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$110.85

  • 200 sq. ft. project coverage
  • For interior and exterior use
  • Create translucent variegated or marble-like finish
  • Reactive stain creates unique results with every slab
Due to hazmat regulations, this product cannot be shipped via air

    How many kits should I purchase?

    It will depend on the square footage of your application.

    One kit has a coverage rate of 200 square feet per gallon (2 coats) depending on concrete porosity. Two or more coats are required.

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    Product Tabs

    Product Details

    The EverStain™ Acid Stain & Seal 1-Gallon Bundle includes 1 gallon of EverStain™ Acid Stain for achieving variable color effects on concrete surfaces, 1 gallon of sealer (AcquaSeal™ or EasySeal™) available in Gloss or Satin finishes for top-coat protection, and a 4-ounce ProClean Neutralizer™ concentrate for surface neutralization before sealing. Suitable for small to medium projects, this bundle provides essential components for concrete staining and sealing tasks.

    Items Included

    Choice of Stain Color EverStain™ Acid Stain - 1 Gallon. Suitable for approx. 200 sq. ft., depending on surface conditions and application method.
    Concrete Neutralizer ProClean Neutralizer™ Concentrate - 4 ounces (Makes 1 Gallon) to neutralize EverStain™. Essential for preparing the surface for sealing.
    Choice of Sealer* EasySeal™ Solvent-based or AcquaSeal™ Water-based Sealer (Satin or Gloss finish) - 1 Gallon. Yields coverage for about 200 sq. ft.

    * Customers can choose between a satin or gloss finish for the EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™ sealer to tailor the final look to their preference.

    Note: Kit components are non-returnable & non-refundable.

    Quick Facts

    Application Tools: Best applied using an all-plastic pump sprayer, brush, sponge or foam applicator.
    Location: Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces.
    Reaction Time: Requires 5 - 12 hours.
    Cleanup: Use ProClean Neutralizer™ 
    Coverage: Approximately 200 sq. ft. per gallon, variable with surface conditions.
    Recommended Sealers: Compatible with AcquaSeal™ Water-based Acrylic Sealer or EasySeal™ Solvent-based Acrylic Sealer.
    Application Temperature: Best between 40°F-95°F (4°C-35°C).
    Recommended Uses: Ideal for concrete floors,  wallscountertops, and various architectural elements.

    Special Offers

    EverStain™ Complete DIY Kit

    This comprehensive kit is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, containing protective gear, cleaning supplies, a gallon of stain, 4-ounce ProClean Neutralizer™, application tools, and a gallon of sealer.

    EverStain™ Mega Bundle

    A bulk deal offering five gallons of EverStain™ Stain, one 4-ounce ProClean Neutralizer™ Concentrate, and five gallons of sealer, suitable for large-scale projects or professional use.

    EverStain™ Stain Trial Kit

    A sampler kit that includes three 4-ounce color choices, a 4-ounce satin or gloss sealer, and foam applicators, perfect for testing colors and finishes.

    How-To Guide

    Preliminary Testing

    Before using the product for your entire project, try it out on a small, hidden area of the surface you'll be working on. This will let you see how it looks and if it's the right fit for your project.

    Pre-Application

    • Clean: EverStain™ Acid Stain should be applied only on clean surfaces devoid of dust, dirt, oil, grease, paint, adhesive, sealers, curing compounds, efflorescence, chemical pollutants, rust, algae, and mildew, which could interfere with the chemical reaction. Acid washing is discouraged as it may alter the surface's reactivity. Clean the surface with an eco-friendly degreaser and ensure thorough rinsing with clean water to remove any residues.
    • Cured: The concrete or overlay must be fully cured prior to application. For optimal results, it is advised that cement-based products undergo a curing period of at least 28 days. In instances where a curing compound is necessary for freshly placed concrete destined for staining, the use of an impregnating internal cure is recommended. Distinct from traditional curing agents, internal curing compounds do not create a film or membrane on the surface. Primarily formulated for uncolored concrete, these internal cures do not disrupt the chemical staining reaction, unlike typical sodium silicate-based products. This eliminates the need for membrane removal during the preparatory phase, facilitating a smoother application process.
    • Temperature: For optimal results, apply EverStain™ Acid Stain when temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 95°F (35°C).
    • Sound: Apply only to cement-based products that are not flaking or spalling. The substrate must be structurally sound. For surfaces showing signs of delamination, employ diamond grinding, shot blasting, or similar mechanical methods for removal. For concrete, ensure the surface has a minimum strength of 2500 psi.
    • Profiled: Perform an absorption test to check if the concrete is ready for staining. Pour water onto the concrete surface and wait for 3-5 minutes. If the water is not absorbed, the surface will need to be cleaned and etched with CitrusEtch™ to open the pores of the concrete. Detailed instructions can be found in the CitrusEtch™ Technical Data Sheet. Image showing two concrete surfaces: on the left, a surface that passes the water absorption test with water penetrating the concrete, and on the right, a surface failing the test with water pooling on top

    Preparation

    • Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended in the Safety Data Sheet.
    • Protect surfaces not intended for staining by covering surrounding areas to prevent accidental application.
    • Avoid using tape on concrete surfaces before or after staining, as adhesives and plasticizers can interfere with the stain's effectiveness.

