Acid stains can imbue concrete with beautiful textures and colors.
Preparing Concrete
Although concrete staining can be done without the assistance of a professional, there are a few good practices you should follow. You will want to prepare your concrete surface with a proper cleaning and apply solvents, stripping agents, and sanding. Stripping agents that mix with water will pick up contaminates more easily, and using a diamond pad when grinding will help avoid creating marks that will bleed through the finish.Applying Acid Stains
Acid stains can saturate and better penetrate concrete if they are applied immediately after the concrete is poured. Water is your friend when it comes to getting chemical stains rights. You will need to make sure the moisture content of the concrete is roughly the same for each section that gets colored in order to achieve a consistent result. If you stain one area of the concrete a day after it is placed, for example, then you should do the same with other areas of the concrete.Further Consideration
Make sure that sprayers are rated for acid-based materials and that they have no metal parts. Cover the surrounding areas of your stain with drop cloths or clear plastic sheeting in order to prevent any accidental stains. Remember that acid stains can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Acid stains can enhance the beauty of concrete in any environment. If you aren’t comfortable with the risks involved with an improperly applied, working with a professional is always a good idea.All Your Concrete Needs from Testa Paving
If you are in the need of concrete or hardscaping services, Testa Paving Inc. is here to help! For over 35 years, Testa Paving Inc. has been a driving force within the industry and has been serving the areas of Maryland and northern Virginia.Interested in one of the services offered by Testa Paving Inc.? Call us today at 301-663-5861 or visit our contact page. Be sure to click “Like” or “Follow” on our official Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, and Twitter pages today! 1 
