Concrete Stain: Using Acid Vs. Acrylic
Topics: concrete stain, acid stain, acrylic stain, patio, porch, sidewalk, concrete
Using concrete stain is an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up that boring gray concrete and bring some color and life to your patio, porch, basement floor, etc. Instead of paint, you want something that’s not going to chip or flake and let your concrete maintain some of its natural appearance.
You’ve probably heard of acid stain and maybe even seen some examples of how these stains can transform the look of a concrete surface. There are also acrylic stains designed for concrete which may be more suitable for your situation and taste.
The first step in a staining project is determining which type of stain to use, acid or acrylic. You must consider the condition of the concrete surface and how you want it to look when finished.
Acid staining is a natural coloring process in which the stain reacts with free lime to produce translucent colors. Every slab is different and there are many variations throughout each slab itself. This is why acid stains create a mottled or variegated appearance. Any inconsistencies, imperfections, or defects in the surface will be highlighted or become more noticeable with acid stains.
An easy way to test this is to wet the surface. Any variations that become apparent with water will do the same with acid staining. Most previous stains such as grease and oils will stand out. Scratches, chips, divots, and cracks will stain darker becoming much more noticeable. No concrete slab is perfect so don’t let minor imperfections discourage you. Color variation is the heart and soul of acid staining and is what makes it so appealing.
As concrete ages, especially exterior concrete, leaching takes away the free lime needed for acid staining. So older concrete may not be a good candidate. You’re not going to get the desired results. Exterior concrete that’s over 10 years old is probably a better candidate for acrylic stains.
An acrylic concrete stain is semi-translucent and creates a more uniform color. It doesn’t react with concrete, but penetrates the pores and adheres to the concrete, acting like a dye. You have much more control over the outcome and acrylic stains will help mask some the surface defects and variations. They are much easier and safer to work with which is a major plus for the average do-it-yourselfer. Also, acrylic stains are available in more vibrant colors. If you’re wanting a brightly colored surface, then
choose acrylic stain.
Don’t rush into a concrete stain project without considering the options. This is an irreversible process and fixing a poorly stained slab can be a vigorous task.
Kirk Muhlhauser is decorative concrete contractor who offers ideas and instructions for enhancing and maintaining concrete surfaces. Find more information at www.all-things-concrete.com.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
End Of Summer Fun Means Back To School Fun (1)
Many students find that they can make a game out of their study time and compete with their siblings to find answers to all of the homework questions that each of them have.
Turkey Holidays - Eating Out In Istanbul (2)
The choicest samples of Turkish and world cuisine are served in the restaurants of big hotels. There are various restaurants for tourists and those on a budget in districts such as Beyoglu, and Sultanahmet.
Five Benefits Of Owning A Membership Site (3)
Couple that with the fact that they can make money doing this as well, and they'll be shouting your praises from the rooftops. When the majority of your customers are helping you to market your membership site, you will be able to reach a much greater number of potential customers than you would ever be able to reach through your solo marketing efforts.
What Exactly Are Online Joint Ventures (4)
All parties agree to share in the profits and losses of the enterprise. An online joint venture pairs two or more parties together to specifically do business online. Okay - in plain English, an online joint venture happens when you join forces with another online business to make some money.
How To Find The "Sweet Spot" In Your Business (5)
In today's ever evolving business climate, with new industries and new models popping up every day, it can be challenging to stay 110% true to who you are. You learn about a new technique, or a new "competitor" has entered your market, and you begin to adjust your direction to align more with what's happening in the external world.
Trying To Make The Decision To Jump Into Property Options (6)
To help you, consider these tips and strategies on property investment that may help to make your landing a bit more protected, so to speak. Realize It Takes Skill, And Risk One of the most important things to have in your back pocket is a good knowledge set.
Slashing Your Cost: How To Lower Your Advertising Expenses? (7)
Here's how you do this. You write a series of ads and choose the ones you feel will create the greatest response. I like to test two at a time but I've known others to split test three ads.
Wealth Is Created In The Giddy Up, Not The Saddle Up! (8)
Here are 5 key questions to help you determine your best strategic actions: 1. What marketing do I need to implement that will generate the most revenues and results for my business?
Elements Of A Good Business Letter (9)
And if he refuses to meet the request for such a favor the refusal is so put that it seems a studied effort to conceal a strong unwillingness to give any credit at all.
Effective Credit Control For Your Business (10)
If you do happen to come across a customer who hasn't paid his bill on time, it is good courtesy to send a reminder letter of two first. Make sure the tone isn't too heavy - there may be a good reason for you not receiving the payment, or the customer might just be running a bit behind.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
The Thrill Of Surfing (1)
Many eyes might be focused on a surfer in the distance that has an uncanny ability to ride the waves with what seems to be a short surfboard underneath them.
Audio Books The Way To Go From Now On (2)
The wonder of using audio books is that you are able to listen to the content rather than have to read them, and it is well known that if you listen, you will learn more and better.
Do You Know Why Realtors Are Important? (3)
They will work in the best interest of their clients to help with closing costs, inclusions, and of course, price. Search homes for sale: www.houstonproperties.com. Get free home sale tips: www.houstonproperties.com.
Think Of It Like Dating (4)
Think of it like dating. You would never ask someone to marry you on the first date, would you? Please, I hope not! Marketing is like dating.
Arthritis And You In The Workplace (5)
Depending on your answers to these considerations, you may choose to remain silent about your arthritis. On the other hand, arthritis, or a related disease, is likely to raise questions in your employer's mind about your ability to do the job.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Hotels (6)
This Beach is a major tourist attraction due to the options one gets while holidaying in this tourist attraction and to complement it, it is the safest city for its size.
Voltage And Amperage For Replacement Batteries (7)
Replacement batteries should only be purchased when the voltage is reasonably close to that of the original battery. So, if the original battery is a 3.6 volt, a 3.7 volt replacement battery will work perfectly fine.
Eliminate Mistakes And Delays And See What Else You Can Eliminate (8)
I was told there was no problem, and that all would be well. When we arrived after a 12-hour plane flight, we found that the hotel had no unoccupied nonsmoking rooms as we had reserved.
Why Credit Card Applications Get Rejected (9)
Topics: credit card debt relief, business credit card consolidation, consolidation credit cards, credit card The advent of credit cards has made a huge change in the way business is being conducted.
The Truth About Making Money Online (10)
I personally use adwords without a website of my own and I have perfected my own method but it has taken me a year to do it and its only now I can honestly say Im living well.