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	<title>Direct Colors</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.directcolors.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.directcolors.com</link>
	<description>All of your decorative concrete supply needs</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:23:56 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Do-It-Yourself Concrete Art Ideas</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/give-the-gift-of-concrete-art-this-holiday-season/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/give-the-gift-of-concrete-art-this-holiday-season/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:21:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[colored concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete dye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete floors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete pigment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DCI Concrete Dye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deco gel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decorative concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Direct Colors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=8054</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Direct Colors has everything you need for small concrete projects like garden décor, statuary, cultured stone and more. Create beautiful colors and artistic creations with Deco Gel gelled acid stain, concrete acid stain or concrete pigment. Visit the customer photo gallery for inspiration and give our customer service technicians a call! We can help you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="padding: 5px; background-color: #b3e9ff; width: 96%; margin-left: 5px;"><a href="/concreteacidstain"><img class="floatleft" style="margin-top: 25px;" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/cola-acidstain-statuary.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Michael's Patio and Landscape" width="250" height="430" border="0" /></a></p>
<p class="texta"><strong>Direct Colors</strong> has everything you need for small concrete projects like garden décor, statuary, cultured stone and more.</p>
<p class="texta">Create beautiful colors and artistic creations with <a href="/decogel">Deco Gel gelled acid stain</a>, <a href="/concreteacidstain">concrete acid stain</a> or <a href="/concretepigment">concrete pigment</a>.</p>
<p class="texta">Visit the <a href="/gallery">customer photo gallery</a> for inspiration and give our customer service technicians a call!</p>
<p class="texta">We can help you make almost any project idea a reality any time of the year! Concrete decor is also a wonderful unfinished gift for the &#8220;crafty&#8221; person in your life.</p>
<p class="texta" style="margin-left: 255px;"><strong>Get <em>“Concrete Creative”</em> with Direct Colors!</strong></p>
</div>
<p><a href="/concreteacidstain"><img style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 253px;" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/cola-concrete-acid-stain.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Michael's Patio and Landscape" border="0" /></a> <a href="/acid-staining-a-garden-birdbath"><img style="margin-top: -220px; margin-bottom: -5px;" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/deco-gel-acid-stain.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
<a href="/concretepigment"><img style="margin-bottom: -10px;" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dci-concrete-pigment-533.jpg" alt="Mimi Concrete Stepping Stone - Courtesy of StoneAgeGardenArt.com; Stove Backsplash - Courtesy of TilesWithStyle.com" width="503" border="0" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What’s Better Solvent or Water-based Sealers for Wintertime Projects?</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/what%e2%80%99s-better-solvent-or-water-based-sealers-for-wintertime-projects/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/what%e2%80%99s-better-solvent-or-water-based-sealers-for-wintertime-projects/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:03:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Product News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Q & A]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acid stain sealer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete floor sealer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete floors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete sealer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decorative concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[krystal kote concrete sealer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor Concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solvent based concrete sealer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water based concrete sealer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=7826</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Applying water-based sealers in the wintertime can be challenging but not impossible. Certainly, all outdoor decorative concrete should be sealed with a solvent-based sealer from December-February. Though solvents are less temperature sensitive overall, they still should not be applied in freezing conditions. Water-based sealers can be used for indoor flooring projects in occupied homes or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="textg" style="color: #000;"><img class="floatright" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bob-f-application.jpg" alt="" width="235" />Applying water-based sealers in the wintertime can be challenging but not impossible. Certainly, all outdoor decorative concrete should be sealed with a solvent-based sealer from December-February. Though solvents are less temperature sensitive overall, they still should not be applied in freezing conditions. Water-based sealers can be used for indoor flooring projects in occupied homes or businesses under the following conditions:</p>
