What is Acid Staining?
Our Architectural grade Acid Stains are engineered and formulated to add permanent color to uncolored concrete and polymer modified concrete overlays. Acid Staining can create variegated, uneven, and translucent coloring effects that resemble the look of natural stones. Various techniques and colors can be custom matched to your home or business to create a look that is uniquely yours.

Where can Acid Staining be utilized?
Acid Staining can be utilized on most concrete surfaces. Acid Staining is not intended to cover permanent blemishes in a surface; remember, it is staining, not painting! Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, basements, exercise/game rooms, patios, and business are ideal areas that benefit from the beauty of Acid Staining. Floors become alive with durable, yet imaginative, colors and patterns. Due to the chemical reaction caused by our Acid Stains, the coloring becomes a permanent part of the concrete and only wears as the surface does. Depending on the location and function of the area stained, we use a variety or sealers, ranging from matte to high gloss finish.

What are the benefits of Acid Staining?
Concrete floors absorb and radiate heat, cutting down on heating and cooling bills. Acid Staining draws from the natural beauty of concrete to create a surface that is free from grout, unlike tiled floors, does not trap allergens, like carpet, and is extremely durable, unlike hardwood floors.

How do I take care of an Acid Stained floor?
A standard component of our service is to apply high traffic wax to the floor, upon completion of interior jobs. The wax will provide added traction and a "sacrificial layer" to protect the floor from everyday wear and tear. The wax can be layered to create a high shine and should be reapplied every few months, depending on your preference and wear.

What is a decorative concrete coating?
A decorative concrete coating is a combination of a Modified Acrylic Resin and specially formulated Portland cements. Colors are added as needed. We combine the strength of cements with the durability and bonding power of acrylics. A penetrating sealer is applied to provide superb durability, weather and UV resistance and ensure a long product life.

How long has the product been in use?
Acrylic resurfacing has been in use since the early 1970's. Polymer was added in the 1980's to provide superior bonding properties, and increase strength, durability and longevity.

How does this product bond to concrete?
First, the surface is etched with muriatic acid and pressure washed to clean off dirt, remove loose aggregate, and open the concrete pores. Next, a very thin "skim" coat of the acrylic cement mix is applied by trowel. This is to provide maximum absorption into the pores of the concrete. Patterns are laid out using reinforced tape when this is dry. A second coat is applied using a drywall hopper in a random spray pattern, or troweled for multi-hued color variations. When this coat is dry, the tape is pulled, revealing the patterns, and 2-3 coats of solvent based sealer is applied using a roller. This sealer coat penetrates and softens the skim, and spray coats and bonds all layers to the concrete. When dry, these two layers become a permanent part of the existing concrete, providing outstanding weather and stain resistant properties.

How thick is it applied?
Total thickness is approximately 1/8 - 3/32". We are more concerned about getting the acrylic to penetrate the concrete than building up the surface. Actually, the thinner it is, the better the flexural properties it has, this is very important to allow for expansion & contraction of concrete during freeze/thaw cycles. Skim coats can be applied thicker for holes and spalling (chipping, flaking). Larger and thicker areas are filled or rebuilt using high-density acrylic mortars.

Will my concrete still heave in the winter?
We cannot eliminate the heaving of concrete. However, after application, the surface will be denser, and a lot less porous. Large cracks that previously allowed a lot of water penetration can be reduced. Consequently, less water is retained and the effects of heaving caused by freeze cycles should be noticeably reduced over a period of time.

Is it affected by cold weather?
No. Because it is an acrylic, it remains flexible, yet extremely durable. Freeze/thaw cycles cause concrete to expand and contract. Because it is essentially part of the concrete surface, it moves with the concrete, as opposed to against it such as other products like tile, slate, pavers, asphalt or concrete patches.

How does it stand up against oils, stains, salts, and discoloration?
Because of the protective properties of the sealer coat, it is a non-porous finish. The majority of stains due to oil and grease wash off with mild detergent. Salt, deicers, fertilizers and such have no effect on it whatsoever. In addition, because of its unique UV (ultra violet) additive, it will not discolor due to exposure to sunlight, even in the harshest of conditions. It should be noted however, that periodic cleaning will help to maintain its beauty for many years to come.

Will it chip or wear off?
Our decorative concrete coatings should not show any abnormal wear provided the acrylic sealer is replenished as wear occurs. We estimate this to occur no sooner than every 3 - 4 years under normal conditions. As long as the sealer is in place, this protective coating should absorb any wear. Any scuff marks, etc. generally disappear with a fresh application of sealer.

What are the color choices?
We currently have 28 standard colors to choose from. Our unique highlighting system provides virtually unlimited color combinations. Custom colors and personalized logos are available at an additional cost.

Why should I repair my concrete instead of replacing it?
Concrete replacement generally requires heavy equipment that can cause sever damage to a lot of the surrounding area including landscaping and sidewalks. Some areas are simply not accessible and must be removed with smaller equipment or sledgehammers, etc. A large portion of that concrete winds up in landfills. Once it is replaced, you simply have a brand new surface that is subject to stains, oil absorption, spalling, cracking and salt damage. Our decorative concrete coatings require no heavy equipment, and cause no landscape or environmental damage. Installation usually takes only a few days, depending on size and conditions. When it is complete, it is not only beautiful, but will resist stains, oil spills, and salt damage. In addition, it can be custom designed to match your home, adding beauty and value to your home and neighborhood. New concrete is just that - concrete.

