Foremost among these options are water-based concrete stains. While acid stains have traditionally been the most popular choice, they offer only limited strains of color choices, mostly being neutral colors. Concrete stains, on the other hand, come in blues, yellows, and reds. The can also be mixed together to create an incredibly wide variety of colors from all over the color wheel.
The flexibility of concrete stains have made them a choice that continues to grow in popularity. They are a penetrating type of sealer whose particles of coloring will penetrate past the surface of the concrete. As such, they are long-lasting and strong, able to withstand a number of elemental and environmental damages. They are also extremely easy to apply and clean up, as the solution penetrates past the surface, leaving very little to be sopped up afterwards.
There are a few options when it come to staining concrete. The first option is water based stain. Water-based stains are great options to stain concrete because they are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and safer to apply than traditional acid based stains because they are free of solvents and acids. Water-based stains are much easier to work with, and do not need to be neutralized after application.
The Hydro-Stain 1500 is a high performance nanotechnology driven water based concrete stain system. This unique formula is a safe alternative to acid based stains containing no hazardous components while producing the same mottled look as acid stains when used to decorate concrete. There is no neutralizing or rinsing required when using the Hydro-Stain 1500. This product can be used on overlay systems, concrete or decorative concrete. Popular color choices include black, amber, gray, rust, mahogany and molasses.
The Hydro-Stain 1500 can be applied at full strength or diluted with water for a lighter color. Sponging, rags or other specialty application methods can be used to achieve mottling effects. You can also achieve the “acid stain look” by applying multiple coats in random patterns.
In order to protect the Hydro-Stain 1500 use an acrylic based coating afterwards. If you are looking to make the colors pop use the Cryli-Tek 5505 for a wet look, color enhancing finish.
The other option is a solid color concrete stain. Solid color concrete stains are similar to paint in their texture and feel but they are much more durable and able to stand up to traffic, abrasions and seasonal climate changes. Solid color concrete stains are easy to use and they can hide old stains or concrete imperfections.
Pro-Fusion 1505 is a pigmented, water-based, non-yellowing, solid color concrete stain system designed for unsealed concrete, masonry and pavers. The Pro-Fusion 1505 concrete stain will provide a much stronger bond than typical solid color water based stains. It penetrates deeper and self-crosslinks to promotes outstanding adhesion and longevity. Popular color choices include: Tan, Dark Tan, Brown, Medium Gray, Dark Gray and Red.
In order to protect the Pro-Fusion 1505 use a water-based acrylic sealer afterwards. The Cryli-Tek 5500 is the recommended sealer for concrete treated with the Pro-Fusion 1505. It will protect the Pro-Fusion 1505 extending its lifespan, adding an extra UV layer of protection and it will leave a beautiful low gloss finish.
