What is Acid Stain?
Acid Stain is a compound of acid, salts and metals that chemically reacts with the minerals in cured
concrete to produce a permanent variegated coloring effect. It can be applied to new or old concrete.
Acid Stain is perfect for exterior hardscapes, artificial rock formations, interior floors, walls and
concrete countertops. Because there are so many variables involved in the chemical reaction process
(i.e. the age, porosity, texture, and color of the concrete substrate) each application of Acid Stain
produces a unique and exciting result. Subtle cracks in the existing surface can also enhance the effect.
The Process
Different application techniques produce different finishes. Spraying the stain with a
pump-up sprayer is a common method that produces a "mottled" effect. Puddling the stain will produce
darker shades. Moping with a cotton mop and/or clean cotton rags produce "swirling" effects.
Sponging produces yet another finish. Many popular faux finishing techniques may by used with acid
stains. Grout lines can also be etched into the substrate to mimic a tile effect.
Stenciling is also a very popular method used with acid stain. This is a process where a vinyl appliqué is
placed on the area to receive the treatment. This is done either before or after a base color is applied.
After the stain is applied to the stencil it is removed to produce the contrasting effect. Multiple stencils
can be used with varying colors to create dramatic results that will last for years.
The Benefits
Acid staining has gained incredible popularity in recent years and is being used in a variety of
applications. No matter what the scope of your project is, there are multiple benefits in using our acid
staining systems.
Acid Stain is a compound of acid, salts and metals that chemically reacts with the minerals in cured
concrete to produce a permanent variegated coloring effect. It can be applied to new or old concrete.
Acid Stain is perfect for exterior hardscapes, artificial rock formations, interior floors, walls and
concrete countertops. Because there are so many variables involved in the chemical reaction process
(i.e. the age, porosity, texture, and color of the concrete substrate) each application of Acid Stain
produces a unique and exciting result. Subtle cracks in the existing surface can also enhance the effect.
The Process
Different application techniques produce different finishes. Spraying the stain with a
pump-up sprayer is a common method that produces a "mottled" effect. Puddling the stain will produce
darker shades. Moping with a cotton mop and/or clean cotton rags produce "swirling" effects.
Sponging produces yet another finish. Many popular faux finishing techniques may by used with acid
stains. Grout lines can also be etched into the substrate to mimic a tile effect.
Stenciling is also a very popular method used with acid stain. This is a process where a vinyl appliqué is
placed on the area to receive the treatment. This is done either before or after a base color is applied.
After the stain is applied to the stencil it is removed to produce the contrasting effect. Multiple stencils
can be used with varying colors to create dramatic results that will last for years.
The Benefits
Acid staining has gained incredible popularity in recent years and is being used in a variety of
applications. No matter what the scope of your project is, there are multiple benefits in using our acid
staining systems.
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It is very low maintenance. With simple dust mop and an occasional coat of floor wax
it will retain its beauty for many years.
It is a very cost effective flooring alternative and compares favorably to most
flooring systems. It can be applied to a thin overlay over plywood sub-flooring or to any
existing concrete surface. A basic, one color process over a new slab will cost less than
an average carpet installation.
Durability. Acid Staining is a chemical process. During this process the stain becomes
imbedded in the concrete. This adds to the longevity of the color and also means it will
not chip or flake off.
Creative flexibility. With so many colors choices available and literally hundreds of
stencil designs in our library, it can be customized to agree with any personal preference.
Clean and Green. Concrete is a sustainable resource. It also has a passive solar
effect that absorbs heat into the slab during the day and releases the heat at night. It
also lowers allergen levels by not retaining moisture or pet dander like wood flooring or
carpet would do.
The most obvious benefit to acid staining is “It looks fantastic!”
it will retain its beauty for many years.
It is a very cost effective flooring alternative and compares favorably to most
flooring systems. It can be applied to a thin overlay over plywood sub-flooring or to any
existing concrete surface. A basic, one color process over a new slab will cost less than
an average carpet installation.
Durability. Acid Staining is a chemical process. During this process the stain becomes
imbedded in the concrete. This adds to the longevity of the color and also means it will
not chip or flake off.
Creative flexibility. With so many colors choices available and literally hundreds of
stencil designs in our library, it can be customized to agree with any personal preference.
Clean and Green. Concrete is a sustainable resource. It also has a passive solar
effect that absorbs heat into the slab during the day and releases the heat at night. It
also lowers allergen levels by not retaining moisture or pet dander like wood flooring or
carpet would do.
The most obvious benefit to acid staining is “It looks fantastic!”
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Acid Stain