Can I Change The Decorative Stain Color On My Finished Concrete?
In a word, probably. Is that reassuring? Brace yourself for the science…..
There are basically two types of stain available for concrete, reactive and nonreactive. Reactive stain (also called acid stain) does just that – it reacts with the surface of the concrete to create a permanent color. It consists of an acid and water solution mixed with metallic salts that react with the lime in the concrete. This chemical reaction forms a bond with the top layer of the concrete creating the color. Acid stained concrete has a lovely, marbled, translucent finish that some call an old world effect. Since the color comes from a chemical reaction, there is no easy way to change the color of acid stained concrete; you can add another layer of concrete on top and stain this a completely new color, or you can add to the existing stain to deepen it and possibly change the hue slightly.
Non-reactive, or water based, stains consist of water, pigment and some kind of binder like an acrylic or polymer. They can mimic an acid stain effect, or be opaque to completely change the color of your concrete. There’s a nice big color choice, with options ranging from bright to subdued colors or opalescent, even metallics. With layering techniques the color pallet is nearly unlimited, so it’s easy to see why water based stains have been gaining in popularity.
Plus, because water based stains aren’t chemically bonded to the concrete, it is easier (relatively) to work with a stained surface in the future to change the color.
Whatever kind of stain you have on your concrete (or if you’re not sure!), it’s always best to call in the professionals to at least advise on the best way to go about changing the color to your heart’s desire. Give Stone Surface Specialists a call today to schedule your FREE consultation – 801 856 0164.
Can I Change The Decorative Stain Color On My Finished Concrete?
Can I Change The Decorative Stain Color On My Finished Concrete?
In a word, probably. Is that reassuring? Brace yourself for the science…..
There are basically two types of stain available for concrete, reactive and nonreactive. Reactive stain (also called acid stain) does just that – it reacts with the surface of the concrete to create a permanent color. It consists of an acid and water solution mixed with metallic salts that react with the lime in the concrete. This chemical reaction forms a bond with the top layer of the concrete creating the color. Acid stained concrete has a lovely, marbled, translucent finish that some call an old world effect. Since the color comes from a chemical reaction, there is no easy way to change the color of acid stained concrete; you can add another layer of concrete on top and stain this a completely new color, or you can add to the existing stain to deepen it and possibly change the hue slightly.
Non-reactive, or water based, stains consist of water, pigment and some kind of binder like an acrylic or polymer. They can mimic an acid stain effect, or be opaque to completely change the color of your concrete. There’s a nice big color choice, with options ranging from bright to subdued colors or opalescent, even metallics. With layering techniques the color pallet is nearly unlimited, so it’s easy to see why water based stains have been gaining in popularity.
Plus, because water based stains aren’t chemically bonded to the concrete, it is easier (relatively) to work with a stained surface in the future to change the color.
Whatever kind of stain you have on your concrete (or if you’re not sure!), it’s always best to call in the professionals to at least advise on the best way to go about changing the color to your heart’s desire. Give Stone Surface Specialists a call today to schedule your FREE consultation – 801 856 0164.