Applying QUIKRETE translucent concrete stain.
Any drab, lifeless slab of concrete can be transformed into a warm, decorative
surface that provides character to
any exterior or interior space with QUIKRETE translucent concrete stains.
QUIKRETE translucent stain's semi-transparent appearance
provides a deep, rich color that highlights the natural variations in
any concrete surface. Translucent stain is a safe,
water-based, polymer-bonded formula that provides permanent color that will not
peel or fade when exposed to weather or UV rays.
With translucent concrete stain,
a marble-like, old-world appearance can be easily achieved without using more
complicated etching stains.
Before you get started, it is extremely important to determine if your concrete
surface
has been previously sealed. Translucent stain is a penetrating stain that works
by penetrating
into the pores of the concrete surface and permanently bonding the color
into the concrete. The best way to determine if your country has been
previously sealed and is porous enough to accept a penetrating stain
is to do a water test. Simply pour water
onto the surface of the concrete. If the water pools and does not dissipate,
it is likely that there is a sealer present. If the water is quickly absorbed
into the concrete, your surface will accept the stain.
If your concrete has been previously sealed,
the sealer must be completely removed with a commercial grade paint stripper
and then pressure washed to remove all of the residue. Once the sealer is removed,
the water test should be repeated. Proper surface preparation
is required to achieve a beautiful and long lasting result.
Because translucent concrete stain is a penetrating stain,
even bare, unsealed concrete must be thoroughly cleaned and etched,
prior to the application of the stain. This is necessary to ensure that the
pores of the concrete
will allow absorption of the stain. QUIKRETE cleaner,
etcher and degreaser is a concentrated, organic acid-based, commercial-grade
cleaner
designed to prepare concrete surfaces prior to the application of stains and
sealers.
Cleaner, etcher and degreaser effectively removes dirt
light oil stains and other contaminants, and at the same time,
etches the surface of the concrete, which removes the thin
top layer of the concrete making it more porous. Cleaner, etcher and degreaser is an
acid based formulation that requires the use of waterproof gloves
as well as eye protection and rubber boots. To get started,
sweep and remove as much soil and debris as possible from the surface.
Then, pour in the Cleaner, Etcher and Degreaser. Do not use metal containers or
tools.
They must be plastic to avoid a reaction with the acid.
Working in 10-foot by 10-foot sections,
pour the cleaner onto the concrete surface. The material should immediately
begin to foam,
which indicates that it is properly reacting with the concrete surface.
Allow the Cleaner, Etcher and Degreaser to stand and work for about 60 seconds.
Then, using a stiff bristle brush, scrub the surface of the concrete.
Be careful not to let the Cleaner, Etcher and Degreaser stand on the concrete for
more than a minute or so
because it will edge deeply into the surface and can cause the surface to pit.
After scrubbing, rinse the concrete thoroughly with water
until it runs clear. Then, remove excess water with a squeegee.
Areas that were saturated with oil or grease should be water tested to assure
that they will absorb the stain.
If an area repels water, it should be re-treated with Cleaner,
Etcher and Degreaser. Tough oil stains should be treated with QUIKRETE
oil stain remover prior to applying the stain. After the concrete has been
cleaned
allow the surface to dry completely. Now that your surface is prepared
mask off the surrounding horizontal and vertical surfaces
to protect them from the staining process. Translucent stain will penetrate
concrete,
masonry and stucco permanently staining the surfaces.
Make sure you shake the bottle vigorously before using the stain.
If you are applying the stain using a garden sprayer, pump the sprayer to its
maximum pressure
and adjust the nozzle tip to achieve a fine spray stream.
Test the pressure and remove all of the air from the hose until a consistent
mist is achieved.
Do this into a bucket to avoid dripping stain on the concrete.
It is important not to release the wand trigger over the concrete,
as this may cause the stain to drip from the nozzle tip.
Always start each application by spraying into the bucket
and then moving the wand over the concrete, about 24 inches above the
surface.
Apply the stain by moving the wand in a circular motion.
It's important not to over apply the stain...and avoid creating puddles.
If you missed a spot, simply circle back and apply additional stain.
If puddles have formed, they can be removed immediately with a sponge
For a more consistent appearance, the surface can be back rolled with 3/8 inch
nap roller.
Make sure the surface is rolled in random directions to avoid roller marks.
For a deep, rich, semi-transparent color, translucent stain can also be directly
applied with a 3/8 inch nap roller.
To achieve a consistent appearance, it is important to remove a majority of the
stain from the roller, before applying the stain to the concrete surface.
Then, roll the stain over the concrete surface in random directions.
This will help avoid roller marks. If a darker appearance is preferred,
additional coats can be applied one hour after the translucent stain is dry to
the touch.
This usually takes about four hours. Coverage rates for translucent concrete
stain will vary based on surface texture and porosity...
and application method. Typical coverage rates range from 200 to 400 square feet
per gallon.
When applying more than one color of stain, apply a lighter base color first
and then the darker accent color one hour after the first coat has dried to
the touch.
QUIKRETE Translucent Concrete Stain will dry to a matte finish.
To enrich the color and protect the stain surface from water,
dirt, oils and grease, apply QUIKRETE Acrylic
High Gloss Sealer. The wet look sealer can be applied with a roller,
garden sprayer or a brush one hour after the QUIKRETE concrete stain is dry to
the touch.
Once you're staining project is completed, allow 24 hours before exposing the
surface to light use,
and wait at least 72 hours for automobile traffic.
The stains should also only be applied to concrete that is a minimum of 28
days old.
With QUIKRETE Translucent Concrete Stain, you can turn
ordinary concrete into extraordinary, decorative surfaces.