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A Weekly Newsletter about Decorative Concrete            May 7,  2009
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Q&A: How Do Acid Stains Work?
Q: What is in an acid stain, and how does the acid color the concrete?

A: Although they are often called acid stains, acid isn't the ingredient that colors the concrete. Metallic salts in an acidic, water-based solution react with the concrete's lime content. Once the chemical reaction takes place, the stain forms a permanent bond with the concrete and won't chip off or peel away.

Learn more: What Is a True Concrete Stain?

Video: More Ideas for Stained Floors

Stained concrete floor video

Decorative concrete expert Bob Harris introduces you to the myriad ways you can dress up your concrete floors with chemical stains and dyes.

Watch the video now.

Find a Local Stained Concrete Contractor

Let us help you find an artisan in your area who specializes in decorative concrete staining, including the looks shown here.

Visit: Stained Concrete Contractors

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At The Concrete Network, we are constantly receiving photos and descriptions of fabulous concrete projects, submitted by decorative artisans from across the country. See what these creative people are doing by signing up to receive our monthly email profiling the newest projects added to our site. You're sure to be inspired!

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Five Great Looks with Acid Stains

Hi ,

Cornerstone Concrete DesignsAcid-stained concrete floors give you the best of both worlds: beauty and functionality. Concrete staining imparts a luxurious richness that can't be achieved by any other coloring medium while leaving behind permanent, flake-proof color. What's more, stain can even be applied to existing concrete, making it ideal for revitalizing lackluster surfaces. Although acid staining is not a new technique, this classic decorative effect remains one of the most popular and versatile ways to color concrete. Here are 5 fabulous looks you can achieve with a bit of creativity and a coat or two of stain.

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

1. Marbelizing
General Concrete FinishersChemical stains do more than simply add color. Rather than produce a solid, opaque effect like paint or colored coatings, stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with rich, deep, translucent tones. Depending on the color and application techniques used, the results can mimic everything from polished marble to natural stone. See Getting Concrete to Look Like Natural Marble. 
2. Old World charm
Creative Concrete SolutionsWhat many people love most about stains are the "antiqued" or variegated tones they can produce. Rather than uniformity, stains give concrete floors an aged, Old World look that enhances concrete's natural characteristics. See Stained Concrete Floors Fit Old-World Castle Home.
3. Faux finishes
 Faux streamThe same techniques and tools used to faux finish walls can also be used to apply stains to concrete floors. Experiment with "tools" such as rags, torn paper, crumpled plastic and sea sponges to create unique effects. See Faux Concrete Streams, Rocks and Sand on Home's Interior Floor.
4. Multicolored creations
Image-N-ConcreteApplying multiple colors of stain can produce dramatic looks that take a basic stain job to the next level. Options include layering different colors of stain (see Blending Acid Stain Colors) or creating graphic designs using decorative sawcuts (see Decorative Concrete Floors Provide Harmony). 
5. Decorative stenciling
Stenciled border Any pattern you can imagine is possible by using adhesive-backed decorative stencils. After stencil removal, you can stain or dye the previously covered areas with a contrasting color. See Stenciled Concrete Adds Irish Charm.
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