Stenciling and Acid Stain – Can I Do It?

Malayan Buff, English Red and Cola with Deco Gel Acid Stains Renee P. of Studio, CA resurfaced her patio removing layers of epoxy paint before overlaying the surface and acid staining. She completed the project herself and has provided an account below of how she did it:

“I resurfaced my back patio, then added the faux flagstone overlay topping. I searched numerous websites to find the right acid stain for the faux flagstones. I chose Direct Colors because I liked the sample kits and the color selection. Orders were delivered promptly and the website was easy to navigate. I enjoyed the acid staining the most. It was so much fun creating unique yet realistic-looking flagstones. Also fun seeing friends fooled by my handiwork. Direct Colors acid stains gave me the look I envisioned. Great products and great service. I couldn’t ask for more.

My old patio caused me to cringe. My new patio makes me smile, especially because I did it myself.”

Renee’s Shopping List:

English Red, Malayan Buff and Cola Concrete Acid Stains
Malayan Buff Deco Gel Gelled Acid Stain
Deco Gel Sample Kit

17 May 2012

John Sanders

The is the value of decorating and making your own decision about your home. It’s really satisfaying – and thanks about the info about faux finishes.

Cynthia Thompson

I used faux finishing techniques to give our concrete more variation. Over the base color, i sponge an accent color to give the appearance of porous travertine. By rag rolling an accent color over the base, you can give the concrete a leathery appearance.

Shemp Abravanel

You did a great job in your back patio! I would also like to try this one.. . I think I would choose the Direct colors as well. Thank you for posting this.

Susan G

Hmmm, washed and prepped my concrete patio and received the products - acid stain (Malayan Buff) and sealer -- very promptly via FedEx. Applied the stain with great anticipation. I used an air compressor sprayer and it went on fairly easily (I'm 57 and a DIY-ers so fit, competent, and pay attention to detail...). Followed instructions exactly and left the stain on for 8 hrs - as necessary - plus longer. Next morning...the patio looked pretty much the same as it did before application. Nevertheless, while skeptical and very disappointed, I washed it off as per directions: floor was very clean but by no stretch of the imagination was it buff, Malayan or other. In fact, no difference at all! Barely any staining at all. I have, however, a very clean patio! Grrrrr!

Shawna

If a stain has not developed to the proper color, it generally has to do with two factors - application or the concrete itself. Based on the information provided in your post, I suspect the problem may be with the concrete. What is the age of the slab and can you see small particles of sand or aggregate in the surface? Both factors will affect how well the stain takes to the concrete. Are you evaluating the concrete when it is wet? Far more color is apparent when the floor is wet than dry. If the concrete cannot be stained, we do have other options such as the DCI Concrete Dye or Liquid Colored Antique depending on the porosity and texture of the concrete. I hope this information has been helpful. Thank you for your business. Sincerely, Direct Colors Inc.