All concrete floors will accept the dye to varying degrees depending on the color and condition in which it is at the time of application of the dye. Traditionally, the best concrete stain has been limited to subtle earth tones and soft greenish blues. The newest concrete staining Orange County water-based concrete dyes and tinctures have expanded the color palette to include almost any imaginable color.
Surface Preparation
Whether you are working on new or old concrete floors, the iron must be completely clean before dying. To dye new concrete slabs, spray water in different places to make sure the iron absorbs it. If it does not, it is likely that the agents that cure it are blocking the entrance.
Older concrete slab floors with stains should be chemically cleaned and any contaminants on the surface. Such as paint drops, sealing paste, etc., should be removed. Generally, this can be achieved by scraping, applying solvents or removal agents, sanding or grinding, depending on how dirty the iron is and the types of stains that are present.
If grinding is necessary, use a diamond pad or a diamond grinding head or black abrasive. Grind lightly and with circular movements of small diameters to avoid leaving marks after grinding. Concrete is like a blank canvas perfect for stamping a color. Because it is porous and has a neutral hue, acid-based chemical dyes.
Apply concrete stains
Manufacturers differ in the timing of the application of the dye. Some say that with the new concrete slabs, it should be expected for at least 28 days before application, while others suggest waiting 14 days. Many contractors prefer to start the application as soon as possible after placing the concrete.
Generally, the colors are more intense if the dye is applied as soon as the concrete is placed, and the diluted dyes that are applied immediately often achieve the same results as the dyes that are not diluted and applied later. Also, remember that water starts the chemical reaction of the dye. For better consistency, make sure that the moisture content of the concrete is almost the same in each area where you are going to place it.
Stain concrete using pattern lines
Many designs incorporate decorative cuts and sanded patterns to improve their appearance. Many contractors use emery or hand saws with planks that run along the perimeter of the guides to cut the lines of the concrete patterns. Use dry cut diamond blades that minimize damage to the edges of the cuts.
When cutting before dyeing concrete slabs, cut just before cleaning the final surface so that you can remove all the dust from the concrete, as it contains lime and can distort the color. When you have to make the cuts after inking, do it after applying the first coat of the sealant.
If there is a color change in one of the lines of the pattern, cut the line first to form a barrier that prevents the second dye color from migrating to the first. If you are going to apply the grout to the cut joints, finish inking and sealing before applying the grout to prevent grout accumulations on the unprotected dye.
Seal very well
You can use different types of surfaces and penetrating sealers, depending on the application in question. For outdoor applications, acrylic sealants. It used to allow moisture to escape from the concrete slab. For outdoor applications, solvent-based acrylics are generally better than water-based ones. The use of silicone sealants is recommended if a shiny or “wet” appearance is not desired.
The options for interior plates consist mainly of acrylics, urethane and epoxy. Acrylics are stable with UV rays, economic and easy to apply and reapply. However, they have a softer surface and are the ones that require more maintenance. Solvent-based acrylics are softer than water-based ones and offer a “wet” appearance that makes many colors look more attractive.
Epoxy sealers are much harder than acrylics. Water-based epoxy binds very well to concrete and offers a clear finish, but does not allow moisture to escape. They are not resistant to UV rays and reapplication is more difficult than that of acrylics. Epoxies are generally more suitable for countertops and food preparation areas.
Finally,
Once the job completed, maintain it easily. Clean the stained concrete the same way you would clean the unstained concrete. To keep exterior concrete surfaces protected, apply a new layer of sealant every one or two years.
