Does anyone have experience, information or a source of information on acid etching and staining concrete? I have seen the finished work in a couple of commercial buildings and it looked good. The big box stores sell a concrete stain, but nobody seems to have any experience with it. I have 2000 sq.ft. of driveway I would like to stain, any suggestions?
In certain scenarios, flat roofs make more sense than pitched roofs (and vice versa).
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Replies
the concrete stain at the big box is really paint. go to acid-stain.com or search under my name here on floors.
Didn't you post this? http://forums.taunton.com/n/docs/docDownload.aspx?guid=4EFC8BA8-97D6-4E7E-B87B-1FB962C23E7F&webtag=tp-housechat
Great web site, thanks. Is this acid stain product limited to having a contractor apply it or can the product be purchased and applied by an experienced HO?Experienced, but still dangerous!
I think he did it himself. Its why I am still considering it when I get to that stage in my basement.
Note a major acid odor occurs. You'll need good ventilation.
http://www.miracote.com
It depends upon how much you cement was troweled when poured. Over power troweling seems to cause poor results with staining.
Other than that, expect very uneven results. Those commercial jobs are done with teams of workers, following a procedure of limited time exposure to the cement, followed by neutralizing, washing, and finally sealing. But once you've got the right staffing and understand what you want to do, it can be done.
You'll want to practice on the neighbor's drive first!
Thank you, the Miracote process looks interesting. I have contacted them for a lead on a contractor in my area. My driveway is solid & sound, about 25 years old, just a lot of grey cement in front of the house.
Experienced, but still dangerous!
Is it an exposed aggregate finish?
If so a thorough pressure washing and a hot dry time of the year to let the surface dryout and the stain needs to dry as fast as possible so airborne trash doesn't get all over it.The concrete sealers come clear or stained and I personnally like the darker color.
ANDYSZ2
I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
Sometime last year I posted something in the House Chat forums, which garnered a reply from someone that employed this method on a slab home. The results were terrific, and resulted in a dark marble appearance. The replier posted a picture or two. I'll see if I can find the thread.
Is this it (?):
http://www.ourcoolhouse.com/images/construction/acidetch.htm
That is still my favorite example of acid stain. And the guy has a forum where you can ask questions and/or check the archives for past questions. I know there are a lot of them in regards to the stain.
View Imagejt8
"The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools." -- Herbert Spencer
Beautiful work.
Note the way this was made:
First (after surface prep) was to lay down a stencil for that border.
He then sprayed what appears to be 2, maybe three different stains. One the major background, the others spotty botchy effects. He then neutralized the reaction. And pulled the stencil. And probably sealed.
Then he saw cut those lines. And I'm impressed by the straightness and neat work. Depending upon how those lines look up close, he may have come back and grouted the lines to fill. Then sealed again. And again.
Acid staining or concrete topping is so much a work of art. The layout and design needs to be really thought out ahead of time.
Then he saw cut those lines. And I'm impressed by the straightness and neat work. Depending upon how those lines look up close, he may have come back and grouted the lines to fill. Then sealed again. And again.
Saw cut is the usual, but they actually just taped. They're doing it at the top of the page.
http://www.ourcoolhouse.com/images/construction/acidetch.htmjt8
"The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools." -- Herbert Spencer
Phil (guy who runs the site) had a more detailed how-to on the stain.
http://www.ourcoolhouse.com/go/forum/post/421
jt8
"The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools." -- Herbert Spencer