sample approved. Usually, you can seal the surface after a few hours of drying. There is no need for neutralization, ammonia water, rinsing, and an overall better installation. Water based coloration systems can be layered and combined with many different colors thereby creating totally customized looks not always possible with an acid stain.
A) CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCT.
Topical film-building stains are opaque in nature—sort of like paint—and reside on the surface of concrete; although their bond is enhanced if they can penetrate the pore structure a little bit. The coloring pigment is almost always made with mineral oxides because they don’t degrade in ultraviolet (UV) light. There are a few products on the market made with organic coloring agents that include UV blockers to help protect the color. To complete the job, use a sealer in high traffic areas to prevent color degradation. Water- based dyes penetrate the surface, allowing some of the look of concrete to remain. This creates a translucent colored appearance. The coloring agent for dyes is a much smaller particle—even nano sized—and it does not require bonding agents and most dyes form solutions in water, not suspensions. Take a look at http://www.simstain.com/.
B) PREPARE CORRECTLY.All stains must either bond to the surface of concrete or penetrate into the surface. Ensure that there are no existing coatings or paints on the surface - sealers, adhesives, etc...- or the color will not adhere. Preparation involves brushing or rolling on a 15% phosphoric acid solution to lightly etch the surface so the color can bond. Rinse off with water and the acid becomes a phosphorous fertilizer for surrounding landscape.
C) APPLY AS PER DIRECTIONS.
Once applied, with a sprayer, brush or roller, the color is allowed to dry - often within a few hours - and the surface can be protected with a clear sealer.
B) PREPARE CORRECTLY.All stains must either bond to the surface of concrete or penetrate into the surface. Ensure that there are no existing coatings or paints on the surface - sealers, adhesives, etc...- or the color will not adhere. Preparation involves brushing or rolling on a 15% phosphoric acid solution to lightly etch the surface so the color can bond. Rinse off with water and the acid becomes a phosphorous fertilizer for surrounding landscape.
C) APPLY AS PER DIRECTIONS.
Once applied, with a sprayer, brush or roller, the color is allowed to dry - often within a few hours - and the surface can be protected with a clear sealer.
