Concrete Acid Stain Revolution
To understand the appeal of concrete acid stain we must look to the past. Years back, those seeking high style have often would paint Denver concrete surfaces. Particularly in the fifties and sixties, patios surfaces, Denver garage floors and basement recreation facilities sported bright-colored paint to mask otherwise drab functional concrete surfaces. But paint, as you might imagine, often needs a great deal of attention. Paint coatings cover concrete surface and hides the natural surface texture and pattern.
Concrete acid staining, on the other hand, is a quick and extraordinary method to renovate a Denver concrete surface. Acid stain transforms an ordinary Denver concrete floor into a unique cement canvas blooming with vivid color combosb and rich patterning.
Marbling, veining and pooling effects can all be created with an acid stain.
Acid Stain is neither a coating agent nor a paint – it is a coloring process brought about by a chemical reaction with the concrete floor surface. A solution is made with H2O, acid and inorganic salts, that then reacts with the mineral content already existing in the concrete; the result of this chemical reaction is vivid color and unique patterns!
Acid stained Denver concrete floors can be so beautiful and artistically produced that often those who are standing on it dont even know that they are standing on a ‘mere’ concrete floor. Traditionally, Denver concrete floors were plain shades of gray or had a thin coating of easily peeled paint. For those who have not kept up with the advances in decorative concrete flooring, they are likely to believe concrete floors to be some sort of marble or other custom natural stone.
Concrete acid Staining can give your Denver concrete a mottled, variegated, marble-like look. Never expect Concrete Acid Stain to have a consistant or have an even coloring – there will be diverse chemical reactions from concrete floor to floor, and even on the same project there can often be different colors and patterns. Variations of colors and mottling are to be expected and enjoyed. It is the unique random coloration of the stain that gives an Acid Stained Denver floor it’s charm.
Denver Concrete Acid Stain and Seal
Whether your concrete project is indoors or out, it will last longer and look better if it is stained AND sealed. Staining your Denver concrete not only beautifies and enhances the appearance of the surface, but also protects it from harmful UV rays, de-icing salts, household chemicals, oil and the like. Sealing/staining also prevents the concrete from cracking during the tough winter months.
Decorative Concrete Acid Stain Color and Texture
Acid stained concrete gives color and texture to the adaptable aggregate material. Benches, floors, walls, walkways, and countertops can all be colored using chemical stains to create warm earthtones with an organic appearance. Acid penetrates the surface of the concrete, triggering reactions that create colors.
The stages of staining depend on many uncontrollable circumstances, such as the aggregate material in the cement, types of acid and salts, amount of water, temperature and humidity, age of old cement, and the method of sealing and buffing. This organic evolution and unpredictable outcome is part of the appeal of acid stained concrete to many installers and consumers.
Over the next few hours, as the mixture cures, the color will emerge. Eventually that shade will settle as a permanent addition to the chemistry of the concrete. However, the color may evolve and age for up to a month. For those concerned about controlling or anticipating the final color, you could try applying the concrete acid stain solution to a hidden part of concrete, such as underneath a cabinet for a floor or where a cushion may go for a bench. The resultant colors are usually in the family of brown, green, and tan.
The Concrete Acid Stain Sealer is the Key
Concrete acid stain requires adequate sealer coatings. To properly seal an acid stain one must apply an ample measure of low viscosity sealer with a high solids content that will cure to be very hard. This will serve to fill the pores created by acid etching and prevent color run off and it will also seal the concrete against most food and oil stains – even acidic food stains left on the floor for long periods of time (citric acid, vinegar, the phosphoric acid in soft drinks, pickle juice, ketchup, etc.).
Versatile textures, such as veining and mottling, will become apparent when you seal the concrete with wax. Just like old-fashioned waxes on hardwood floors, the wax will be machine-buffed until it shines. The surface might look subtly translucent, or resemble terra cotta, granite, limestone, or marble. Experts in acid stained concrete have experimented to create certain textural effects by interfering with the acid by wiping, blotting, splotching, or saturating.
If you have a ‘special-old’ Denver concrete floor in mind, call us – at Js Custom Concrete we know Denver concrete acid stain and do it for LESS!
Acid staining concrete is incredible! We live in Aurora CO and plan to call you next week.
The concrete acid stain examples are amazing! Love the video and music!
Very impressive work! I had no idea that Denver Concrete Stain and Seal could deliver such gorgeous results!
Make me an exciting new home said the guy! A custom acid stain kitchen floor would really do it!
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Great video and spectacular concrete effects with the acid!
Amazing effects from the staining process, I had no idea what “acid staining” was – concrete can be the new marble with acid staining.
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