<div class="tdback" style="width: 97%; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #26466d; margin-top: -5px;">
<p class="textd" style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="margin-right: 20px;">•</span> All surfaces should be at a temperature greater than 60F with an air temperature difference of 5 degrees or less.</p>
<p class="textd"><span style="margin-right: 20px;">•</span> Central heating, radiant or convection heaters, or similar heating devices should be turned off during application.</p>
<p class="textd"><span style="margin-right: 20px;">•</span> In-floor heating should be set at 60-65F before application and turned off during the process.</p>
<p class="textd" style="margin-bottom: 5px;"><span style="margin-right: 20px;">•</span> Apply the sealer from a paint tray. Do not pour directly onto the floor.</p>
</div>
<p class="textd"><span style="color: #000;">For best results in dry conditions, dampen the applicator with water from a spray bottle before beginning the application. If you have a new construction project that might be difficult to heat, consider sticking to a solvent-based sealer.</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Give Any Room a COMPLETE Makeover with Direct Colors!</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/give-any-room-a-complete-makeover-with-direct-colors/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/give-any-room-a-complete-makeover-with-direct-colors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:55:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete countertop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete floors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deco gel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[high gloss sealer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=7757</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[James K. of Texas recently finished an addition to his home. Using Coffee Brown Acid Stain and Deco Gel, he created a beautiful countertop, fireplace surround and flooring for his new living space. James wrote, “We finally finished our room addition and thought y’all might like to see what we did with the help of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="floatleft" src="/wp-content/gallery/photo-gallery/coffee-brown-deco-gel-acid-stain-mantle.jpg" alt="Coffee Brown Deco Gel and Concrete Acid Stained Mantle" width="250" /><span style="font-size: 11.8pt; line-height: 1.1em;">James K. of Texas recently finished an addition to his home. Using <a href="/concreteacidstain">Coffee Brown Acid Stain</a> and <a href="/decogel">Deco Gel</a>, he created a beautiful countertop, fireplace surround and flooring for his new living space. </p>
<p>James wrote, “We finally finished our room addition and thought y’all might like to see what we did with the help of Direct Colors.”</p>
<p>The Deco Gel was applied to the fireplace surround and countertop while the floor was stained with a diluted Coffee Brown Acid Stain. All the surfaces, including the stonework, were sealed with<br />
<a href="/concretesealer">High Gloss Solvent Sealer</a>.</p>
<p>“Thanks for everything and we will be calling on Direct Colors Inc. again.”</p>
<p>You too can renovate a room in your home or office with Direct Colors products. <a href="/contact">Call us today</a> to discuss your next Do-It-Yourself-With-Direct-Colors project!</p>
<p><strong>View more concrete <a href="/concrete-countertop-photo-gallery">countertop</a> and <a href="/gallery">flooring project</a> photos.</strong></p>
<p><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/room-final.jpg" alt="Final Shot of Finished Room" /></span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
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		<title>Concrete Pigment Isn’t Just For a Slab!</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/concrete-pigment-isn%e2%80%99t-just-for-a-slab/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/concrete-pigment-isn%e2%80%99t-just-for-a-slab/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Product News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[colored concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial buildings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete pigment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DCI Concrete Dye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decorative concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor Concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stucco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vibrant colors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=7575</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For pennies on the dollar, add that extra touch of custom color to your brick mortar. Mortar can look a boring gray but not when you include concrete pigment in the mix! Direct Colors offers dozens of color options on our gray-based chart to match any brick pattern. MIXING TIP: For best results, combine the concrete [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For pennies on the dollar, add that extra touch of custom color to your brick mortar. Mortar can look a boring gray but not when you include <a href="/concretepigment">concrete pigment</a> in the mix! Direct Colors offers dozens of color options on our <a href="/colorcharts/graycolorchart">gray-based chart</a> to match any brick pattern.</p>