Is there a warranty?
Absolutely! All products carry a 12-year limited warranty against excessive fading, delamination, and product failure. (Note: This warranty is based on reapplication of the sealer. An inspection by the installer is required a maximum of every 2 years.

What about services after the guarantee expires?
If properly maintained, our decorative concrete coatings can virtually last a lifetime. It is easily repaired at any time during its useful life.

How is it maintained properly?
Although the decorative concrete coatings are extremely durable, it is not indestructible. The rule of thumb is this: if it will scratch, chip or damage concrete, chances are it will damage the decorative concrete coatings surface also. Exercise caution when setting heavy things on it. Take care not to drag heavy items that could scratch it. Periodic washing is all you should have to do to maintain the surface. Clean oil spills and the like as quickly as possible to keep it looking new.

What about expansion joints? Are they covered up?
Expansion joints and cold, or control joints are necessary to prevent cracking of the concrete. Concrete must be allowed to expand and contract with temperature changes. These joints provide a "controlled crack" for this movement. All expansion joints are left in place, we cannot cover them up. We also re-cut all existing joints a little deeper to ensure that when it does move, it moves where we want it to, and not at some undisclosed weak spot.

What about heaved, sunken and severely damaged concrete?
Heaved (raised) concrete, is generally ground down, or the adjacent section is built up to meet it using a variety of materials. Severely damaged sections can be torn out and replaced if necessary. This helps to minimize the cost and time of replacing the entire area.

Can cracks be repaired?
ABSOLUTELY! All cracks are repaired using high strength epoxies prior to applying the skim coat. New tension control joints are then placed, or existing ones cut deeper to alleviate the tension and allow for the movement that created the crack initially. Note: Due to the multitude of parameters that can cause cracks, cracks cannot be guaranteed against re-cracking, however cracks that return are often barely noticeable, and if necessary repairs are virtually undetectable.

Can it be applied around pools?
MOST DEFINITELY!! Our decorative concrete coatings are the ideal solution for pool and spa areas. They are non-skid, cooler than concrete, and will not stain or be adversely affected by pool chemicals. It also provides a perfect transition from pool to yard, and adds that finishing touch like no other product can. Because of its versatility, a stencil can be used to indicate depth markings or areas of safety concern.

How soon can it be used after application?
For normal foot traffic, excluding high heels, cleats, or spikes: 24 hours* ; Vehicle traffic: 2-4 days (*under normal temperature and weather conditions)

What surfaces can it be applied to?
Our products can be applied to any concrete surface, vertical or horizontal. Wood surfaces should have a cement backer board such as Hardi-BoardTM or DuRockTM applied to add stability and minimize flex.

What are the main differences between coated concrete and other concrete solutions?
Coated concrete requires less time, fewer pieces of heavy equipment and causes no damage to your existing landscape. Coated concrete will resist stains, fading, skids, and is two times as strong as regular concrete.

What is it exactly that makes the coated concrete so much more durable and long-lasting than regular concrete?
Our coated concrete contains a substance known as Thiokol. Thiokol is a liquid polymer rubber that was used during times of war as an indestructible sealant for tanks, gun turrets, and other important pieces of equipment. Today it continues to be used in aerospace technology. This same substance is used in our coated concrete to ensure its durability.

What is the best way to maintain my coated concrete?
While coated concrete is more durable than regular concrete, it is still important to take precautions. We recommend getting it resealed every three years. When something is spilled on the concrete, clean it up as quickly as possible because the longer the spills sits on the concrete, the more difficult it will be to clean up. In addition, be careful not to drag heavy objects over the concrete that could potentially scratch it.

Will my concrete fade over time?
There is a UV protective sealer put on all concrete to protect from fading.

Does coated concrete stain as easily as regular concrete?
No, coated concrete is oil, gas, and grease resistant. If you clean the concrete within a reasonable period of time, 90% of all stains can be removed using only water and soap. For stains that have been left for a longer period of time it may be necessary to use high pressure washer to remove. For rust stains, use either white vinegar and water or CLR cleaner (available in most grocery stores). Be careful to never use solvent-based cleaners on your coated concrete. In addition, the concrete is also skid resistant.

Will this still work if my concrete is old and worn?
Of course! Our products can easily be applied to existing concrete to give it a fresh new look.

What effect does weather have on the concrete?
Coated concrete stays 30% cooler to the touch than regular concrete in the heat of the sun. During cold winter months, make sure to use a plastic shovel so you don?t scratch your concrete, but salt and ice melts will not harm the finish. Our concrete solutions are flexible allowing the concrete to expand and contract based on temperatures without affecting the concrete.

Will our concrete be slippery when it gets wet?
No, our concrete is slip resistant.

How much will this cost?
The price depends on textures, stencils and styles, but you can request a bid by going to Contact Us or on our home page.