How Much Cleanup Is Required?One of the chief disadvantages of using chemical stains is the requisite cleanup work. After stain application, you must scrub the slab thoroughly to remove any stain residue and to neutralize the surface. Manufacturers recommend using a neutralizing solution of water combined with ammonia or baking soda followed by rinsing with clean water. You can also use an alkaline soap. Residue can be scrubbed off with a broom, mop, or floor scrubber and then picked up by a squeegee or acid-resistant wet vacuum. You must also take safety precautions when disposing of the residue and rinse water. Water-based stains don't require neutralization or rinsing, and application tools can usually be cleaned with mild soap and water. In most cases, there is no reason to clean the concrete slab after dye application because dye particles are very fine and absorbed into the surface. However, if too much dye is applied, you may need to remove the excess with a mop or wet vac. Return to Concrete Stains and Dyes Buyer's Guide Find a Concrete Contractor 24 Services in 221 Metros -- U.S. and Canada © 1999-2009 ConcreteNetwork.com None of this site may be reproduced without written permission |