Acid staining

The acid staining applications for the concrete rely on a mild acid that opens the pores of a concrete slab. It allows the metallic salts to react with the cement lime to produce a typical color variation. There are reactive acid stains that include greens, reddish browns, and browns. These stains etch the concrete by removing the free lime existing between the sand particles. When specifying the stains, etching should be considered properly. The success of acid stain concrete in Kansas City mainly depends on mitigating the common issues explained here:

Difficulty in Proper Curing of the Concrete:

A difficulty occurs when the contractor does not use moisture for wet curing of the concrete. This process strengthens the concrete, especially when using acid staining. Most importantly, no membrane should be added to the top for inhibiting the penetration of acid into the concrete.

To avoid this problem, the contractors use wet curing or concrete curing compounds that work as an alternative. Some compounds can cure and seal the surface but, they cannot retain the moisture for a long time. Therefore, you should prefer thick and tough coatings for the acid stains. Apply multiple coats to seal the stain properly by filling the pores created by acid etching.

Lack of Sealing Capabilities in the Curing Compounds:

An expert flooring contractor can guide you in the selection of durable and effective curing compounds having strong sealing capabilities. Typically, the acid stains can react with the soft concrete paste in which the free lime turns into a harder substance over time. To eliminate this issue, the floors can be ground deeply for removing the curing compound.

These are the common issues that may occur in stained concrete in Kansas City. You can prevent them by hiring an expert contractor.

There is a huge demand for acid staining in Kansas City these days because more people are beginning to focus on sustainable and organic building designs. Other than being eco-friendly, concrete staining is also good to look at, affordable and easier to maintain.

Here are some tips on how to achieve flawlessly stained concrete floors in Kansas City,

  • Check whether your floor is a perfect candidate of concrete staining. Make sure that the concrete floor is free of dust, dirt, paint, oil, adhesives or any other contaminants, so that the acid stains can bond well with it.
  • Do not treat the floor with any water-proofing or undesirable cleaning agents. It would affect the way acid stains react with the floor.
  • The concrete floor should not have any aggravate materials thrusting out if you want to achieve the desired effect of acid stains.
  • It can be hard to select the perfect match of color with concrete staining, so look for a complementary color. Also, keep the amount of natural lighting the room receives when you are choosing the color.
  • Consider the level of gloss the sealant provides when you pick it. High gloss sealants might be more attractive but they reveal more dirt than the others. Also, check whether the particular sealant is compatible with the concrete floor.
  • If you are about to use solvent-based acid stains in the indoors, ensure that the floor is a properly ventilated area as they give out a powerful odor.

Also, you can hire professional services if you want it done properly without the risk of damaging the floors.

Stained concrete looks spectacular and costs less when compared to the other flooring options. It appears unique as the way the concrete draws the stain differs each time. Also, the stain bonds well with the concrete and do not chip, fade or crack. This makes stained concrete lasts longer.

However you need to very careful when you perform concrete staining in Kansas, especially if you haven’t done it before. Here are the common acid staining mistakes you need to avoid,

Preparation

This is a very important step. Before the application of acid stains, clear away any remaining construction materials from the floor and sweep out the dust and debris. If there are any persistent stains, you can use a cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush to get rid of it. Understand that you need to have a flawless concrete surface if you want to create a perfectly stained concrete in Kansas City.

Application

You have to apply the acid stains properly to produce an attractive concrete floor. Do not use brush or rollers to apply acid stains as they can leave marks on the floor. Instead, the stain must be spread uniformly with the use of a pump sprayer in small circular motions.

Curing

Once you have applied the acid stains, you should not disturb the area for the next 24 hours at any cost. You need to let them dry. If you are not satisfied with the color shade, you can go for a second round of application when the first coating is finally dry.

By avoiding these issues, the look and the integrity of your concrete could be preserved.