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Staining Concrete Overlays - When to Stain a Thin Overlay

By Chris Sullivan – ChemSystems, Inc.

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.

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