Enhancing Plain Concrete Surfaces with Dyes and Stains

henry gerstel • September 15, 2020

When you choose to  stain  or  dye  your concrete floors, you are making a superior choice over other methods of beautifying concrete. Concrete is such a durable, yet unique material that has gained major popularity in the demanding world we live in today. However, over time the surface of your walkway, patio, or garage floor can dull and fade. Because the porous surface of the concrete is super absorbent, it is ideal for decorating with  concrete dyes  and  concrete stains. The greatest part about coloring concrete is it is affordable and can be easily done yourself at home or at your business.

What is the Difference Between Concrete Dyes and Concrete Stains?

Before you can choose how you want to decorate your concrete surfaces, you must first understand the difference between the techniques you are choosing from.  Concrete stains  chemically react with the concrete surface, while  concrete dyes  are non-reactive.  Concrete stains  permanently alter the color of the concrete, while  concrete dyes  penetrate the concrete pores which creates a more uniform appearance.  Concrete dyes  can also be permanent but they do not chemically alter the color of the concrete-like stains do. Ultimately,  concrete stains  are irremovable, while concrete dyes can be re-dyed or re-colored over and over again.

Preparing Your Concrete Surfaces

After you have removed all the items from the designated surface you plan to color, you will need to thoroughly clean the concrete surface. Make sure to take the time to thoroughly sweep and mop the surface to ensure all dust and debris have been removed. Any loose dust and debris could have a major impact on the finished look, so it is necessary to completely clean the designated area. Concrete can be a tough surface to clean, due to the concrete being porous and holding dirt. Finding the right  concrete cleaner  will cut your surface preparation time in half. Our  concrete cleaners and floor strippers  are designed to clean and remove contamination from concrete surfaces. Also, be sure to remove any existing  concrete sealers  before applying a new dye/ stain.

Once you are done cleaning the surface you will need to repair any cracks on the surface. This will fill in any gaps to ensure a smooth, consistent surface. Allow the  crack repair product  to fully dry by leaving it be for at least 24 hours. Once the  crack repair product  has dried, you will then use a  floor scrubber  to buff clean and buff any remaining uneven patches. Once your designated area is cleaned and properly prepared you are officially ready to apply your  concrete dye/ stain.

Applying the Concrete Dye/ Stain

Using an  acetone pump sprayer  will ensure that you have evenly applied the  concrete dye/ stain. You can also use a hand-held brush for smaller areas or tight corners. Be sure to test a small section 1-2 days before coloring the entire area to be able to preview the finished look and to confirm it is the desired look you are seeking. Once you have consistently applied the concrete dye/ stain to your floor you may then apply a second coat to ensure evenness. After the product has completely cured you must then seal the surface to guarantee a beautifully finished surface.  Concrete sealers  are used to protect the concrete from surface damage and corrosion. Protecting that newly dyed/ stained concrete and properly maintaining it will keep it looking magnificent and will extend its service life.

Conclusion

Dyes and stains  are powerful solutions in the concrete industry and continue to thrive in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. When using  dyes and stains , practically any color is achievable. So if you are seeking to enhance your concrete surfaces and give them a subtle, yet vibrant appearance than our diverse selection of  concrete dyes and stains  are perfect for you and your next DIY flooring project!

Resources, Guidance and Support

Concrete all around the world has long dominated industries, particularly flooring and countertops, because of the exceptional durability, low maintenance, and simply pleasant appearance it’s able to deliver.  Xtreme Polishing Systems  supplies the industry with professional and innovative concrete polishing, epoxy coatings, and decorative concrete  products, equipment, supplies , and much more. Our industry professionals have trained accordingly with our  products  and are able to deliver the fundamental guidance and customer service needed when accurately preparing and executing a concrete project.

The experts at  Xtreme Polishing Systems  understand that every concrete surface can variate in properties, therefore each slab must be treated differently. We’re here to guide you in the proper direction, so call us at  (877) 958-5732  with any questions regarding ‘ Enhancing Plain Concrete Surfaces with Dyes and Stains ‘ or visit our  website  and browse our extensive selection of concrete products today. Whether you’re a general contractor (flooring, concrete, masonry, home improvement, renovator, etc.), small business, DIY’er, craftsmen, new or existing business, artisan, or homeowner, our exquisite  product selection  and extensive industry experience will assist you every step of the way, from start to finish.

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