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Concrete staining: What to Know Before You Stain
Staining concrete is a great way to change the look of your home or business. It can be used to create designs, logos, and other unique patterns. But before you get started, there are some things you should know about staining concrete so that it will last as long as possible.
With so many options, it can be hard to decide what color and style you want. We’re going to break down the basics of concrete staining for those who are unfamiliar with the process and offer some helpful tips along the way.
Concrete stain types
There are three main types of concrete stains:
Water-based stain
Water-based stains have the advantage of being easy to apply and relatively inexpensive. They can be applied using a pump sprayer, garden sprayer, or even a roller and paintbrush.
These types of concrete floor stains should only be used on concrete that has been sealed with a clear sealant after it is first stained. This clear sealer protects the stain from absorbing into the concrete, thus making it permanent.
If you do not seal your stained concrete with a clear sealant, you should expect to re-spray the water-based stain every one or two years. The reapplication of the colors will depend on how much foot traffic is projected for an area and what types of materials are in a room.
Many professionals believe that the water-based stains offer various vibrant colors and allow for rich and subtle color variations, which can be found in many natural stone products.
The main cost factor with the water-based stains is reapplication every one or two years. Other factors include how much material is needed to either re-stain or make a new batch of solutions. Mixture ratios are different for every product, so this can affect the cost.
Solvent-based stain
Solvent-based means that they are mixed with another liquid to make them apply better when using a sprayer. The color concentrate goes into the mixture right before it’s sprayed on the concrete. Once sprayed, the solvent acts as a thinner, allowing you to spread out the stain over an area. The thinner also reduces stacking and dripping.
The solvent in the mixture is usually petroleum distillate like naphtha, kerosene, or mineral spirits. Still, it can be anything that will evaporate and allow the color to penetrate the concrete surface, such as water.
Because of this inherent risk with staining concrete an unintended color when bleeding occurs, there’s always a chance for blemishes from happening because not all colors mix well together.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to solvent-based stains:
- For indoor concrete, apply only water-based stains, as they have no petroleum distillate and can’t bleed through.
- If applied too thickly, all stains will bleed, so thin them out with water or stain thinner as needed.
- Do not use solvent over a stain that has already “bled through.” Remove the old color first, either by sanding it off (if it’s dry) or by using a stripper (if it’s wet).
- Make sure to always test for bleeding on scrap concrete before you spray something you don’t want stained. Add a bit of solvent-based color to a small area on this test piece and see if it runs. If the color starts running right away, you have a problem with bleeding.
Epoxy-based
Epoxy is typically only used on commercial floors because they require more preparation than other stains. Water-based and solvent-based stains both use acrylic polymers as their binder, which means they will last about one year in an indoor commercial environment and about three years in an outdoor retail environment. It’s important to know that epoxy stains typically do not offer any more protection than water-based or solvent-based concrete stains do because concrete itself is a very dense and strong material. Still, it does make the surface more slip-resistant.
Tips to get the top-notch concrete staining results
Here are proven tips for getting the best results from staining your concrete:
Use quality products
Purchasing quality sealers and stains can be expensive, but it is worth the extra investment. Cheap products contain more filler than stain pigments. This can help hide stains, but it reduces the vibrancy of your concrete. High-quality sealers and stains will produce better results in less time.
Surface preparation
It is best to clean your concrete before applying sealer or stain. Though some stains are designed over dirty surfaces, the final appearance will be better when your concrete is clean. If possible, remove any dirt and debris from the old concrete surface with a broom.
A pressure washer is a more effective method for removing oil or grease. After thoroughly cleaning your concrete, use a degreaser to remove any sealers or paints that might have been applied in the past. Make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly after using a degreaser, as traces of it can cause staining issues.
Start with clean surfaces
Since concrete staining is essentially the process of reviving old, faded, or stained concrete, it’s critical to start with clean surfaces. You wouldn’t paint a dirty wall, so don’t stain an unclean surface either.
Seal properly
Stains are much more effective on concrete that has been sealed. Sealing the concrete protects it from spills, dirt, and other debris, damaging the stained surface.
Protect against stains and spills
Stains and spills on new concrete will cause the stain to wear away immediately. Avoid damage from stains and spills by protecting the concrete with a sealer. You can find an appropriate sealer at your local home supply store.
Consider safety and cost
Before you commit to staining your concrete, consider the time and money it will take. Concrete stains aren’t cheap, and they require some labor to apply.
Get professional help if necessary
If you need to add color or a finish to the concrete in your home, look for professionals who can help. Hiring a professional ensures the job will be done correctly. Additionally, those with experience can help ensure the color is matched to your initial design needs as closely as possible.
Conclusion
When it comes to investing in your home, you want the best for yourself and your family. If you’ve been thinking about starting a new project on the exterior of your house, decorative concrete may be just what you need!
The experts at SAT Stained Concrete are ready to help with all aspects of this process, from design concepts to installation. Give us a call today or send us an email to get started designing our next masterpiece together! We promise that if you decide to start working with us, it will be worth every penny because we know how important customer satisfaction is!
Our main mission is to provide top-quality concrete services that are designed to always meet and exceed our client’s expectations and demands.