<p><img style="margin-left: -3px;" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/500-wheat-buff-home-small.jpg" alt="Residential Property with 500 Wheat Buff mortar" /></p>
<div class="tdback" style="width: 98%; padding: 5px;"><strong>MIXING TIP:</strong> <em>For best results, combine the concrete pigment and mortar dry in the mixer before adding water. Visit the <a href="/howto">how-to guide</a> section of the website for complete mixing instructions.</em></div>
<p><img style="margin-left: -3px;" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bancfirst-126-merlot-small.jpg" alt="Commercial Property with 126 Merlot mortar" /></p>
<p class="texta">Here’s a few of our most popular colors:<br />
<img src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dci-concrete-pigment-merlot.jpg" alt="Merlot" width="120" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dci-concrete-pigment-wheatbuff.jpg" alt="Wheat Buff" width="120" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dci-concrete-pigment-smokestack.jpg" alt="Smokestack" width="120" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dci-concrete-pigment-brickred.jpg" alt="Brick Red" width="120" /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Doing It Yourself – Creating a Unique Acid Stained Floor Design</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/doing-it-yourself-%e2%80%93-creating-a-unique-acid-stained-floor-design/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/doing-it-yourself-%e2%80%93-creating-a-unique-acid-stained-floor-design/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:35:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[colored concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete floors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marbled Look]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vibrant colors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=7467</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bob in California emailed us photos with a description of his project. Folks living in especially arid climates should pay particular attention his suggestions. &#8220;Thanks for a fine product and great instructions. It was a lot of hard work but the results are fine and the DCI floor wax and polish really made it &#8220;pop&#8221;. We [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="floatleft" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bob-f-application.jpg" alt="Waxing Concrete" width="230" />Bob in California emailed us photos with a description of his project. Folks living in especially arid climates should pay particular attention his suggestions. &#8220;Thanks for a fine product and great instructions. It was a lot of hard work but the results are fine and the DCI floor wax and polish really made it &#8220;pop&#8221;. We are happy with the project and the economy of covering 1250 feet of floor space for only about $400. <strong>Our total cost was a bit more than 50 cents per square foot!&#8221;</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 15px;"><img class="floatright" src="/wp-content/gallery/photo-gallery/bob-f-malayan-buff-cola-concrete-acid-stain.jpg" alt="Malayan Buff, Cola Concrete Acid Stain" width="230" /><br />
&#8220;The temperature when I stained the floors was in the high 70s but humidity was 15% so even wetting the concrete I don&#8217;t think the solution stayed wet long enough for the acid to its full effect. The main color is Malayan Buff. The darker highlight is Cola I squirted on from a spray bottle. My intent was to make it looks like intermittent intrusions into the base. I also did not want it to be perpendicular to any of the walls so that is why it is at an angle.&#8221;</p>
<p><img class="floatleft" src="/wp-content/gallery/photo-gallery/malayan-buff-cola-concrete-acid-stain.jpg" alt="Malayan Buff, Cola Concrete Acid Stain" width="230" />&#8220;Due to the low humidity, spreading the sealer with the pad is the best way. It took a day for prep and stain, a day for neutralizing and washing, and another day for more washing and first seal coat. The first seal coat used half the 5 gallon container as the concrete really soaked it in but the second coat probably did not use more than a half gallon. I found a shop vacuum extremely useful in gathering up the water when cleaning the floor. A floor squeegee ($5) came in handy for pushing the water on the floor.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;It was our first time and we are happy with the results. We plan to do more staining next fall so that puts us in the class of satisfied DIY customers.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>Overlay Magic: Create the Floor You’ve Always Wanted!</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/overlay-magic-create-the-floor-youve-always-wanted/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/overlay-magic-create-the-floor-youve-always-wanted/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:59:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete dye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete floors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete pigment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contractor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dci concrete overlay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decorative concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor Concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stamped overlay]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=6959</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Direct Colors manufactures