Reactive / Acid Staining
Concrete Surfaces
Concrete Impressions offers a FULL LINE of decorative concrete products and services using only Elite-Crete brand products. Please take a moment to read some of the following info about Acid-Etch Staining to see if it might be the right choice for your next project.
Acid Stain is not a paint or coating agent. Rather, it's 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 reaction is color. It works very well on new or old concrete, and we've seen impressive results over our decorative polymer overlays as well as self-leveling products. Acid Stain is a very durable product if properly protected with sealer (included in all Concrete Impressions acid stain projects) or wax, and it can be applied to both interiors and exteriors.
What makes Acid Stain so attractive? Acid Stain gives concrete a mottled, variegated, marble like look. It creates beautiful colors on concrete, mostly earth tone browns, reddish browns and greens. You can also create your own shades from 8 divverent colors by mixing and matching your available colors, or applying them at different rates. Never expect Acid Stain to be uniform or have an even tone, you'll get different reactions from slab to slab, and even on the same job you may see different coloration patterns.
Concrete Impressions transforms an ordinary concrete slab into a luxurious floor that resembles marble or glazed stone. When concrete is stained and scored Concrete Impressions can create the appearance of expensive flooring at a fraction of the cost.
Each concrete slab accepts the stain in varying degrees of intensity creating stunning, multi-hued color variations and an uneven surface that looks perfectly aged.
Acid Stains can be applied to walks, entrances, driveways, living rooms, bathrooms, patios, high traffic areas and even vertically to any cementitious surface.
Those suffering from allergies find concrete staining especially appealing and a welcomed change from deep pile carpeting. Concrete Impressions' Stains are virtually maintenance free for a carefree lifestyle--simply damp mop as needed.
Not every concrete floor is eligible for Acid Stain. Although 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 overlays, Acid Stain provides even more depth of color, larger selection and realistic look to the surface.
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 (at least three to four weeks after poured), 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 so it must be removed.
Concrete Impressions has been growing very rapidly for the last few years, and Acid Stain has been a big part of this growth. More homeowners, architecs and designers are asking for this service. The Acid Stain market is miles away from being well known and developed, but it has a very bright and shiny future, and our goal is to help you learn more about this incredible product.
Whether you're interested in refinishing the concrete in your store, basement, entry, studio or entire house, let Concrete Impressions transform your gray concrete into a stunning work of art.
If you are interested in a quote for concrete staining
or have questions not answered on our site,
please feel free to give us a call.
269-629-4397 or 1-888-88-OVERLAYS