Decorative Concrete
Information Library Archive
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Acid-Based Concrete Staining Tips & Tricks:
Planning | Preparation | Application | Finishing & Sealing
Planning: Overview
It is important to plan for your project:
Know your substrate
Determine your design and colors
Order enough product for the project
Have the right equipment on the jobsite
Do a mock up for owner approval
Planning: Substrates
L. M. Scofield Company's LITHOCHROME® Chemstain™ Classic can be used on existing substrates or new overlayments. Make sure that the substrate contains the necessary ingredients for the chemical reaction.
You can stain concrete that's been down for more than 90 years as long as it will react with the chemicals.
Integrally colored concrete can be stained, as well.
Dry-shake color hardened concrete is also an excellent base for stain because it's cement-rich.
Cementitious polymer-modified overlayments take chemical stains beautifully. Even vertical work or artificial rock installations are acceptable surfaces for chemical staining. The key is the level of hydration in the cement.
Planning: Coverage
Coverage varies widely depending on surface porosity and texture, concrete composition and age, preparation and application techniques, and other factors.
Normally, apply at the coverage rate of 150-200ft2gallon (3.7-5.0m2/L) per application.
The concrete's finish also influences stain coverage-tightly troweled concrete absorbs stain differently from broom-finished surfaces.
The concrete's age and chemical makeup also impact the way it receives the stain. In general, expect coverage of about 150 to 200 sf per coat per gallon of stain - but be sure to follow guidelines in the Tech Data sheet.
Planning: Methods of Application
The best way to put down reactive stain in a large area is to spray it on with an acid-resistant sprayer, such as a garden-type pump sprayer. This is particularly true for large areas finished with the same color and technique.
To get unusual finishes, some contractors use faux techniques to apply the stain.
A light coating is best. Don't puddle the stain. It's better to apply an additional coat later, if necessary.
Adjust the stream of your sprayer tip so that the stain is dispersed conically, instead of in a fan shape. (The fan shape can leave lines and gives you less control over the area in which you're spraying.)
Planning: Equipment and Supplies
There are many types of equipment that you need for a successful acid stain project. There is additional equipment that just makes the project more efficient.
Continue to Preparation
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