one of the most durable, easy-to-work with concrete overlays in the industry. We knew our customers could do almost anything with our product whether commercial or residential, but contractors Travis and Rachel Lane with PT Concrete take it to a higher level. Working primarily with DCI Smooth White Overlay, Rachel has created [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="floatleft" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/White-Concrete-Overlay-Acid-Stain.jpg" alt="White Concrete Overlay with Concrete Acid Stain" title="White Concrete Overlay with Concrete Acid Stain" width="150" height="157" />Direct Colors manufactures one of the most durable, easy-to-work with <a href="/dciconcreteoverlay">concrete overlays</a> in the industry. We knew our customers could do almost anything with our product whether commercial or residential, but contractors Travis and Rachel Lane with <a href="http://www.ptconcrete.blogspot.com" target="_blank">PT Concrete</a> take it to a higher level.</p>
<p><img class="floatright" src="/wp-content/gallery/photo-gallery/White-Concrete-Overlay-Pigment-Acid%20Stain.jpg" alt="White Concrete Overlay with Concrete Pigment and Concrete Acid Stain" title="White Concrete Overlay with Concrete Pigment and Concrete Acid Stain" width="150" height="200" /></p>
<p>Working primarily with DCI Smooth White Overlay, Rachel has created beautiful designs using <a href="/concreteacidstain">acid stain</a>, <a href="/dciconcrete">concrete dye</a> and <a href="/concretepigment">concrete pigment</a> specific to each customer’s unique personality. The sky really is the limit with decorative concrete these days and in the hands of an artisan, concrete can look like wood, stone or any kind of traditional flooring and better.</p>
<p><img class="floatleft" src="/wp-content/gallery/photo-gallery/dci-overlay-concrete-pigment-pool.jpeg" alt="DCI Concrete Overlay with Concrete Pigment" title="DCI Concrete Overlay with Concrete Pigment" width="150" height="201" />DCI Concrete Overlay can be hand-troweled smooth with a magic trowel, stamped or textured. If you have a heavily stained, slightly damaged or generally unattractive concrete slab – indoors or out – you’d like to start over with, this is the product. You don’t have to be an expert to overlay a concrete floor, just a little bit handy. Give us a call for advice on your next project and we’ll provide all the technical assistance you’ll need to get the job done right yourself!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>What Can You Do With Concrete Pigment?</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/what-can-you-do-with-concrete-pigment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/what-can-you-do-with-concrete-pigment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:19:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete pigment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grout color]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grout colors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grout dye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen renovation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=6955</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What can you do with Concrete Pigment? You might be surprised….. Diane with Tiles with Style sent us a few photos of her remarkable work. Even we couldn’t believe what beautiful and creative projects could be created with our concrete pigments. Diane particularly likes our blue concrete pigment for use with mortar and grout. She [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What can you do with Concrete Pigment? You might be surprised…..</p>
<p>Diane with <a href="http://www.tileswithstyle.com/" target="_blank">Tiles with Style</a> sent us a few photos of her remarkable work. Even we couldn’t believe what beautiful and creative projects could be created with our concrete pigments.</p>
<p><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/concrete-pigment-backsplash.jpg" alt="'Down the Drain' Lily Pond tile shower floor with grout dyed by concrete pigment" title="'Down the Drain' Lily Pond tile shower floor with grout dyed by concrete pigment" /></p>
<p>Diane particularly likes our blue concrete pigment for use with mortar and grout. She writes, “it makes the design come alive. I am a huge advocate of your concrete pigment colors.</p>
<p><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dci-concrete-pigment-kitchen.jpg" alt="Tropical Kitchen with grout dyed by concrete pigment" title="Tropical Kitchen with grout dyed by concrete pigment" height="155" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dci-concrete-pigment-backsplash.jpg" alt="Tropical fish kitchen backsplash with grout dyed by concrete pigment" title="Tropical fish kitchen backsplash with grout dyed by concrete pigment" height="155" /></p>
<p>I not only use them myself in my ceramic tile installations, but I recommend them to all of my clients. I tell them the grout color can play an integral part in the overall design. They don&#8217;t have to use just one color, but two or more to create depth, or they can blend them to create a vast array of effects.”</p>
<p><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/blue-concrete-pigment.jpg" alt="Tuna Fish tile in tropical border with grout dyed by concrete pigment" title="Tuna Fish tile in tropical border with grout dyed by concrete pigment" /></p>
<p>Direct Colors <a href="/concretepigment">Concrete Pigments</a> can be used with most any cement-based material, including stucco, plaster and overlay. Try one of our <a href="/sample">integral color sample kits</a> to find the right color for your summer project today!</p>
