Concrete Basics

What is Concrete Made of

Pouring Concrete

Concrete Mix Designs

Aggregates in Ready-Mix Concrete

Building Concrete Slabs

Concrete Testing

Seasonal Pouring Tips

Repairing Concrete

Concrete Repair

Fixing Decorative Concrete

Applications

Staining Concrete

Stamped Concrete

Concrete Countertops

Concrete Patios

Concrete Floors

Commercial Concrete

Staining Concrete Overlays - When to Stain a Thin Overlay

Question:

How long do you need to wait before staining a thin micro topping type product?

Answer:

In general, polymer modified thin overlays less then ¼ inch in thickness cure out and can be stained in 24 hours. While they may not be 100% cured, they are dry enough to accept a stain without moisture effects. Once the 24-hour cure is complete, stain should be applied within a 72-hour window. If you wait longer than 72 hours, the overlay may become so hard that the stain cannot penetrate and react properly. Proper surface preparation includes but is not limited to dry sanding, mineral acid etch, and scrubbing, is always recommended when staining overlays. Sampling, as with any stain application, is always recommended.

Find Concrete Stains

Learn more about how to buy concrete stains.