How to Mix Concrete Stain and Waterproofer
Concrete flooring in a home is usually located in the garage. If you want to extend the life of the floor and protect it from the weather elements, then it should be done with waterproofing. To add an extra touch of beauty, you can also apply stain to the concrete. There are many shades of stains to choose from. You should purchase waterproofing mix and stain from the home improvement store.
How to Mix Concrete Stain and Waterproofer
Materials Needed
- Waterproofing mix
- Water
- Large bucket
- Copper sulfate
- Pot
- Potassium dichromate
- Salt
- Hydrochloric acid
- Manganese carbonate
- Muriatic acid
- Metal container
1. Mix the waterproofing mix with water in a large bucket. There are different types so the instructions on the package should be followed to mix the powder. The instruction will include the amount of water should mix according to the size of the area you want to waterproof.
2. You can find the stain at your local home improvement store, plant or hardware store. It can be purchased in bags and is usually made of blue powder or crystals. Mix ¼ cup copper sulfate and 1 cup warm water. Allow the copper sulfate to dissolve. You can heat the ingredients in a pot on low heat if the does not dissolve. You must constantly stir the mixture to reduce fumes. The copper sulfate will turn bright blue but will create a blue green color when it is spread over the concrete.
3. If you want an orange color, you should use potassium dichromate. Mix ¼ cup copper sulfate, ¼ cup salt, 1 cup hot water, 1 teaspoon hydrochloric acid and 1 tablespoon potassium dichromate. Allow the ingredients to sit until it dissolves. Heat it over low heat if necessary. The mixture will turn yellow but will create an orange color when it dries on the concrete.
4. If you want to copy the look of dark wood, you should use manganese carbonate. This ingredient can be purchased at your local pottery store. Care should be taken when using this ingredient. Combine ¼ cup manganese carbonate, 1-tablespoon potassium dichromate and 2 teaspoons muriatic acid. Mix everything except the acid. They should be mixed in a metal container. Slowly add the acid the ingredients are dissolved. It will start to foam.