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		<title>Direct Colors Sponsors Collegiate Concrete Canoe Competitions Nationwide!</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/direct-colors-sponsors-collegiate-concrete-canoe-competitions-nationwide/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/direct-colors-sponsors-collegiate-concrete-canoe-competitions-nationwide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:20:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Product News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[competition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete canoe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete dye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete pigment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gallery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[students]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=6744</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Engineering schools nationwide participate in concrete canoe competitions using Direct Colors Concrete Pigment and Concrete Dye. Direct Colors has been delighted to support the efforts of young people at Michigan Technological University, University of Buffalo, UCLA and the University of Maryland. If college students can make a concrete canoe float, what can you do with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Engineering schools nationwide participate in concrete canoe competitions using Direct Colors <a href="/concretepigment">Concrete Pigment</a> and <a href="/dciconcrete">Concrete Dye</a>. Direct Colors has been delighted to support the efforts of young people at Michigan Technological University, University of Buffalo, UCLA and the University of Maryland.</p>
<p>If college students can make a concrete canoe float, what can <em>you</em> do with decorative concrete at your home or business? Need additional inspiration? Visit our <a href="/gallery">photo gallery</a> to see what other customers have accomplished with <a href="/concretepigment">concrete pigment</a>, <a href="/concreteacidstain">acid stain</a> and more.</p>
<p><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Concrete-Fiberglass-Canoe.jpg" border="0" alt="Concrete and Fiberglass Canoe" width="250" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/concrete-canoe-sanding.jpg" border="0" alt="Sanding the Concrete Canoe" width="250" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/dci-concrete-dye-application.jpg" border="0" alt="DCI Concrete Dye Application on Concrete Canoe" width="250" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/dci-concrete-dye-canoedesign.jpg" border="0" alt="Concrete Canoe with DCI Concrete Dye Designs" width="250" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/dci-concrete-dye-colors.jpg" border="0" alt="Concrete Canoe with DCI Concrete Dye" width="250" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DCI-Concrete-Pigment-Canoe.jpg" border="0" alt="Concrete Canoe with DCI Concrete Pigment" width="250" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/dci-concrete-dye-canoe.jpg" border="0" alt="Concrete Canoe with DCI Concrete Dye" width="250" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Concrete-Canoe-Crew.jpg" border="0" alt="Concrete Canoe Crew" width="250" /></p>
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		<title>Get Creative with Direct Colors Acid Stain!</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/get-creative-with-direct-colors-acid-stain/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/get-creative-with-direct-colors-acid-stain/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:26:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dci concrete overlay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deco gel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[krystal kote concrete sealer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[magic trowel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[padco smoother]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[residential floor wax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vibrant colors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=6726</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Teel family of Florida had a vision for their floors and after some hard work, they created a beautiful home and did it all themselves! Mr. Teel began by troweling down a ¼ in. coat of DCI Smooth Gray Overlay. He applied the overlay with a 12” and 18” Magic Trowel – an excellent [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Teel family of Florida had a vision for their floors and after some hard work, they created a beautiful home and did it all themselves!</p>
<p>Mr. Teel began by troweling down a ¼ in. coat of DCI Smooth Gray Overlay. He applied the overlay with a 12” and 18” <a href="/tools/#magictrowel">Magic Trowel</a> – an excellent choice for smooth finished surfaces. <a href="/dciconcreteoverlay">DCI Concrete Overlay</a> is specially formulated to produce a robust reaction with acid stain creating rich, vibrant colors every time.</p>
<p class="texta"><img src="/wp-content/gallery/photo-gallery/gray-overlay-dci-acid-stain.jpg" border="0" alt="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" width="245"title="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" /> <img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DCI-acid-stain-azure-blue-decogel.jpeg" border="0" alt="Azure Blue concrete deco gel acid stain free-hand design" title="Azure Blue concrete deco gel acid stain free-hand design" width="245" /></p>
