Acid staining new concrete is not only possible but also a rewarding and cost-effective flooring option. The final result of the acid staining process is a stunning, glossy, and
For newly installed concrete, a minimum of 14 days of cure time is required, preferably 21 before an acid stain is applied. Once cured, you can use an acid stain.
Acid staining damages the concrete to some extent and will need to receive some form of a resinous coating on top to be usable in most business settings. While it does give it a flashier look than polishing, acid stained concrete will always be subject to damaging easier than polished concrete.
The concrete must be 28 days old or at least have cured to one uniform color prior to acid staining.
For acid staining, use a concrete etch and cleaner to prepare the surface and rinse well. Concrete must be porous enough to accept water. Dense concrete surfaces may require mechanical preparation to accept acid stain.
If you choose to skip the etching step before applying the paint, the paint may bubble up, peel or flake off the concrete, especially on smoothly finished surfaces, leaving the surface more unsightly than before you painted.
Though new concrete may not always require a second coat of acid stain, older concrete does require two coats of stain for complete coverage. For a more diffuse look, spray the stain onto the surface without brushing.
How deep does the acid stain react through the concrete surface? Concrete thickness can vary from ¼” to over 3′. However, depending on the finish (how it was troweled) and porosity of the concrete surface, the penetration of the acid reaction may be only 1/16″ – 3/16″.
So while you don't have to seal concrete, if you do, you will be enhancing and protecting the look of the concrete while extending it's lifespan considerably.
The problems that are most commonly noted with acid staining are related to application. If too much or not enough stain is applied, the results can be unattractive. This can be corrected by using the correct amount of stain. Using heavy coats of stain does not always help color develop better.
Once that stain chemically reacts for a minimum of four to six hours—typically, you'll leave an acid stain overnight—it brings salts to the surface. All of these salts are like a powdery residue.
Acid stains are a reactive coloring process that penetrates into the porous concrete surface. This is probably the most permanent of all coloring options but is usually limited to eight colors.
You don't want all your hard work to go to waste by not neutralizing the acid stain properly. Ensuring proper neutralization is crucial for sealer bonding and a durable, aesthetically pleasing finish. Without it, you might end up with a peeling, blotchy surface that just won't do justice to your efforts.
Brushing acid stain is different for all concrete surfaces. It's easier to hand brush a smooth hard-troweled floor than it is to brush a heavily broomed floor. Be aware and prepared for this ahead of time. It's also easier to see brush marks on smooth surfaces than it is to see them on rougher textures.
They may be used on everything from concrete floors and kitchen counters to pool decks and driveways, both inside and out. So in saying that acid stain can last 5 to 20 years depending on many factors.
When properly designed and installed, acid-stained concrete and decorative concrete overlays are almost completely unaffected by water.
Acid-Based Stains
An acid-based stain costs between $0.20 and $0.40 per square foot on average or a total of $2 to $14.50 per square foot with labor. Acid-based stains chemically react with your concrete flooring, giving a natural appearance.
Staining concrete is a fast, simple way to turn your dull gray patio into a lively, colorful surface that will make your outdoor space more inviting. The stain is nearly foolproof to apply—just wet the concrete and spray on the stain.
Dry times will vary based on temperature, humidity and air flow. In optimum conditions, the concrete will be dry to the touch in 15-20 minutes; however, the total cure time is 24 hours. Repeat if more color intensity is desired. Most stain manufacturers recommend waiting a few hours between applications.
The current color of the concrete will affect the final color after acid staining. The important thing to remember is that you can't stain colored concrete lighter, you can only stain it darker. Keep this in mind when picking concrete stain colors. We have quite a few darker acid stain colors available to choose from.
Acid stains or Chemical stains react with the lime in concrete and color the concrete whereas concrete dyes offer transparent colors to the concrete surface.
The white powder is a combination of cement particles released from the surface and a precipitate byproduct of the etching reaction, insoluble calcium phosphate. Remove as much as possible by sweeping, scraping or vacuuming.
A white haze, white streaks or white, powdery dust on the surface after drying is caused by waiting too long before rinsing or by inadequate rinsing. The white powder is a combination of cement particles released from the surface and a precipitate byproduct of the etching reaction, insoluble calcium phosphate.