    Tools for Application

    • For Large Projects: Use a garden-type pump sprayer with both the spray tip and sprayer made of plastic (with the filter removed).
      Hand showing filter removal from a pump-up sprayer
      Removing the filter from a pump-up sprayer to prevent clogging.
    • For Small Projects: Utilize a brush, small foam applicator, or spray bottle and plastic tub or dishpan, ensuring it's large enough for easy brush dipping.

    Tools for Residue Removal

    • For Large and/or Exterior Projects: Use a hose and long-handled deck brush, complemented by a wet vacuum for residue removal. When employing a pressure cleaner, exercise caution with high PSI settings as they may chip the concrete surface. Opt for a green or white nozzle and maintain a distance of 15 to 18 inches from the surface.
    • For Small and/or Interior Projects: Use a medium nylon brush and a wet vacuum with squeegee attachment.

    Application Process

    Please Note: The color of the stain in the bottle will not reflect the final color after reacting with the concrete.

    For Large Projects

    • Using the all-plastic pump sprayer, liberally and continuously apply the stain in a circular motion over the surface. Avoid uniform patterns by spraying in random circles, which helps prevent visual lines in the stain.
    • Consistently maintain a wet edge if you desire a more uniform application.
    • Avoid excessive puddling by controlling the application rate, aiming for 200-400 sq ft per gallon.
    • Monitor for acidic reactions such as fizzing and foaming, which indicate the stain is reacting as expected. Some stain colors may not show immediate reactions; this is normal.
    • Use spiked shoes if walking on the stained area is necessary. Avoid walking on wet stain to maintain a smooth, even application.
    • Gradually extend the application to the outer edges during the reaction phase.
    • After the reaction has stopped, use fresh material for any areas that have not been colored, blending into previously completed sections to avoid lap marks.
    • Allow the stain to sit for a minimum of 5 hours to ensure adequate reaction time before any rinsing.
    • Test for depth of color by wetting the surface in several places with a cloth dampened with water.
    • The wet surface's appearance will closely resemble the final color if sealed with a high-gloss solvent-based sealer. Choosing a water-based sealer or a solvent-based sealer with a satin finish will result in a less intense color. The depth of color decreases in the following order: solvent-based gloss > solvent-based satin > water-based gloss > water-based satin.
    • For a deeper color, apply additional coats after the first has fully reacted, ensuring a minimum wait time of five hours between applications.
    • The final coat should dry for at least 5 hours, with dense or burnished surfaces requiring a minimum of 18 hours dry time.

    For Small Projects

    • Utilize an all-plastic brush, small foam applicator, or spray bottle for detailed work on small areas and stencil designs. These tools offer precision for intricate patterns and controlled stain application.
    • Saturate the selected tool with stain, applying it in random, overlapping strokes or with controlled spraying to achieve uniform coverage and avoid undesired patterning.
    • After application, allow the stain to dwell on the surface for at least 5 hours before proceeding with stencil removal, rinsing, or cleaning. This dwell time is essential for the chemical reaction to fully develop.
    • Test for uniformity and depth of color by wetting the surface with a cloth dampened with water.
    • After the reaction has stopped, use fresh material for any areas that have not been colored, blending into previously completed sections to avoid lap marks.
    • Allow the stain to sit for a minimum of 5 hours to ensure adequate reaction time before any rinsing.
    • Test for depth of color by wetting the surface in several places with a cloth dampened with water.
    • For enhanced color depth within stencil designs or on treated surfaces, apply additional coats once the initial reaction has concluded. Maintain a minimum interval of five hours between each application to ensure proper reaction and absorption.

    Neutralization

    • After drying, EverStain™ Acid Stain leaves a powdery residue. Remove this by neutralizing the surface with a commercial pH neutralizer like ProClean Neutralizer™, ammonia, or baking soda, followed by thorough water flushing and stiff brush scrubbing. Keep in mind, using ammonia will result in strong fumes, and baking soda requires additional cleanup time to remove extra residue.
    • Rinse the surface with clean water to remove all neutralizer and residue. If you opt not to use our ProClean Neutralizer™ and choose ammonia or baking soda instead, be mindful that the rinse water could be slightly corrosive and capable of staining. This requires extra caution to protect unstained areas, those with different colors, and plant-life zones.
    • Ensure complete removal of salty colored residue and achieve proper surface neutralization and cleanup.
    • Test for uniformity and depth of color by wetting the surface with a cloth dampened with water.
    • When using ammonia or baking soda as your neutralizer, apply an alkaline solution (1 cup of commercial cleaner/degreaser per 1 gallon of water) to aid in cleaning. Agitate with stiff bristle nylon brushes, or for larger areas, use a rotary floor machine with a soft pad, proceeding with caution.
    • Utilize a wet/dry vacuum to collect colored wastewater.
    • Final rinsing should continue until the runoff is clear. A white rag test, coming away clean, indicates a properly cleaned surface.
    • Collect and properly dispose of all residue water and rinse water, adhering to environmental regulations.

