Reactive acid stains are comprised of a wetting agent, a solution of hydrochloric or phosphoric acid, and salts (metallic ions). When applied on concrete (or any cement composition) the metallic ions chemically react with the free alkaline in the cement forming oxides that produce the visible color. When you think of oxides, you might remember from elementary science classes that rust is an oxide. Rust is a reddish-brown to nearly black, and most of the browns, tans, reds, and black of acid stains come from iron ions. Most blues and greens of acid stains come from copper ions. The variation of alkalinity in concrete causes the bright, mottled look that is so appealing in coloring. The same mutation is responsible for the unpredictability of coloring concrete. Someone looking for a totally even color or very specific shade of color should be steered clear of reactive acid stain. SureStain, a reactive acid concrete stain, is made to go on “naked” concrete. There can be no curing agents or sealers to block the coloring. Preparation of the concrete always includes cleaning. Many commercial concrete cleaners are suitable and readily available. Most cleaners require rinsing or at least mopping until the rinse water is clean. For premier cleaning results utilize a black pad on a rotational floor scrubbing machine. Although reactive acid stains can be applied on concrete that is not fully cured, the final color will not be achieved until the concrete is fully cured. This makes the creation of a sample difficult if not impossible. Usually the acid is capable of burning the salts into the concrete, however, concrete that has been hard troweled, especially “burned” black or blue may require profiling to accept the new color. A simple test of applying water to the concrete surface and observing whether it readily absorbs or beads up will determine if the stain will “bite.” The concrete must absorb and darken up with the introduction of water. Most installers will utilize acid resistant sprayers to apply the stain. Brushing or brooming the wet colorant may be necessary or desired especially if the concrete is not completely flat. Puddles of reactive acid stain may react with too much variance to be pleasing. Ordinarily, two coats of concrete stain are needed for preferred results. Many different installation techniques are available to experienced installers that create unique looks: layering colors, adding ironic or miracle grows fertilizer, using a leaf blower on puddles, and so on. Drips, spills, or bleeds across masked areas are permanent. Little room for error is allowed when staining with reactive acid. A small pH residue is typically formed on the surface of dried reactive acid coloring for cement. Before sealing, this residue must be removed and neutralized. A clear ammonia rinse can turn the slab back to neutral pH. Some residues require real effort and scrubbing to remove. A few manufacturers offer little residue reactive acid stains that need a simple clean-up with no neutralizing. The easiest way to add bright, vibrant color to any concrete floor is through the use of specially formulated color concrete stains. At SureCrete we’ve developed a truly innovative product in this regard – Eco-Stain. While some still prefer the earth-tone colors inherent in using a standard acid or chemical stain product (such as our SureStain line), most have found that the ease of application and wide variety of color made available in our water-based, and more eco-friendly, Eco-Stain product line is truly the only way to add stains to your concrete project. So whether you’re looking for a more traditional earth-tone look derived from our SureStain chemical staining product or the more vibrant and controlled color palette provided by Eco-Stain, we’ll make sure you can find whatever product best suits your needs easily and cost-effectively. Both water-based and Acid Stains are great for staining floors cement and concrete based. View acid stained floor pictures now.

Answer: In many cases when contractors are stamping concrete, they prefer to use integral color for the extra dimension or depth that can be achieved by using a color hardener and or stains before sealing. Using color throughout the concrete can also help with maintenance in years to come as that base color will last for the life of the concrete.

Answer: If your sealer is in good condition and you have determined whether it is a solvent based or water based sealer you have a few options. Clean the surfaces with SureCrete SCR, then pressure wash the surface. If your existing sealer was a WB sealer, you could apply the Eco-Accent which will antique the surface, and then seal with new WB acrylic. If existing sealer was solvent based, you could use the Eco-Accent or the Translucent highlighting sealer to attain the variegated color you are looking for. Of course, you can also use pigmented sealers that come in 228 standard colors from our ON DEMAND system.