Questions About Concrete Staining and Acid Stain
Staining
What is acid staining?
Acid staining is a method of changing the colour of cement by creating a chemical reaction in the concrete. The acid causes the chemical reaction.
Will my concrete appear like the colours shown on this website?
Due to the different make up of the concrete, the stain may not exactly match the pictures shown. This fact enables your job to become unique!
How long will the concrete staining last?
If the concrete stain is properly installed, unless you wear off the top layer - the stain is in the concrete not on the surface.
Can I put a curing compound on my slab?
Remember that anything that keeps the stain from making contact with the concrete will have a negative affect on the colour.
What are the most common uses for "Chemical Staining"?
Commonly used for residential floors, galleries, restaurants and retail stores. It can also be used for patios, driveways, retaining walls and swimming pool decks.
Why use a chemical stain as opposed to other methods of colouring concrete?
Chemical staining is accomplished after the concrete is cured, therefore it can be applied to new or old concrete - for renovations as well as new construction. Floors can be saw cut and grouted to achieve the appearance of slate, marble or terracotta tiles.
Are stained floors cold?
No more than tiled floors. However, a stained floor will be cooler in the summer than an unstained floor.
I have cracks in my concrete - can I still stain my floor?
Yes - cracks enhance the look of stained floors. Most stained floors use a combination of cut designs and colours to add beauty. The cracks are complimenting.
Is stain like paint?
No - staining is translucent and will appear marbled or old aged. Paint is generally more uniform and will peel.
Is all concrete acceptable to stain?
No - in rare cases the existing concrete may not accept the stain. Job site samples are a necessity. The samples will serve as a close representation of what the stain will look like on your floor. The samples should be located under cabinets, carpeted areas or hidden locations.
What type of maintenance is necessary for stained floors?
Very much like tiled floors, a wet mop will take care of most maintenance clean-ups. After the staining is completed, topcoats of sealer are applied. Twenty-four hours later, two coats of floor wax are applied over the sealer. The wax will act as a bright, durable shield to protect the floor.
Stamping
What is stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (colour) is spread onto the surface of the wet concrete and trowelled in. Then a second colour (also known as release) is cast on the surface. Before the concrete hardens a set of rubber molds (stamps) are used to imprint textures into its wet surface. The result will look like slate, cobblestone, brick, marble or many other materials.
Can stamped concrete (decorative concrete) be found in commercial settings?
Yes - stamped concrete can be found throughout the world and at many distinguished hotels, casinos, resorts etc. A famous example would be Disneyland and Disney World.
How is decorative concrete coloured?
There are two methods to colour decorative concrete:-
1. The colour is spread onto the surface by hand using the
dry shake method, then worked into the surface using hand tools. After the colour is applied and worked into the fresh cement, a
release / hardener is applied. The release / hardener serves a duel purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it
highlights and acts as a second colour, which gives the stamped pattern and overall colour a defining and distinguished look.
2. The colour is mixed directly inside the concrete at the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck.
The concrete is coloured throughout from the top to the bottom instead of just 1/4" into the surface. The release / hardener is
applied using this method as well.
The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will
increase.
Both are good methods, one is not better than the other.
When is it necessary to reinforce concrete?
It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar and fibermesh). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. Re-bar or fibermesh are inexpensive ways to prevent cracking.
What kind of finishes are available?
The most common concrete surfaces are broomed concrete, exposed aggregate, stamped concrete and
hard-trowel.
Broomed concrete is most commonly used for city sidewalks and approaches.
Exposed aggregate concrete is
created when a cement surface is washed off with water after initial set. Advantage: it's pretty. Disadvantage: the
concrete has been aged 20-30 years immediately.
Stamped concrete imitates natural surfaces such as stone, brick, slate etc.
Hard-trowel concrete is generally used for garage floors and indoor surfaces. It has a smooth, shiny finish.
Should I spray water on the freshly dried cement to keep it cool in hot conditions?
No - this was a practice used for many years. Frequent wetting of the freshly dried cement causes the cement to become hot then cold, resulting in expanding and contracting. This reaction is not good for the cement and may cause it to crack and weaken. Additionally, applying water too early can wash out colour on your decorative concrete.
Will my decorative concrete look the same as the picture or what is shown on the web page?
No. No two jobs are exactly the same. Looks vary depending on the ground base, temperature, moisture, mix, brand or colour etc. We can come very close to matching your existing surface, but no two jobs will ever be exact.
Does decorative concrete fade?
Once sealer is applied to your decorative concrete it will take on a clear and shiny look. However, if sealer is applied,
you should be aware that over time, the shiny look will fade.
Cleaning and sealing stamped and coloured concrete should be done on a regular basis just like any other home maintenance. The
frequency will depend on how high a traffic area to cars, foot traffic, water, and any chemicals the concrete is exposed to. We
recommend resealing every 2 or 3 years. If you wait longer, you may notice the colour fade slightly. But just like waxing a car,
reseal your stamped concrete and the colour will be as vibrant as the day it was installed.
Do I have to seal my stamped concrete? I like the natural look?
No. There are pros and cons to both. One of our experts will be happy to explain the differences.
Counter Tops and Bars
Does the concrete ever crack?
Yes - hairline cracking may occur. These are not structural and are part of the character of concrete.
Does the concrete stain or is it waterproof?
The concrete is sealed making it water and stain resistant (spec. sheets can be viewed here).
What if I want a colour that is not in the sample package?
We can make custom colours attempting to match almost any colour. There will be a charge applied to your order for custom colours.
Does the colour ever vary?
Yes - every order is custom which lends to the product's uniqueness.
What is the maximum size slab we can make?
Approximately 7' x 3', otherwise it has a tendency to crack or become too heavy to work with - seaming may be required.
Can you put hot pans on the counter?
Yes.
Can you cut directly on the counter?
No - it will not hurt the concrete but may leave a mark on the sealer.
How much can it cantilever without being supported?
No more than 10" with 1 1/2" thick countertop.
Can you use it outdoors?
Yes - it is a great product for outdoors.
How do you clean it?
We suggest any natural non-abrasive cleanser and paste waxing regularly.
For more inquiries and questions
e-mail us at info@concretestainingsolutions.co.uk