Acid Stain – A Concrete Staining Product That Is Perfect For Your Indoor Floors

Acid stain’s popularity is gaining in the Midwest.

Acid staining is a popular means of transforming

concrete slabs which would be otherwise

unappealing into rich hues and visual textures.

This method is utilized by homeowners, builders,

and designers alike to achieve the unique color

combinations and application techniques we

offer. This process tenders endless results and we

are here to offer you the creative assistance you

need to explore those possibilities.

Concrete is known for having a wide range of

neutral tones which makes it the perfect surface for the application of acid stain. Concrete

staining with acid stains can give the concrete a look which mirrors natural materials such as

wood, leather, stones, or marble with earth tones. Whether the application is on the surface of

floors, patios, driveways, walls, walkways, or pool decks, acid stain can be customized.

The acid stain is a mixture of hydrochloric acid, water, and acid-soluble metallic salts which

penetrate the concrete’s surface. Since the concrete surface contains hydrated lime, it reacts

with the acid stain and creates a permanent reaction that doesn’t fade or chip as time passes.

Acid stain is referred to as a reactive stain because it requires the chemicals in the concrete to

“react” and allow the depositing of color into the pores. Since the stain is reacting to what is

present in the concrete, a wide range of colors may result even when only one color has been

chosen. The chemicals in the concrete determine the degree of color variation for each

application. If a consistent finish is desired it might be better to use a combination of solid color

stains. The subtle tones available in acid stains include reds, browns, blacks, oranges, light

greens, blues and even tans.

The application of acid stain is durable and can be applied to old concrete in an attempt to

revive it, or to new concrete to add color and the appearance of texture. Acid stain can be done

on interior concrete floors as well as exterior concrete by an individual or by a professional.

When this process is done by an individual, it is imperative to have the correct tools and safety

equipment to avoid leaving marks or streaks and to insure your safety. To avoid this risk with

larger slabs and surfaces that need a lot of preparation, one should hire a professional.

After the concrete stain has been finished, it is important to continue to care for the concrete.

It is a permanent process, but the permanence only penetrates the initial layer of concrete

leaving it prone to wear from traffic or weather. To enhance the intensity of the concrete stain,

sealers and sheen can be applied to exterior and interior surfaces. Exterior surfaces, that don’t

have a brush broom finish, should have an “anti-slip” particulate added to the sealer. Exterior

surfaces can be maintained through sweeping or rinsing stubborn areas. For interior surfaces, it

should be dry mopped with an occasional wet mopping. Wax can be applied on interior

surfaces to enhance the shine and give the floor extra protection. The wax is referred to as the

“sacrificial coating”. It is less expensive than applying new coats of sealer and will protect the

coating from “wearing”.

Each acid stain job is one of a kind. No two pieces of concrete will stain exactly the same. Visit

our photo gallery to see if acid stain is right for you. Decorative Concrete St Louis Gallery

To learn more about Concrete Staining and other Decorative Concrete products such as

stamped concrete overlay visit Decorative Concrete St Louis and make your concrete

beautiful!