Applying Stain to Concrete like a Pro
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.