<p>After the overlay had cured, Mr. Teel applied <a href="/concreteacidstain">Malayan Buff</a> for the basecoat and accented the floor with <a href="/concreteacidstain">Avocado</a> and <a href="/concreteacidstain">Azure Blue</a> Acid Stains. Using the techniques of pouring the Azure Blue and Avocado directly on the floor and applying the stain with the sprayer nozzle very close to the surface, he was able to create a veined effect throughout the house. Mr. Teel also applied Azure Blue <a href="/decogel">Deco Gel</a> to fashion a circular free-hand design on the floor.</p>
<p><img class="floatleft" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/krystal-kote-concrete-sealer.jpeg" border="0" alt="Applying Krystal Kote water-based concrete sealer" title="Applying Krystal Kote water-based concrete sealer" width="250" /></p>
<p style="margin: 35px 5px 35px 5px;">The Teel’s were looking for a glossy finish but didn’t want the strong odor of a solvent-based based sealer in their home so they selected the <a href="/concretesealer/#krystalkote">Krystal Kote</a> High Gloss Water Based Sealer. Mr. Teel applied the sealer with 12” Padco <a href="/tools/padco/#tbar">Floor Coater</a> and 10” Trim Pad for the hard to reach areas. To preserve the luster and shine of his sealed indoor surfaces, Teel waxed his floors with <a href="/wax">DCI Residential Floor Wax and Polish</a>.</p>
<p>Direct Colors has taken special care in formulating products that professionals and homeowners alike can apply with equal success. We take great pride in presenting the Teel’s project to our customers and hope you too will be inspired to tackle your own decorative concrete project this year!</p>
<div style="position: relative;">
<div style="position: absolute; top: 5px; right: 5px;"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/gray-overlay-dci-acid-stain.jpeg" border="0" alt="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" title="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" width="245" /></div>
<div style="position: absolute; top: 175px; right: 5px;"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/gray-overlay-azureblue-avocado-malayanbuff.jpeg" border="0" alt="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" title="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" width="245" /></div>
<p><img style="margin-top: 5px;" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/concrete-overlay-DCI-acid stains.jpeg" border="0" alt="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" title="Smooth Gray overlay Azure Blue Malayan Buff Avocado concrete acid stain" width="245" height="353" /></p>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Enhancing the Appearance of Concrete Countertops with Decorative Aggregate</title>
		<link>http://www.directcolors.com/enhancing-the-appearance-of-concrete-countertops-with-decorative-aggregate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directcolors.com/enhancing-the-appearance-of-concrete-countertops-with-decorative-aggregate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:01:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Product News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete acid stain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concrete countertop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[countertop mix]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decorative glass aggregate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marbled Look]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[photo gallery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[polish concrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smooth appearance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directcolors.com/?p=6262</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Adding either natural stone or glass aggregate to a polished countertop can enhance the overall appearance of any concrete countertop. Direct Colors offers both Size #1 (5mm-10mm) and Size #2 (10mm-15mm) aggregates in seven varieties. For pre-cast countertops, set up forms and trowel in a thin layer of countertop mix on the surface of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="floatright" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/glass-aggregate-countertop-edge.jpg" alt="Decorative aggregate concrete countertop" title="Decorative aggregate concrete countertop" width="250" />Adding either <a href="/natural-decorative-aggregate">natural stone</a> or <a href="/decorative-glass-aggregates">glass aggregate</a> to a polished countertop can enhance the overall appearance of any concrete countertop. Direct Colors offers both Size #1 (5mm-10mm) and Size #2 (10mm-15mm) aggregates in seven varieties. For pre-cast countertops, set up forms and trowel in a thin layer of countertop mix on the surface of the form. Broadcast the desired amount of aggregate onto the mix and press into place with a trowel or float. Apply an additional 1/4 in. of countertop mix, vibrate and add reinforcement.</p>
<p><img class="floatleft" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/glass-aggregate-multi.jpg" alt="Decorative aggregate concrete countertop" title="Decorative aggregate concrete countertop" width="250" />For poured-in-place countertops after pouring and floating, broadcast the desired amount of aggregate onto the surface and trowel in. After waiting for the necessary curing period, begin polishing with a 100-grit pad to expose the aggregate and continue working the surface with up to a 3000-grit pad for the smoothest possible appearance.</p>
<p>Questions? We’ve got answers. Call us at 877-255-2656 or email at <a href="mailto:info@directcolors.com">info@directcolors.com</a></p>
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