Artistic Stamped Concrete of Rhode Island

     Acid Stain is not a paint or coating agent - it is a coloring process involving a chemical reaction on a cementitious material.  A solution made with water, acid and inorganic salts reacts with minerals already present in the concrete; the result of this reactionis color.

    Acid Stains give concrete a mottled, variegated, marble-like look.  Never expect Acid Stain to be uniform or have an even tone, there will be different reactions from slab to slab, and even on the same job there may be different coloration 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 floor it's charm.  

Water-Based Stains are waterborne acrylic stains that achieve a variegated finish through the various absorbencies of the surface material as well as the differing specific gravities of the color pigments. Acid stains achieve color variation when the acid and metallic salts in the stain react with the lime in the concrete. The finished color depends on the amount of time allowed for the reaction as well as the amount of lime in the concrete. Thus, a consistent color is very hard to achieve from one application to another.

Staining concrete is one of the most popular applications for transforming concrete slabs. Often referred to as colored concrete, homeowners, designers and builders are drawn to stained concrete because of the unique outcome that can be achieved combining colors, application techniques, etc., on cement flooring and other substrates. The results are limited only by the creativity of those involved in the stained concrete process.

Because of concrete's porous qualities and neutral tone, it is the perfect blank canvas for topically applied color. Using acid-based chemical stains, decorative concrete contractors have been able to achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather, giving a completely custom look to cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more.

Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Like stains for wood, acid-based stains are translucent and the color they produce will vary depending on the color and condition of the substrate they are applied to. Each concrete slab will accept the stain in varying degrees of intensity, creating natural color variations that bring character and distinction to each project. What acid stains don't offer is a broad color selection. You'll mostly find them in a limited array of subtle earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens. But newer products on the market such as water-based penetrating stains and water- and solvent-based concrete dyes are greatly expanding the artist's palette with colors ranging from soft pastels to vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and purples.

ri concrete staining rhode island concrete staining,

Is your concrete stainable?

Not every concrete floor is eligible for Acid Stain, though age is not an issue, the shape it's in is. A smooth concrete surface will yield more attractive results than an old worn one. If the concrete is spalled, the aggregate is exposed or has previously been acid etched, the stain may not "take in" and will not look as desired because the aggregate does not react with the stain, only materials in the concrete paste do. On some applications where the surface is textured, as in stamped concrete or stamped stained, Acid Stain provides even more depth of color, larger selection and realistic look to the surface.

How we Prepare:

Preparations for Acid Staining will depend on the condition of the slab, on new concrete the only thing needed is to allow time for curing, and some rinsing and scrubbing to remove laitance. For old concrete, a thorough cleaning is necessary; any dirt, grease, paint, sealer or curing agent will prevent the stain from penetrating and reacting.

Is your concrete sealed?

In the event that your existing concrete is sealed or was cured with a penetrating curing agent, we would have to lightly grind or sand the surface to prepare for the staining process.

It is always a good idea to do a small test area first. So before applying, preparation and thorough planning the job is a good starting point.

A good test is to drop some water on the floor and see if the floor is absorbant or if it just beads off.