How to Stain Concrete 

Preparatory work: Previous adhesives, coatings, or other surface treatments should be removed prior to application with an appropriate stripper.  An acid wash should never be used, because it decreases the effectiveness of Patina Stain New concrete surfaces should be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days.  If any membrane curing compounds we used they must be removed completely and thoroughly rinsed before application.   Before applying Patina Stain, the concrete surface must be uniformly clean and dry.  Commercial cleaners and/or pressure washing with a 5 gal/min 2500 PSI may be necessary in order to ensure the surface is clean.  Walk behind floor machines (175 rpm type) may be outfitted with a nylon scrub brush to aid in the cleaning process. Before application a test area should be designated.  Use the exact Patina Stain colors, and exact application practices so that a true sample will result. Vegetation, buildings, parking lots and other surrounding areas should be protected accordingly before application of Patina stain commences. DO NOT apply Patina Stain if rain is expected. Homeowner's approval of the test area is recommended before proceeding with the application of Patina Stain. Coverage:A coverage rate of 200 - 400 square feet per gallon is recommended.  The actual application rate will vary depending on the condition of the concrete substrate and the results of the test area. A designated amount of Patina Stain should be used in order to achieve consistency in the final product.  Each area should have only planned variations in color and appearance. DO NOT mix Patina Stain with any other chemicals or alter it in any way.  To do so violates Concrete Depots' Warranty, and cause serious injuries or even death in certain cases. Equipment:Proper application of Patina Stain is achieved by scrubbing the stain into the concrete surface with a brush.  Brushes include bristles that are of medium stiffness, uncolored, and acid resistant. DO NOT use brooms, rollers or mops.  They lack the ability to provide surface friction which is key to successful concrete staining. DO NOT use rotary machines to apply Patina Stain.  This type of equipment will create a mess by throwing stain all over the work surface, leaving undesired effects and creating a longer cleanup time. Plastic buckets may be used in the application of Patina Stain to handle the material.  DO NOT use metal containers. Acid resistant hand sprayers with plastic parts may be used to apply Patina Stain to large areas.  The surface still must be worked with a scrubbing action with a brush.

   Special effects can be created with sponges, lambs wool, acid resistant spray bottles, breakfast cereal, miracle grow, and sawdust.

  Application:

1. Apply a floor cleaner or degreaser and use a floor machine to scrub the surface.  A (black) stripper pad is recommended.  Once the floor has been scrubbed, rinse the surface with water and vinegar to neutralize the caustics found in the degreaser, then rinse  with clean water thoroughly, be sure to remove all the residue found on the surface.  Let dry before staining.
2. Protect bordering areas and vegetation during the application process.
3. Divide the work area into manageable sections along natural dividing line such as walls, joints, score marks, or other appropriate features.
4. The control of wet edges is important while also taking precautions to minimize overlapping.  DO NOT step on any wet stain areas.  Footprints will appear darker in the finished product.
5. Wear OSHA recommended safety gear and apply stain at the recommended coverage rate to a uniform thickness.  DO NOT allow puddles to form on the surface as these will create dark spots.
6. Immediately scrub stain into the surface with a nylon acid resistant brush.  A slight bubbling or fizzing action will occur when the chemical reaction takes place.
7. Work small areas with the brush in a continuous, consistent motion.  Maintain a wet edge and a constant brush contact with the surface until the application is complete.
8. In order to avoid lap marks, reacted stain from existing work areas should not be allowed to spread to other areas.
9. Stepping on the wet surface hampers the chemical reaction of the stain with the surface.  If accidental stepping occurs brush out immediately.
10. Puddles, splashes, or drips will effect the chemical reaction and adjust the final color.  If this happens accidentally, brush out immediately.
11. When applying stain to vertical surfaces, start at the bottom and work upward.  Avoid excessive running by brushing immediately after the stain is sprayed onto the surface.
12. Reaction time for the stain is dependent upon the color of stain applied as well as the weather at the jobsite.  Refer to the Patina Stain Technical data Sheet for exact exposure times.
13. When different colors are to be applied over each other, the residue from the first color should be rinsed before application of the following color(s).
14. Protect all the surrounding areas from the rinse water and runoff.  Allow the concrete surface to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before sealing.
15. It is recommended to rinse with baking soda and water, in order to neutralize the acid prior to sealing the surface.
16. A sealer, solvent or water based, should be applied to the surface in two coats at a coverage rate of 200 square feet per gallon.
17. Apply the sealer with an HVLP sprayer preferably; airless sprayers may also be an acceptable substitute in some cases.  Allow the sealer to dry for a minimum of 24 hours for foot traffic and 72 hours for vehicular traffic.  Always follow the sealer manufacture's directions for use.
18. All joints should be sealed with a good quality caulking compound.  It is recommended to pick a caulking compound color that is complementary to the stained surface's color.
19. Maintain the stained and sealed surface according to the sealer manufacturer's instructions for care.
20. It is recommended to reapply sealer once yearly or according to the manufacturer's recommendations for a long lasting floor.

 Precautions: It is mandatory to take the following precautions to protect workers and the public:

1. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
2. READ MSDS IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.
3. Avoid inhalation of mist or vapor.  Insure adequate ventilation of work area or where stain is handled or stored.
4. Avoid contact with skin.  Protective clothing is required.  Areas contacted by stain accidentally should be thoroughly washed with soap and water.
5. Avoid contact with eyes.  Protective goggles are required to protect from splashing.  Flush eyes with water if contact occurs.
6. Avoid ingestion of material.  If ingestion occurs, drink several glasses of milk or water.  Contact a poison center or physician immediately.