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The Concrete Source - Floors

A Monthly Newsletter about Concrete Floors                      April  2009
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Staining Q&A: How do I improve stain penetration?

Q: How do I "open" the pores of a concrete surface so water-based stains will penetrate better?

 Tek Gel

A: The more porous the substrate, the more receptive it will be to stain penetration. Methods for opening up a "tight" surface include acid etching and light shotblasting. Or you can apply an environmentally safe profiling gel, such as Tek Gel from Surface Gel Tek. The best approach is to follow the stain manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation.

Creating Excitement with Color
Smith's Color Floor

Water-based concrete stains allow decorative concrete artists to push the envelope when it comes to color. Learn about two new concrete stains that come in a full range of hues.

Color Floor from Smith Paint

Rembrandt from Kemiko Concrete Products




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Tips for Using Water-Based Stains

Hi  ,
 
More and more contractors are telling us that they are using water-based stains as a low-odor, low-VOC Rembrandt stainsalternative to acid-based stains for dressing up plain concrete floors. Not only are these stains safer to apply indoors, they come in a much broader array of colors, allowing you to venture beyond the subdued color palette of acid stains. If you've never used water-based stains before, consider giving them a try, especially if you want to perk up a drab slab. First, though, here's what you need to know about the performance and versatility of these new-generation stains.
 
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

They don't work like acid stains
Kemiko Concrete ProductsDon't expect water-based stains to produce the same variegated, translucent color tones characteristic of acid stains. The color is more opaque and more uniform because water-based stains rely on pigments rather than a chemical reaction to impart color. Learn more about how water-based stains work.
Prepare the floor properly
For the best long-term adhesion of water-based stains, it's important to prepare the concrete surface properly. Because water-based stains are non-reactive, they need to be applied to a concrete surface with an open profile (versus smooth) so the pigments can penetrate. The surface should also be free of oil, grease, sealers, curing agents or anything else that might inhibit color penetration. Get more advice on preparing concrete surfaces.
Create your own designer colors
Ocean blue stainMost manufacturers of water-based stains offer dozens of standard colors, including bold, vibrant hues and even metallics. And like paint, you can mix two or more pigments to create your own hues. Just remember to test the color first in an inconspicuous area. Once you apply a concrete stain, the color is permanent!
No rinsing required
A big advantage of water-based stains is that they don't require neutralization or rinsing, like acid stains do. Once you apply them, your work is done (except for a topcoat of sealer). Another advantage: Application tools clean up easily with soap and water.
Protect your work with a sealer
Manufacturers of water-based stains recommend protecting the application with a clear topcoat of sealer for additional abrasion resistance and easier cleaning.Just make sure the sealer is compatible with the stain you're using.
Find Local Suppliers of Water-Based Stains
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