Concrete surfaces are a popular choice for construction projects in commercial, industrial and residential settings. Due to its strength and durability, concrete can be found anywhere from patios, sidewalks, and pool decks to garages, driveways, and foundations. For those who would like to take their concrete application to the next level and add a personal touch, concrete staining can provide a cost-effective solution. Our service can transform even the dullest surface into a stunning masterpiece.
What is concrete staining?
The process of concrete staining is used to add color to any concrete surface, thus enhancing its aesthetic appearance. After the concrete is properly cleaned, stains are applied either through a water-based or an acid-based solution before sealing the surface to protect it.
Concrete staining can be used on any kind of concrete surface, interior and exterior alike.
What types of concrete staining are there?
There are 2 main types of stains used on concrete surfaces: reactive and non-reactive ones. Reactive or acid-based stains create a unique array of colors by starting a chemical reaction. Non-reactive or water-based stains generally offer a result with a wider range of colors.
How does reactive concrete staining work?
How does reactive concrete staining work?For this type of concrete staining, an acidic solution is applied to the concrete surface which then reacts with the minerals within the concrete. As a result, the stain develops a permanent bond with the concrete.
Depending on the intensity of the reaction, acid-based concrete staining leads to a marble-like finishing effect, often with vibrant colors. Due to its durability, reactive concrete staining is a popular choice for outdoor concrete surfaces.
How does non-reactive concrete staining work?
For this type of concrete staining, water-based acrylic solutions are applied to the concrete surface through which they then penetrate. By depositing pigment particles into open pores of the concrete, a colored coating is being created.
Unlike the vibrant finish of reactive concrete staining, water-based stains produce opaque-like colors and create a wide range of tints and tones. The stained concrete is then sealed with a protective layer to prevent fading, peeling or flaking which can occur due to exposure to the elements. Therefore, this type of concrete staining is a popular choice for indoor concrete surfaces.
How do I care for my stained concrete surface?
To ensure the longevity of your stained concrete surface, maintenance is key. The following steps can help you enjoy the beauty of your stained concrete for years to come:
Regular cleaning: Sweep or rinse the stained concrete surface regularly to remove dirt and debris. For interior concrete floors, use dry-mopping to help prevent abrasion.
Cleaning spills quickly: To prevent unwanted stains on the concrete surface, spills should be cleaned up as soon as they occur.
Sealing: As part of our concrete-staining services, we apply a sealer to the finished concrete surface to protect it from the elements. However, we do suggest re-applying a sealer especially to exterior surfaces every year or two.
Repairing cracks: Should you notice any cracks in your concrete surface, these should be repaired as soon as possible to minimize water intrusion and maintain a structurally sound surface.
If you are interested in concrete staining and would like to learn more about how to use your concrete surfaces to make a personal statement or include it in your company branding, contact Olshan for more information today. We can provide you with a free, non-obligatory quote.
Our concrete service also include concrete leveling, concrete installation including pouring new concrete for a variety of applications, as well as concrete repair using a range of methods from patching, epoxy injection and resurfacing.
