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Stain Color – Dealing with Faded Color

By Chris Sullivan – ChemSystems, Inc.

Question:

We applied an acid stain in a dark walnut color to a lanai. The stain took fine, and after rinsing, we tested a small area for final color approval. Finally, we sealed the job using two coats of a 30% solvent-based sealer. After only a week, the walnut color has faded dramatically. What could have caused this?

Answer:

As with almost all decorative concrete finishes, especially exterior work, the final color will develop over the first few weeks after completion. On stained slabs, gloss and color decrease in short order. Exposure to dirt, rain, sun and foot traffic all play a part in color retention, but sealer choice can also have an impact.

Just to make sure, double check the type of sealer you applied and make sure it's recommended for use on an exterior stained slab. If the sealer is not designed for exterior decorative use, you could have a dramatic color shift and the stained slab could fade out quickly, as you are describing. An additional thin coat of an appropriate decorative sealer may be needed to restore the color. If the lanai is under a roof or covered from the elements, a sacrificial topcoat of wax can be used to help bring out the color.

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