It really doesn't surprise me. The move to take decorative concrete outdoors is a natural progression of men and women spending more hours, well, outdoors. Our “hydration society†is into exercise, meditation, prayer and just outright healthy outdoor living that draws us to private outside sanctuaries.
Of all various kinds of decorative concrete, exterior staining is the absolute most affordable. In addition, it requires the least manpower. But this is a write-up on what your organization can make sure you pick the best exterior staining product to generate the outdoor paradise your clients value the most. As you may have noticed, there are lots of new solutions, and most deserve their devote this dynamic market.
There's certainly been some confusion, with myself included, on what product is best suited where application. This is a great time to simplify the staining/coloring process, not merely for you personally however for your clients as well. Consider this — if the staining process is confusing for us, the installers, could you imagine what it is much like for the finish user? The only thing the end user knows is that she wants a nice-looking project colored to her taste. That is best achieved when left in the hands of professionals. That's you, by the way.
Let's take a look at what's designed for exterior staining and the good qualities and cons of each. In the end is said, you should determine what's best for you personally and your business.
Few will argue the truth that it all started with acid stains. Acid stains certainly are a reactive coloring procedure that penetrates into the porous concrete surface. That is the most permanent of coloring options but is generally limited by eight colors. Now, these colors could be blended, diluted, streaked and tweaked to produce many coloring options. The acid stains will chemically react differently to each piece of concrete by proof final color. Put simply, you can't guarantee the precise color. If you should be the type that loves difficult, then acid staining is for you.
Acid Stain
Few will argue the fact everything started with acid stains. Acid stains really are a reactive coloring process that penetrates to the porous concrete surface. This really is the absolute most permanent of all coloring options but is normally restricted to eight colors. Now, these colors can be blended, diluted, streaked and tweaked to produce many coloring options. The acid stains will chemically react differently to each piece of concrete by proof final color. Quite simply, you can't guarantee the exact color. If you're the kind that loves a challenge, then acid staining is for you.
Pros:
Very durable connection with, and penetration into, the concrete canvas.
Inexpensive to purchase.
Same stain can be used indoors and out.
Gives a translucent appearance to the concrete surface, unlike painted or topical stains.
Extremely timeless-looking and old-world.
Cons:
Requires ongoing maintenance through resealing.
Limited colors, with some turning black from exposure to moisture.
Unpredictable when it comes staining concrete to exact color.
Must be neutralized before sealing.
Stain is a toxic material that requires care when handling.
Looks different in exterior and interior projects.
Wet edge must be kept during installation, and some thicker stains may show brush marks.
Waterbased stains
These stains are nonreactive and will simply penetrate into the top when pores of the concrete are open. Strong prep work cleaning the concrete is just a must. This stain type waterbase staining will offer many more colors to pick from and may be used inside or out. Water-based stains are growing in popularity but are not as durable in exterior applications as old-fashioned acid stain. I suppose you can say this is the new and improved version of old-fashioned acid stain. Select a good sealer to lock in stain and make sure to remind your clients of the importance of resealing.
Pros:
Very user-friendly. Nontoxic.
Many more color options than acid stains.
Will not blacken like acid stain.
Seems to be easier to build up or add color to color than with some other stain forms.
Practically endless color effects.
Less residue to clean up between staining and sealing.
Cons:
Not as durable in exterior applications as acid stain.
Will show the same variegated or translucent coloring as acid stain, although not as deep.
Tends to be more expensive.
Can look a little painted.
Sealer maintenance is a must.
This is what every one of the above have in common: Regardless of one's stain or coloring choice, none will cover cracks or chips. Some existing stains can always be visible, although in a different final color. Prestained concrete should be unsealed, and I would suggest testing the surface with a tiny amount of water to be sure the concrete is porous. Make sure you pressure-wash the top so that pores are open and stain-ready. It is usually far better let the top dry overnight before staining. The sealer used to lock in the color or stain won't like water, so make sure to control sprinklers and potted plants.
Concrete should also have now been left to cure for at the least 30 days before staining.
Your final note about staining exterior work: I rarely used acid stains, solely because of their unpredictability. I also sense most states will institute special disposal requirements in the near future.
Whatever the case, there is undoubtedly the outside stain and color market is growing and will continue to cultivate for many time. Good luck and i'd like to know how it goes.
austin stained concrete