Process
The process of creating acid stained concrete is easy to explain
but difficult to control. A trained expert first applies a water-soluble
acid solution to the surface of the concrete. It will penetrate
down to 1/4 inch (6 mm). In this depth, a mineral called lime,
or calcium hydroxide, lays dormant as part of the materials that
always make up concrete. When the stainer introduces a mixture
of special metallic salts, they flow through the porous surface
and change the lime through a chemical reaction. |
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| Stamped
& Stained Concrete by
Hardcore Concrete Construction |
Acid
stained concrete gives color and texture to adaptable aggregate
material. Benches, floors, walls, walkways, and countertops
can all be colored using chemical stains to create warm earth
tones with an organic appearance. Acid penetrates the surface
of the concrete, triggering reactions that create colors.
Modern design has embraced concrete as a durable, minimalist,
and flexible material. Developers and designers now routinely
incorporate cement into homes in bathroom and kitchen counters,
floors, patios, decks, and short, exterior walls. Bored with
the plain gray color, they came up with a multi-step process
to stain new or established concrete a wide range of rich
colors using acid and salts.
The stages of staining depend on many uncontrollable circumstances,
such as the aggregate material in the cement, types of acid
and salts, amount of water, temperature and humidity, age
of old cement, and the method of sealing and buffing. This
organic evolution and unpredictable outcome is part of the
appeal of acid stained concrete to many installers and consumers.
Versatile
textures, such as veining and mottling, will become apparent
when you seal the concrete with wax. Just like old-fashioned
waxes on hardwood floors, the wax will be machine-buffed until
it shines. The surface might look subtly translucent, or resemble
terra cotta, granite, limestone, or marble.
Over the next few hours, as the mixture cures, the color will
emerge. Eventually that shade will settle as a permanent addition
to the chemistry of the concrete. However, the color may evolve
and age for up to a month. The resultant colors are usually
in the family of brown, green, and tan.
Our Hardcore
Concrete Construction
team
are experts in stamped and acid stained concrete. We have
experimented to create certain textural effects by interfering
with the acid by wiping, blotting, splotching, or saturating.
Call
us today for your free estimate!
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Cobblestone Circle
Sandstone
Used Brick
Arizona Flagstone |
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2010 Hardcore
Concrete and Construction,
All Rights Reserved |PH:
405.343.2291
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