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About Concrete Stains
There are 2 types of concrete stain available – reactive and non-reactive.
Reactive stain, most commonly known as acid stain or chemical stain, is a solution of water, acid and inorganic salts that react chemically with the lime present in existing concrete surfaces. The result of the chemical reaction is “color” that actually penetrates the concrete surface. Unlike paint which is an opaque, solid color coating that is susceptible to peeling, acid stain produces permanent translucent coloring of the concrete that will not chip or peel.
Non-reactive stain, commonly referred to as water-based stains, rely on the latest nanopigment technology to permeate the concrete surface. The result is a translucent and mottled colored concrete surface very similar to that of an acid stained floor, but available in a wider range of colors.
What colors are available?
There are only 10 standard acid stain colors available which are of the earthy tones. There are 16 standard water-based stain colors available, which unlike the acid stains, can be mixed to create almost any color of the rainbow.
On what types of projects can stains be used?
Virtually any horizontal or vertical, interior or exterior concrete surface can be stained. The best coloring effects are on smooth, hard troweled surfaces. Because this type of surface is usually specified for an interior surface, most stain jobs are usually retail show rooms, restaurant floors and residential/commercial floors. Through the use of stencils, diamond tools, resists and specialized applicator techniques, the realm of creativity is infinite!
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