How to Stain Your Concrete?
Over time, your concrete surfaces can slowly wear out, whether it is due to heavy usage or simply extreme weather conditions. For this reason, applying concrete stain regularly is crucial to keep your concrete floors and surfaces in good shape. Concrete stains are different from dyes, simply a way to color the concrete surface and give it a better hue. Instead, there are three main categories of concrete stains: film-forming, penetrating, and acid stains.
Category 1 – Penetrating Concrete Stain
A polymer-bonded technology is what constitutes penetrating stains. This type of sealer is designed to penetrate deep into the concrete stains, reducing the chances of peeling or fading over time. Penetrating stains can be found in many shades and tints, including both translucent and solid colors. Due to their water-based nature, penetrating sealers can be mixed to create new hues on the concrete floor without any adverse effects.
Category 2 – Film Forming Concrete Stain
While penetrating sealers protect the concrete surface evenly by infiltrating into the pores, film-forming stains form a simple coat on top of the concrete surface, adding color to the concrete. There are three main film-forming sealers based on water and solvent: acrylics, polyurethanes, and epoxies. These stains are the best solution for stamped concrete; they decorate the concrete floor with a sheen of varying intensity, enhancing its colors. The only drawback is that the concrete floor will require frequent maintenance. Traffic, weather, and harmful chemicals on the stained concrete floors cause film-forming stains to fade or flake often.
Category 3 – Acid Stain
Coloring concrete with acid stains is an ancient practice. Unlike film-forming and penetrating stains based on color layers, acid stains etch the surface by reacting chemically with the concrete materials, generating a natural marble-like appearance. The cost of acid stains is higher than the other sealers, and they require an experienced hand to be applied to the concrete. Since the stained surface can become slippery over time, it is best to add a floor sealer to improve traction and make the surface rougher.
What Category Is The Most Durable?
Among the three types of concrete sealers, penetrating concrete stains are more durable as they infiltrate deep into the pores of the concrete. Although this technique offers a longer-lasting solution to outdoor applications, it still leaves the surface vulnerable to stains. Therefore, the surface must be checked regularly for any light maintenance needs.
Staining Steps
This process of staining concrete requires around two days of work, and it is relatively easy to carry out. Ensure that new concrete is fully cured before proceeding with concrete staining – this process takes around a month. Concrete staining requires only a few steps:
Clean the concrete and prepare it for staining. Surface preparation is essential, and a concrete cleaner like muriatic acid is recommended, particularly on old concrete.
Apply the concrete stain to the concrete floor or concrete slab.
Even out the stain on the surface. You may need to repeat the staining process. Also, be careful to prevent stain bleeding. A variety of tools such as a paint roller, spray bottle, masking tape, and a clean cloth may help.
Seal the concrete for more extended protection.
Summing Up
Indoor and outdoor concrete staining is not a one-time project – it must be repeated periodically to avoid floor deterioration. If you are looking to add color to your surface, concrete staining is a great solution. Although all staining types come in various colors and tints, they use different methods to decorate a surface.
