WHAT IS AN ACID STAIN?

Acid Stain is not a paint or a sealer. Acid Stain colors the concrete by creating a chemical reaction. A solution with acid, inorganic salts and water reacts with minerals (free lime) that are already present in the concrete. This reaction creates color. This color is permanent and will not fade or peel as will other "concrete stains".

CAN I USE ACID STAIN ANYWHERE I WANT?

Acid Stain is not for every concrete floor. The concrete MUST be bare. There can be no sealers, curing compounds, bond breakers, paints, etc. on the surface. The surface must be clean and free of grease or any other contamination that would prevent the reaction from occurring? If you do have any of these substances on your concrete they will need to be removed before you stain.  

IS ACID STAIN FOR INTERIOR USE ONLY?

No. Both interior and exterior concrete can be stained. Acid stain is UV stable and will not fade on an exterior surface.

DO I ALWAYS NEED TO APPLY A FLOOR FINISH AFTER I APPLY A SEALER?

A floor finish is designed for interior use only and should not be used on exterior jobs. The floor finish will act as a sacrificial surface for the sealer to be used. The use of a floor finish will also act as a minimal anti-skid on the floor surface. All floor finishes are manufactured to what they call "Coefficient of Friction" of 0.05 or greater, this is an anti-skid standard. On interior jobs a floor finish will provide an ideal finish in high traffic areas such as homes, schools, office buildings, shopping malls, hair salons, hotels and restaurants. 

WILL THE SAME COLOR LOOK THE SAME ON DIFFERENT JOBS?

Even when the same color is used on different jobs, a different appearance may be the result. The color will be different for many reasons such as, the different pours of the concrete, the texture, the cure time and the overall condition of the floor. Therefore the final appearance of the floor cannot be guaranteed. Each surface is different and unique. This usually is the appeal of acid stained floors.

CAN I INTERMIX COLORS TO CREATE MY OWN COLOR?

Yes! Mixing of colors is common amongst professionals in the industry.  This allows us to expand the color possibilities.  Another method is to spray one layer of stain and then another color for the second layer. Remember there are just eight basic colors and all the colors you see different companies make all come from these eight colors.  
  

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF ACID STAINED CONCRETE FLOORS?

• Fit a variety of decors – from Old World to Urban Loft
• Are easy to maintain (a damp mop is usually all that is needed).
• Are gentle on your budget (especially for new construction).
• Offer relief to allergy sufferers.
• Last as long as your concrete.
• Are environmentally friendly (a preferred green building material).

HOW DO I KNOW IF STAINED CONCRETE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you love their look, stained concrete floors are the perfect choice. However, if you object to “imperfections” such as hairline cracks, uneven tones and “blemishes” (also found in many natural materials), then you may prefer more traditional floors. Some designers deliberately chip, hammer, pour rock salts or press leaves on newly poured concrete to add interest or to achieve a “distressed” look.

WHEN DOES DECO-CRETE ARRIVE?

• If you are “scoring your floors” (saw cutting a pattern in them), we arrive a few days after the foundation is poured and before framing begins. That way the scoring pattern can go “under” the walls.
• We return to STAIN AND SEAL the floors as soon as the structure is “dried-in” and before the dry wall is hung. (“Dried in” for us means the roof is on and does not leak; the windows are in.) When you are scoring only a few rooms, it makes sense to wait to score the slab until time for staining.
• We return right before move-in ---after your building project has been professionally cleaned for a final wax.

Q. HOW DO YOU “SCORE” THE FLOORS?

Floors are saw cut with a diamond blade ¼” wide and deep. We typically recommend a 2’x2’ square grid on a diagonal. We are happy to suggest other designs or follow your architect’s drawings.

Q. WHAT ABOUT BORDERS?

Borders are optional (if we score before framing) and required if scoring begins after the framing is completed. (Unless of course, no scoring is desired)

Q. WHAT ARE THE COLOR CHOICES?

Even with our color chart, tones will vary according to concrete composition and conditions during which the concrete was poured. The sheen also varies depending on the concrete’s porosity, the trowel finish, and the sealer/wax finish you select.

Q. WHERE CAN I LEARN HOW TO DO THIS MYSELF?

We recommend that you always use a professional. After all, your home is one of your greatest investments and staining and sealing a floor properly requires a lot of know how. (We’ve been in the business for over ten (10) years and have stained hundreds of thousands of square feet of concrete in homes and businesses.)

Q. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN MY FINISHED STAINED CONCRETE FLOORS?

Clean interior stained concrete by sweeping first and then mopping with water. Do not use harsh detergents, vinegar or chemicals.