Applying Concrete Overlays and Coloring
Concrete stain manufactures differ on when is the best time to apply stain or coloring to concrete. Some say that the concrete must cure for twenty-eight days while other companies say that fourteen days is the optimal time. Many concrete companies prefer to work with the concrete as soon as it is set. No matter which your preference is, here are some things to consider when laying concrete overlays and color.
When you choose to color for your concrete or create an overlay, whether inside or outside the home, there are many things that you should consider. Things such as how you would prefer to stain the concrete as well as the method you use to stain.
Something to consider when applying color is that the color is going to be more intense if it is applied soon after the concrete is laid. Water creates the chemical stain reaction and it can create the same effect as a full strength stain applied later after the concrete is laid. If you apply color to the concrete soon after it's laid using a water/ stain based product, the color will be brighter and will stay longer on the concrete then just using a full strength stain. When using a water based stain, make sure that there is the same amount of moisture in all areas of the concrete so that the color comes out evenly. If you apply color in one area two days after the concrete was laid, make sure that all other areas are treated with color two days after the concrete is laid so that you create consistency in color throughout the area.
If other construction is being done to the home, coloring, sealing and covering up the concrete will make fixing any potential damages easier as well as saving on cleaning up costs. Overall, a better looking installation will be in place.
Sprayers are most commonly used to apply color overlays to concrete. One of the most important things to remember when using a sprayer to apply color overlay to your concrete is that the sprayer should be rated for acid as well as not contain any metal parts as these pieces can become easily corroded and change the coloring of your concrete overlay. This color could be splotchy or change mid-application.
The best recommendation when applying color stain to your concrete is to use a sprayer that has a circular tip that will spray in a circular motion. Once pulling the trigger, spray the colored stain overlay from left to right then right to left. Have someone follow your spray and rub in the color with a medium bristled brush. After the brush has gone over the area, apply an additional spray of color to cover up the brush marks in the stain. By applying an additional layer of color ensure that there are no markings showing through from the brush or the sprayer.
To change the color concentration of the stain, additional water can be used. This will dilute the color so that you can create a multitude of patterns using the same color. Additional methods of applying color include using a spray bottle or a paintbrush to apply the color. If you choose to overlay with a paintbrush, be careful of brush strokes as markings is not often desired or seen as creative. When using a spray bottle, be sure to spray as evenly as possible so that there are not any color splotches left behind. No matter which method you choose to create your concrete overlay, make sure that section off the areas that you want colored so that you don't get any stain where it shouldn't be.