    Sealing

    Acid stained concrete must be sealed to preserve the color and finish.

    • Ensure the surface is clean and dry prior to sealing. Fans and blowers can be used to speed up the drying process.
    • Choose between EasySeal™ or AcquaSeal™ acrylic sealer. For detailed information on sealers, refer to AcquaSeal™ TDS and EasySeal™ TDS.
    • Keep in mind that EasySeal™, being solvent-based, generally enriches and darkens the stain color more than the water-based AcquaSeal™.
    • Gloss Finish Consideration: If using gloss finish sealers, which can make surfaces more slippery, consider adding OxiGrip™ slip-resistant additive to the second coat for enhanced safety.

    Limitations

    • Inconsistencies in job site conditions, base color, concrete mix design and slump, curing methods, finishing practices, stain application, surface permeability, and the age and condition of concrete may lead to variations in the finished product's color.
    • Acid stain will not conceal imperfections or existing stains in the concrete; it will reveal a mottled appearance, with colors and effects varying based on the concrete's texture and composition.
    • Older concrete surfaces may not accept the stain as readily as newer surfaces, affecting the uniformity and intensity of the color.
    • The EverStain™ Color Chart shows standard colors applied to uncolored gray concrete. However, each concrete substrate is unique, and acid stains may produce different effects than those shown on the color chart. The use and final appearance of acid stains can be uncertain and unpredictable.
    • While product literature, photos, and sample color chips aim to accurately represent colors, the actual colors achieved on concrete may significantly differ.
    • Black and Coffee Brown are high-solids acid stains best applied in very thin layers. For these colors, two thin applications are recommended, with the longest possible drying times between coats. The optimal dry time after each coat is 18 hours, with a minimum of 4 hours.
    • Avocado, Azure Blue, and Seagrass stains are sensitive to moisture and can produce a black, spotty effect. These colors are not recommended for use on slag concrete or in areas prone to excessive water exposure or slag concrete influences. Ideally suited for interior applications, these stains require a well-drained sub-grade, free from hydrostatic pressure. Additionally, UV exposure may darken these colors over time, reinforcing the recommendation for interior use only. To ensure proper application, a minimum drying time of 24 hours is necessary to allow any rinse moisture to fully evaporate before sealing. Adhering strictly to the application instructions is essential for achieving the desired outcome with these specific stains.
    • Hard-troweled concrete surfaces may present difficulties in staining. It's particularly important to allow extra drying time between application coats on hard-troweled surfaces.
    • Over time, acid stain colors may fade, especially with prolonged exposure to sunlight. This fading can be minimized or prevented with proper maintenance and care of the stained surface.
    • Prevent contact with metal objects, particularly galvanized ones, as this can lead to the production of explosive hydrogen gas during the acid staining process.

    Slip Resistance

    EverStain™ Acid Stain does not affect slip resistance, which is determined by the chosen sealer. For enhanced slip-resistance on exterior surfaces, add OxiGrip™ to the sealer.

    Coverage

    Estimated coverage is around 200 square feet per gallon, varying with surface conditions and application methods.

    Clean-Up

    Product Clean-Up
    EverStain™ Acid Stain ProClean Neutralizer™
    AcquaSeal™ Water-based Sealer ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water
    EasySeal™ Solvent-based Sealer Xylene

    Disposal

    Dispose of unused product according to local environmental or hazardous waste regulations.

    Shelf Life and Storage

    Use EverStain™ Acid Stain within one year of purchase and store it in a cool, indoor location away from sunlight and heat.

    Maintenance

    • Regularly inspect exterior sealed surfaces for wear and reapply sealer as needed.
    • For interior surfaces, monitor and maintain wax coatings or polish, especially in high-traffic areas.

    Complementary Products

    ProClean Degreaser™ Concrete cleaner & degreaser
    CitrusEtch™ Pre-stain concrete pore etcher
    ProClean Neutralizer™ Concrete cleaner & neutralizer
    EasySeal™ Solvent-based acrylic sealer
    AcquaSeal™ Water-based acrylic sealer
    OxiGrip™ Slip-resistant sealer additive
    PatchRx™ Concrete repair
    Resurface-It™ Concrete overlay/micro-topping

    Safety & Precautions

    Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed health and safety information on each EverStain™ Acid Stain color.

    Warranty

    EverStain™ Acid Stain is guaranteed for uniform quality within manufacturing tolerances. No warranty is provided for its application effects. Liability for defects is limited to refunding the purchase price. Users bear all other risks and liabilities. For inquiries, contact Direct Colors customer service.

    How-To Videos

    Color Chart

    EverStain Acid Stain Color Chart

    PDF Downloads

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