Staining Concrete

The staining of cement is achieved by using a solution made from acid, water, inorganic salts and the natural reaction of minerals already present in the concrete. It is a colouring process, which takes place on a cementitious surface.

Many people think at first it is a type of paint, but the results are achieved by manipulating these effects, to give the impression of colours. If, it is protected by a sealer or wax, it can be very enduring, and Acid stained concrete has been used with great effect both inside and out.

People are often surprised by the results achieved with the effects of acid stained concrete. These can be anything from a marble look, to a variety of earthy browns. Many builders achieve this by mixing their own shades at different rates. One thing they quickly find, is that no two pieces of concrete are ever the same. Each surface is unique, so the resulting reaction is always different.

This gives acid staining such a useful and popular range of applications, that is can be seen in everything from living rooms, to driveways.

The biggest problem faced by engineers and builder, when it comes to acid staining, is the condition of the concrete surface. Age may not come into it, but the condition certainly does. If the surface is Spalled, the aggregate stones may be showing through the concrete surface. They may be cracked or flaking, and this will mean the acid staining will never really take on the surface.

Another reason for the acid staining not working, could be due to the surface previously being acid etched. This is because the aggregate stones do not react with the acid stain, and what you are seeing is only from a reaction with materials in the concrete paste.

Whereas, where the concrete has been stamped overlaid or textured, a very effective depth of colour and realism can be achieved.

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Preparing Floors Before Concrete Staining

Enhancing the beauty of the concrete rather than covering it up with carpet is fast becoming the standard in floor treatments, with benefits that extend beyond aesthetics. Exposed concrete can almost be compared to a piece of granite or marble transformed by staining. In this process, a plain surface is uncovered to reveal the exceptional beauty lying beneath. In the case of concrete, that beauty is in the form of decorative aggregate, either natural or manufactured. An exposed aggregate finish offers numerous advantages. And many of today's contractors are finding creative ways to take exposed aggregate to the next level.

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Faux Finish Concrete Staining

Are you tired of looking at plain dull concrete around your home? Have you seen beautifully colored concrete and wondered how it's done? It's not difficult and can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer.

Concrete staining is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to decorate new and existing concrete surfaces. Staining can transform your concrete surface into a stunning and unique masterpiece with little cost compared to other decorative methods such as stamping. Concrete staining is excellent for patios, porches, driveways and even interior floors like kitchens and basements.

The two common types of concrete stains are acid and acrylic. Acid stains are the popular choice; however, some concrete surfaces have too many cosmetic defects for acid staining. Acid stains will actually highlight any defects and variations on the surface. Also, older concrete looses its ability to react with acid stains because the free lime that is needed for the reaction leeches away over time. Although the natural coloring of acid stains cannot be paralleled with other types of concrete stains, the marbled and multihued appearance can be created with acrylic stains using faux finish staining techniques.

There are benefits to faux finish staining with acrylic stains, the biggest being the wide array of colors to choose from. Using acrylic stains, you can incorporate more vibrant colors with endless options for color schemes and patterns. Acid stains are only available in earth tones of browns, blues, and reds. It is feasible to faux finish with both acid and acrylic stains together. Maybe you have your heart set on acid staining but want to add a little zest with some brightly colored acrylic stains. Your choices are only limited by your imagination.

Another advantage of faux finish staining with acrylic stains is having control over the outcome or final appearance. Because acrylic stains are more like dyes, they will help mask cosmetic defects and you know exactly what shades and colors you'll end up with.

Faux finish staining with acrylic stains allows you total control over the variations and patterns created. With acid staining, aside from choosing the color, you have no control over the variations created by the reactive coloring process. Even though the surface appears to be consistent before staining, it is in fact quite the opposite and acid stains will highlight any inconsistencies. Also, you can never be sure what shades of the chosen color you're going to get until it's finished and sealed.

Because faux finish painting has become popular for enhancing interior walls, why not apply similar methods with concrete stains to jazz up a patio or basement floor. You don't have to settle for boring gray concrete even if it's been there for years. The techniques used for staining concrete differ somewhat from painting walls because you're working on a horizontal surface as opposed to a vertical surface, but the concept behind both remains the same.

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