Applying an acid stain to a slab of concrete flooring is tricky. Unlike paint, which can be removed, once the stain sets, there is no way to reverse the process because the concrete material itself reacts with the acid stain. The right way to do acid stained concrete can be divided into four parts: preparing the floor, applying the stain, removing the stain residue, and sealing the concrete.
When preparing any surface for acid staining, the removal of any possible contaminants is important. Contaminants may interfere with the reaction process, leading to multiple undesirable areas on the final product. Make sure all other areas that should not be stained are masked off, because accidental staining can lead to permanent results.
Putting on the acid stain requires special equipment that is resistant to acid, like acid-resistant brushes and spray materials. Testing a small area is also recommended to make sure that the concentration of the stain is enough to produce the desired color. There are also recommendations for certain cure times to a concrete slab before applying a concrete acid stain. Rinsing off the stain residue comes next, involving several applications of water and neutral cleaner like water with baking soda to aid in acid neutralization. The removal of residue also accompanies scrubbing the area using a machine and the use of a wet vacuum to make sure that all residue is removed.
A sealer is used to protect the acid stained concrete after the floor is cleaned and all possible contaminants, dirt, and grime are removed. The sealer chosen should be compatible with the acid used in the process to avoid reactions that can damage the work. Concrete Coatings Unlimited provides services for working on acid stained concrete floors that will make the process hassle-free, giving your floor a beautiful finish.