Stained concrete can be divided into two categories. Acid staining and water-based staining.

 

Acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid and metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the concrete substrate. The result is a natural marbled look that you can further customize by adding multiple colors.  After it has completely dried we seal the concrete with one of our interior or exterior sealers. Acid stains are available in beautiful earth tones.

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Water-based stains  (like acid stains) penetrate the concrete to provide a permanent color. It is applied the same way but the difference is no chemical reaction occurs so the color remains more consistent. Water based stains are available in a wide variety of colors. Non-reactive stains result in a more consistent color but know, STAINING IS NOT A SOLID COLOR APPLICATION!

 

If you are looking for a solid color, please look at the Concrete Sealing section for information on our pigmented acrylic sealers.

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Whatever your choice, Concrete Masterpieces is here to help.