Concrete chemical stains have increased in popularity
Concrete Stains and Sealants
Concrete and brick paints wear off easily because they form a film that blisters, cracks, and peels. This is mostly due to the concrete’s exposure to moisture from the ground. In addition, when the old paint is painted over, more water vapor is trapped, thus speed up the decreasing the paints longevity.
Although epoxy paints are more expensive, they are also more durable. However, epoxy paints are nonporous and therefore, they trap moisture, which leads to peeling. Most painting contractors will guarantee epoxy paints for up to 5 years.
What most people do not understand is that concrete, is similar to wood in that it can be stained. The stain particles deeply penetrate into the pores in the concrete’s surface, creating a translucent colored appearance. In addition, many stains are also UV-resistant.
However, similar to paints, stains also have problems when exposed to moisture. Although stains do not trap water vapor, the stain color will dull quickly because of the efflorescence, lime, and alkalis found in ground water.
In recently years, concrete chemical stains have increased in popularity for coloring concrete floors. One reason for this is that chemical stains enhance the texture of the concrete. Chemical stains use acid, which makes the surface and metallic salts more receptive to the color. However, chemical stained concrete floors require regular maintenance, or else the color will dull or turn dark brown in a few years. To prevent this, acid stained concrete must be waxed or sealed to protect the surface.
Prior to painting or staining concrete, it must first be sealed against water seepage, vapor, and efflorescence, the growth of salt crystals on the surface of the concrete, which is caused by the evaporation of salt-laden water. This can be accomplished in either two separate steps, first sealing and then, painting the concrete or it can be accomplished in one simple step with the use of a combination concrete sealant and stain.
Combination sealant/ paint or stain products provide deep-penetration, permanent waterproofing, as the pigmented stain penetrates the concrete surface. These new products are quick and simple to apply, and they cut the work time by almost half. These color sealants are easy to applied with a hand-pump garden sprayer or a roller.
Many of these color sealants contains UV-resistant pigmented stains, which provides extra protection and durability. In addition, they also contain acrylic resins that lock in the color as it provides a satin finish on the surface.
Unlike acid stains, which are limited to various shades of brown, black, and blue-green, concrete stain sealants are available in an unlimited range of colors. In addition, colors can be combined by applying a second application of a different color, or overlapping the two colors creating in essence a third color, or the two colors can simply be mixed together prior to application. Concrete sealers are also available in colorless and matte/flat finish as well as satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss sheen.
Color sealants have to thoroughly dry for at least three to four days prior to any wax or clear coating can be applied. This permits the coatings to adhere better to color sealant and this also eliminates any moisture or efflorescence pushing from below. Efflorescence is the growth of salt crystals caused by evaporation of salt-laden water.
Another benefit of color sealants is that they permanently waterproof the concrete, protecting it against water damage. It is important to understand, that to waterproof, two to three applications of the sealer is required. In addition, the sealant cannot waterproof materials that have extremely large pores such as items like split face blocks, cinder blocks, or old masonry, which has already deteriorated due to extensive water seepage.
Color sealants protect and enhance concrete and masonry, increasing its longevity as well as its durability.
Related posts:
Posted in Types