Staining Concrete for a Natural Earth Toned Finish
Acid Stained Compass Rose
Concrete staining is one of the most popular ways to add color to concrete surface. Stained concrete allows you to permanently add a natural color to concrete while maintaining its integrity and durability. By staining concrete you can transform concrete from grey and boring to a real “wow” factor. Concrete staining is done by applying various stains to concrete with a variety of techniques and application methods. You can stain virtually any cement based surface. The end result is a great looking long lasting colored concrete finish.
We all know that concrete on its own is colorless and often lifeless. This makes it the perfect candidate for Stained Concrete. Using concrete s your canvass you can create rich earthy tones that look natural and blend in with the natural rock, stone and wood around a property. Stained concrete is a popular coloration method in Denver as it improves the curb appeal and design of almost any concrete.
What is Concrete Acid Stain?
Acid Stain Colors
Acid stain is a combination of water, acid and metallic salts. The metallic salts are the component that creates the color, while the acid is used to etch and penetrate the surface of the concrete, and the water is simply a carrier of it all. The metallic salts react with the free lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete and deposit a rustic earthy toned coloration to the concrete. Concrete stains come is a variety of colors but are mostly designed with earthy browns, oranges and greens. Concrete stain is not designed to hide surface imperfections but to bring out the natural variations found in concrete. Similar to wood stain that reveals the character in the wood, Concrete Stain brings out the Character in the Concrete.
Each concrete will stain differently and have slightly different results. Only with experience can you determine which concrete will stain nicely and which ones will not. If you run into a concrete slab that cannot be stained there are other options to choose from including acrylic stain, or dyes.
Where is stained concrete used:
- Concrete Driveways
- Concrete Pool Decks
- Concrete Walkways
- Concrete Entryways
- Concrete Patios
- Concrete Statues
- Concrete Walls
