The Testing ProcedureAll fourteen different staining agents are applied to sealed concrete samples and left on for different time intervals: 15 minutes, 1 hour, 8 hours and 24 hours. First, prepare the concrete sample (or samples) and seal it exactly as you would seal your countertops. Make sure your sample is large enough to test all 14 agents at once. I find it easiest to use two 12 x 18-inch samples or one larger sample that's at least 12 x 30 inches. For identification, assign a number to each staining agent, and write these numbers across the bottom of the sample. Along the left edge, write the exposure times. Leave a space about 2 inches between each number to make it easier to place and clean up each staining agent without disturbing the others. All of the staining agents are liquids. Some, like mustard, are thick and don't run. Others, like alcohol, are thin and evaporate quickly. To keep the samples tidy and the staining agents from running and mixing with each other, dip a cotton ball into each staining agent and place the wetted cotton ball onto the concrete. The cotton balls ensure the staining agent stays in place, and they serve as a reservoir, slowing evaporation. To further slow evaporation of volatile agents, like acetone, place a glass, bottle or other heavy impermeable object on top of the cotton ball. This helps seal in the liquid to keep it from evaporating. This also simulates what would happen if a bottle of that liquid leaked or spilled, and the liquid ran under the bottle. When testing, it's important to look at different exposure times because not all stains and spills get cleaned up immediately. Different sealers react differently over time, and looking only at one exposure time may not reveal the sealer's full performance characteristics. After the allotted exposure time is up, remove the cotton ball, wipe off the residue with a damp cloth and clean up the remaining residue with a mild detergent. Let the sample dry before evaluating. Some sealers allow moisture to penetrate and darken the concrete, but with no permanent damage caused by etching or staining. Let the darkened spot fade before evaluating. To check to see if the sealer is damaged, wet the area with water. If the tested spot darkens much quicker than the surrounding concrete, then the sealer was damaged by during testing. These tests help reveal the weaknesses of a sealer under realistic but harsh conditions. Most of your clients will not allow staining agents to sit for 24 hours. But there's always the possibility that a bottle of oil sitting on the countertop will leak or drip and go unnoticed, or a party guest may cut limes on the countertop and the juice won't get cleaned up until the next day. These scenarios are real, and even the most fastidious client who accepts a finish that "acquires a patina" from daily use may not be happy about a severe etch mark or prominent oil stain. Return to Testing Concrete Sealers for Counters Find a Concrete Contractor 24 Services in 221 Metros -- U.S. and Canada 
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