Acid stain is a chemical stain used to color new or old concrete. The acid stain is applied to the concrete surface by a pump-up sprayer or brush. Immediately upon contact with the concrete surface, the acid stain begins a chemical reaction with the lime present in the concrete. Whereas paint is just a coating for concrete and will chip and fade, acid stain colors are produced by a chemical reaction in the concrete resulting in a permanent coloring of the concrete surface that will not chip or fade.
- What colors are available?
There are 8 standard acid stain colors. Applying acid stain over color-hardened concrete, mixing stains before applications, 1 color over another and many, many other techniques create a multitude of coloring effects. Because acid stains are chemical stains, not paint, the colors produced are very mottled and variegated. The chemical reaction of the acid stain on the concrete creates a truly unique floor. No two floors will ever produce the same exact color.
- What types of projects can acid stains be used on?
The best coloring effects are produced on smooth, hard troweled surfaces. Because this type of finish is usually an interior finish, most acid stain jobs are usually retail show rooms, restaurant floors, residential/commercial floors, etc. Acid stains can be applied to exterior concrete finishes such as a broomed finish or mag finish, but the coloring effect is much different than that of a hard troweled finish. Through the use of special diamond tools, various patterns can be saw-cut into the slab. A simple 48” tile pattern or curves stained in various colors, saw-cuts grouted or left as is, are just a couple of techniques.