Scheduling and Time Frame

When putting together a construction schedule it is often understood that ‘concrete work' is performed at the beginning of any project. Concrete Staining is not ‘concrete work' as much as it is ‘finish work' and therefore should be scheduled to commence at the painting stage prior to finishing work.

Ensure your decorative concrete installers have uninterrupted access to the floor area for a predetermined period of time to minimize disruptions of the Acid Stain reacting properly with your surface.

Protecting the Finish

Your finished floor requires some level of protection during the rest of construction. Many trades may take a floor for granted and drag heavy equipment across the surface, spill solvents and paints or perhaps accidentally drop a tool from a ladder. The best way to protect your investment is by covering the surface.

There are different levels of protection you may require:

Light Residential - Low Traffic:
Place kraft paper (rolled cardboard) over the entire surface making sure not to tape to the concrete itself, some tapes even 'painters tape' can adhere to freshly cured sealers and make for undesired blemishes. Tape the paper to itself and then use Masonite or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) to help hold down the paper in doorways and high traffic areas.

Medium Traffic Areas - Light Commercial:
Use Kraft paper taped to itself (never to the floor surface) covering the entire area. Use Masonite or OSB over the entire area for complete protection.

High Traffic - Maximum Protection: Use Breathable inexpensive carpet turned upside down, and then cover entire surface with OSB.

Acid Stain Limitations

When choosing Acid stain as a color choice and finish for Concrete it is necessary to be educated on its limitations. The end user should be made aware that the basic principles which make Acid Staining so beautifully mottled, variegated and marbleized can also cause some undesirable results.
Un-reacted Acid Stain in its packaging is often a translucent color that does not represent the final color that the concrete surface will become after the reaction and finishing takes place.

Many tan and amber Acid Stain colors come out of the package a light green color. The final color will not be evident until the Stain has completely reacted with the cement substrate. The reaction takes place over a period of 1-8 hours (depending on the manufacturer).

The stain brings out the natural variations found in Concrete but also may expose man-made blemishes and imperfections. Acid Stains add translucent colors to the concrete surface and do not hide imperfections.
Any undesirable blemishes or imperfections should be addressed prior to stain application. A qualified professional should be able to determine which ones may be of concern and their remediation.

No matter how discolored the concrete, many blemishes or variations will only add to the character of the finished floor. Application hazards and variations in the surface generally blend in or simply add to the variegated look and feel desired when choosing the natural marbling effect of concrete stain

5 Quick Tips When Selecting Acid Stain

1. Color charts should be used as a guide only. Always approve an onsite mockup to determine final color.
2. Acid stains are permanent they cannot be easily removed. Chose you color wisely
3. Acid stains do not hide surface blemishes cracks or construction errors.
4. Learn about the positives and understand the limitations of Acid Stains
5. Work with a professional to help guarantee a successful outcome.

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