Ok, here we go...
#1. You can order integral color when pouring new concrete. Go look at the Concrete Network for more info.
#2. If you plan on pouring concrete and then staining afterwards, DO NOT let the concrete guys order calcium or any other type of accelerator in the loads. It shouldn't be used in colored concrete loads anyway.
#3. If staining DO NOT let the contractor spray a curing compound or any type of sealer on the surface. Water-curing only. You can test concrete to see if staining will work by putting water droplets on the surface in a few areas and covering with plastic sheeting (even sandwich bags will work). Tape the edges with blue masking tape that doesn't leave residue. If after an hour the water hasn't soaked into the concrete the concrete will not accept staining.
#4. If staining NEVER use acid (muriatic or anything else) to open up or clean the surface. The chemical reaction required for the stain to work will be lost.
#5. Concrete that will be stained should be hard-troweled. Don't let the contractor broom finish or get creative with a sweat finish. You want the surface to be as smooth as possible.
#6. Before staining concrete (even new), use a floor machine with sanding screens to "open up) the surface. You will also use the machine and red scotch pads to remove excess stain and white pads will polish it up nicely.
#7. Sealer is a must for any colored or stained concrete. Indoors you can use a water based penetrating sealer and a mop-on wax for a glossy finish. I like the wax from Decorative Concrete Supply. Your dealer probably has their own favorite.
#8. Outdoors, or indoors where good ventilation is present, use a chemical based gloss sealer. Add Shark Grip or a similar non-skid additive to the second coat only. Don't overdo the additive or the surface will look milky. Chemical based sealers work the best and easiest when applied with a poly roller.
#9. Use blue masking tape and masking paper to protect the baseboards and walls from staining overspray. The stain will etch aluminum...don't ask me how I know.
#10. When staining think "bad spray bomb" paint job instead of trying to cover everything uniformly. The finished project will look much better. Don't let the stain puddle either or you'll end up with dark spots.
I've had more problems when staining from sealers and curing compounds then any other single thing. Add in trying to cleanup oil leaks on driveways and garage floors and unknown spills that refuse to leave and that about covers the majority of the problems I've had doing it over the years.
One thing that looks pretty cool when staining is to broadcast Miracle Grow here and there over the surface before applying the stain. It leaves cool little greenish starbursts. I'd experiment on a small area out of the way before attempting. Another trick is to lightly scatter sawdust or kitty litter lightly over the surface. It holds in the stain in those areas and creates interesting mottling. You can also use a lighter stain color first and then fill in a darker color or colors for nicer mottling as well.
Have fun!:thumbsup:
