Factors Influencing Final Color & Appearance
The final color and appearance will be influenced by the concrete age, composition, technique used to finish the concrete, and application technique. Application to undisturbed slabs will be more paint like. Application to slabs with the top paste layer removed will be grainier. Variations in concrete finishing will become color swirls and variegations. Stain application to dry or wet surfaces will alter color development, as will the amount of stain applied and the amount of effort used to work stain into the surface. Take care not to over apply or overwork stain into the surface, or color may not remain after rinsing,
Jobsite Test Sections
Verify and approve suitability and appearance by making jobsite test sections prior to general application. Apply each chemical stain color onto each type and age of concrete or topping surface, and use each sealer technique that is to be used. Test sections must be of adequate size to be representative and be produced by the same workers who will apply product to the larger job. Test completed systems for wet and dry slip resistance to ensure they are safe. Do not proceed with products, techniques, or finishing systems that do not meet required safety specifications or site owner approval.
Stain Application
Chemical stain is permanent. Mask all areas not to be stained to safeguard against splashes, overspray, and runoff from application, neutralization, or residue removal. Only work in a well ventilated area. Wear all required safety equipment. Keep a five gallon pail of water with 1 pound of baking soda added to neutralize spills or accidental contact. Take care not to allow tape adhesive to interfere with surfaces to be stained.
The following 8 steps have proven successful for floors in a wide range of conditions.
1. Optional Pre-wetting of surface.
Many artisans prefer to pre-wet the concrete prior to stain application. This maximizes color penetration and variegations. Spray clean water to saturate the concrete surface. Remove puddles by spreading water or soaking up with a clean mop. The surface should now be cool, damp to the touch, yet not allow a towel to readily absorb water.
2. Apply the LITHOCHROME® Chemstain® Classic. This can be done with an acid resistant low pressure garden sprayer, mop or broom. Apply in a circular motion to just saturate the surface. LITHOCHROME® Chemstain® Classic should fizz or effervesce when it first comes in contact with the concrete.
3. Immediately work in stain. Use a foam, lamb's wool, or soft nylon bristle broom working in circular motions to avoid the creation of lap marks. Do not walk on recently stained areas or footprints will result.
4. Allow surfaces to dry. This will take about 4 hours depending on weather conditions and water used in step 1.
5. Apply a second coat if desired and allow it to dry.
6. Neutralize the surface: Use a solution of 1 pound of baking soda per 5 gallons of water. Apply this with a clean garden sprayer. Move neutralization liquid across the surface with a wet mop or soft broom in a circular motion. Neutralization is complete when surfaces are saturated and no effervescence is seen.
7. Remove pigment residue. Use a soft broom or mop and a wet-dry vacuum moving in circular motions to avoid creating lap lines. Rinse surfaces until all easy to remove residue is removed. If a second complimentary color is to be used, apply it at this stage. Failure to remove all residue prior to sealing the surface can cause loss of adhesion, peeling, or reduced sealer durability. When complete, little to no residue should appear after rubbing with a clean cloth.
8. Allow to dry and apply sealers/topcoats as desired.
For Vertical Applications: Apply by garden sprayer consistently from the bottom up or the top down. Brush out drips immediately. Allow to dry at least 4 hours before neutralization and rinsing. Seal if desired.
