Before taking on a decorative concrete project, it is important to learn the basic techniques from a seasoned professional. The stamping and staining of concrete is a mix of art and science. Staining is not forgiving. If done improperly, fixing the problem will require the removal of the bad places in the concrete installation and starting over.

To learn the proper techniques, Deco-crete Supply has training on Oct. 22 in advanced techniques for stamping and staining concrete. Concrete contractors benefit from this training because the instructor is concrete contractor Jason Greiser, who has 10 years of experience in decorative concrete and stamped concrete.

This training is no sales pitch. It is hands-on instruction from an expert in the field. Learn about stain application techniques, which include:

• Meticulous preparation of concrete surfaces, which if done improperly ruin the job.
• Proper masking of surrounding areas to prevent staining of things that aren't meant to be stained.
• Testing the stain in the least important place, which is not visible, to double-check the color.
• Learning how to create intense stains by staining soon after the concrete is put down.
• Understanding the importance of following directions from manufacturers in terms of coverage, tools, and application methods.
• Achieving nice color variations by using stain diluted with water, getting the concrete wet before application of the stain, or slightly spraying the stain application from a bottle.
• Artistic variation in the stain is a desired result, because it is not possible to apply stain in a uniform pattern.
• Any problem areas that do not accept stain get treatment with extra dye.
• Acid-based stains leave a residue, which needs to be removed before applying the sealer to ensure that the sealer bonds properly. One effective cleaning technique is to mix detergent with water and add a small spoonful of baking soda to each gallon of cleaning solution, in order to neutralize the acid remaining. Use a buffing machine to scrub the surface and a wet vacuum to clean up the surface, and then let it dry before applying the sealer.
• For the best, finished look, be sure to apply a sealer that works with the stain manufacturer's recommendations.

Join Deco-crete Supply for the advanced training session on Oct. 22 . Deco-crete Supply also helps homeowners determine if the job is a do-it-yourself effort or one that requires a qualified concrete contractor due to the needed skill level and complexity.