Information
Information
WHAT IS ACID STAIN?
Acid stain is an economical and creative way of altering concrete’s surface. Staining enhances the natural characteristics of concrete; much like a stain does on wood. Since each concrete slab is different there is variation in the intensity, thus creating unique stunning, multi-hued color variations. Acid stain can be applied to exterior and interior floors.
Acid Stained Concrete is not a paint or coating agent, rather, it’s a coloring process involving a chemical reaction on a cementitious material. A solution made with water, acid and inorganic salts reacts with minerals already present in the concrete, the result of this reaction is color. It works well on new or old concrete, and we’ve seen impressive results over decorative polymer overlays as well as self-leveling products. Acid Stain is a very durable product if properly protected with sealer or wax.
WHAT MAKES ACID STAIN SO ATTRACTIVE?
Acid Stain gives concrete a mottled, variegated, marble like look. It creates beautiful colors on concrete, mostly earth tone browns, reddish browns and greens. Never expect Acid Stain to be uniform or have an even tone, you’ll get different reactions from slab to slab, and even on the same job you may see different coloration patterns.
Not every concrete floor is eligible for Acid Stain, though age is not an issue, the shape it’s in is. A smooth concrete surface will yield more attractive results than an old worn one. If the concrete is spalled, the aggregate is exposed, or has previously been acid etched, the stain may not “take in”. It will not look as desired because the aggregate does not react with the stain, only materials in the concrete paste do. On some applications where the surface is textured, as in stamped concrete or stamped overlays, Acid Stain provides even more depth of color, larger selection and realistic look to the surface.
WHAT IS CONCRETE ENGRAVING?
Concrete engraving system creates a permanent pattern that is engraved into ordinary existing concrete. This proven engraving process is not a topping or overlay. The classical rich beauty of cobblestone, marble, hardwood, brick, tile or custom work art can now be engraved into existing concrete.
WHAT IS CONCRETE OVERLAY?
Stained concrete overlays are quickly becoming the commercial flooring industries most demanded and specified finish. A thin layer of polymer cement is applied over existing concrete or wood substrates and chemically stained with single or multiple translucent colors for a natural looking, elegant and durable flooring system.
Stained concrete overlay is used if your concrete surface is not stainable due to the presence of chemical residue, unacceptable surface blemishes, or in overall really bad shape. After cracks and surface damaged areas are properly addressed, we resurface your project with an often-thin 1/8’’ thick cement overlay, which then can be scored and stained for that better-than-new look. We can apply a textured top coating or a smooth level overlayment, depending on your preference.
Usually overlayments can be more costly than just staining the original surface due to the labor and material involved. However, we do recommend this to clients who are remodeling and looking for a very unique and consistent surface.
COLOR SELECTIONS:
Acid stains come in a number of earth-toned hues.
Acid-etching stains do NOT chip or peel or “walk” off (as acrylic or pigment based stains tend to do). The special mixture of acid, mineral salts and wetting agents reacts chemically with the lime in the concrete and adapts to the unique mineral composition of your slab.
Because each slab is different, we can NOT match our stains to a particular color swatch. Instead, we apply your choice of samples to an area of your slab that will later be concealed (like under the kitchen cabinets).