Fabcrete concrete acid stains create a chemical reaction with the limes in cement products to form rich and varied surface tones that are reminiscent of fine marble or aged leather. The variegations in tone directly depend on the composition of the concrete mix and the finish and condition of the surface, as well as the application methods used in applying the acid stain. Newly poured concrete should be allowed to cure for 28 days prior to staining and sealing. In using these products, please understand that due to the variations in composition of concrete mixtures across the country, concrete finishing techniques and our inability to physically be able to control the method of use and application of our products, Fabcrete does not offer any guarantees nor warranties concerning the outcome of using these acid staining products.

CAUTION!!!

APPLY FABCRETE ACID STAIN IN A WELL-VENTILATED SPACE. Open windows, doors and place a fan in the work area to assist in ventilating the work area. Respirators should be worn during application process. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, EYEWEAR AND RUBBER GLOVES. CALL PHYSICIAN IF STAIN IS INGESTED OR CONTACTS EYES.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

1. Fabcrete Acid Stain – quantity based on your area at a coverage rate of 150 square feet per gallon (2 coats)
2. Ventilation equipment (fan) and protective clothing – see above
3. Cleaning equipment – mop, bucket, ½ pound baking soda, Dawn detergent or another acid-free degreaser
4. Cardboard and plastic sheeting – preferably the type that is purchased with adhesive tape attached
5. Cotton socks – one thick pair or two thin pairs
6. Plastic pump-up garden sprayer with all plastic parts in spraying apparatus (Hudson brand)

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PREPARATION FOR STAINING

DO NOT ACID ETCH THE CONCRETE SURFACE OR USE ACID-BASED CLEANERS OF ANY KIND DURING THE CLEANING PROCESS. Using these products will not allow the acid stain to properly penetrate into the concrete resulting in lighter than “normal” colors. Remember, the variegations in tone depend on the composition of the concrete mix and the finish and condition of the surface, as well as the application methods used in applying the acid stain. The concrete surface must be clean of all sealers, greases, paints, adhesives and all other contaminants that can prevent the acid stain from etching into the concrete. Clean the concrete surface with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate), or another degreasing detergent such as Dawn dishwashing liquid, by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the surface. This will help remove any stains or dirt that may be present. Glues or adhesives that may be on the concrete surface due to previously present flooring such as tile or carpet must also be removed. Remove as much of the glue or adhesive as possible by scraping with a razor knife. Any hardened glues or adhesives can be softened using paint thinner. The surface of the concrete may also need to be lightly sanded with a floor sander or hand sander to open the pours of the concrete to allow for better stain penetration. Do not wear shoes on the floor after it has been cleaned or stained. Oils in shoe soles will transfer to the concrete surface leaving shoe prints. Use proper precaution to avoid acid stain from allowing to contact the feet and other areas of the skin.

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STAINING PROCEDURE

1. Ventilate the room and dress in the proper attire as outlined above. Protect any exposed walls, walkways, etc. with plastic sheeting. The cardboard will be used as a shield in front of the sheeting when spraying the perimeter walls.
2. Shake the stain well and pour it into the plastic pump-up garden sprayer. Set the sprayer so that it sprays in a fine mist. (It is a good idea to test and practice using the sprayer with water on a different surface prior to stain application) Starting in a far corner of the staining area, remembering to wear socks, spray the stain (just enough to wet the concrete surface) in circular motions while walking yourself out of the room. Let the area dry for 24 hours. In time, you will notice a residue that will form on the concrete. Do not be alarmed by the residue. It is due to the chemical reaction that takes place between the acid stain and the limes in the concrete and may be present in various colors.
3. After allowing the first coat of stain to dry for 24 hours, wet a small area of the concrete with clean water. Wetting the concrete will simulate sealer being applied to the floor and will bring out the color of the stain. If the color tone that is present is sufficient, proceed to Step No. 4. If a darker tone is desired, proceed in applying another coat of stain in the same process in which the first coat was applied. Remember to not allow anyone to walk on the floor with shoes after the stain has been applied. Also, be sure that you are satisfied with the color tone that has been achieved. Once the floor is sealed, the color of the floor is permanent and it cannot be changed.
4. After the desired color tone has been achieved, use a cotton or rayon mop to mop a solution consisting of a ½ pound of baking soda mixed in 5 gallons of clean water onto the stained area. DO NOT SCRUB THE STAINED AREA. This solution will neutralize the acid and will help to remove some of the residue that formed during the chemical reaction that has taken place. The solution will not remove all of the residue. Mop over the area with the solution one time. Then, mop the area twice more with clean water. Remove the sheeting and allow the floor to dry for a period of 24 hours prior to proceeding to the sealing process.