Concrete stains breathe life into dull or lackluster floors. Most importantly, they safeguard them from further damage. Decide which stain you’d like to enhance the look of your facility.
What Is the Functionality of Concrete Stains?
Stained concrete floors do more than add color. An acid or water-based stain acts as a floor armor, shielding the concrete from foot traffic and wear and tear. While stains add color to your concrete surface, they don’t look like paint, which produces solid and opaque colors. Instead, stains penetrate the concrete and create unique, semi-translucent tones that won’t chip, peel, or fade. Essentially, they’re extremely durable and long-lasting barriers.
Acid and water-based stains are normally available in neutral or earth tones. While stains don’t hide cracks or other flaws in your existing structure, concrete of any age can be stained to create a modern, updated look for your building.
Although acid stains and water-based stains serve the same purpose, they have many differences:
Acid Stains
Acid-stained concrete floors are created with a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. Other names for acid stains are chem or reactive dyes. That’s because an acid stain permeates the surface and causes a chemical reaction with the hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide within the concrete.
The acid in the stain lightly covers the surface, helping metallic salts to penetrate more easily.
Permanent, semi-transparent color is produced with acid stains. The finished concrete surface can look like anything, including polished marble, tanned leather, and stained wood. Acid stains can create light blue or green colors, too.
Water-Based Stains
Water-based stains are a blend of water, acetone, polymers, and pigments. The solution fills the porous concrete surface and produces a pigmented layer. Since no chemical reaction occurs, water-based stains produce richer, more consistent color than acid. Plus, they’re safer since they’re lower in VOCs.
Also, because there are no solvents or acids, water-based stains don’t require neutralization.
Instead, it uses water to act as the carrier which allows the binder and pigments to permanently transform the concrete. Therefore, water-based stains are more workable and flexible. Plus, they’re available in a wider variety of colors.
The Importance of Hiring Professionals For Concrete Staining
Although there are many DIY concrete staining kits on the market, it’s best to leave concrete staining to professional flooring contractors. DIY kits are expensive and hazardous. As a facilities manager or property owner, it’s your obligation to make wise choices regarding your building—that includes hiring professionals for maintenance and improvement projects. Enlisting the help of professionals also eliminates the time and hassle of doing things yourself or hiring illegitimate workers.
Professionals provide you with the best solution for your industry-specific needs, so they’re worth the investment. Concrete stains, whether they’re acid or water-based, have an everlasting effect, so it’s vital to hire reputable flooring contractors to complete the job and produce professional-looking results. This keeps your business image up to par as professionals perform a streamlined procedure. The job is finished faster, and you won’t have to try it yourself using complex tools and chemicals.
Restore Your Floors With Ardor Solutions
If you’re considering concrete stains, your building needs fade-resistant, permanent color that holds up against heavy foot traffic, spills, and abrasion. With all this in mind, Ardor Solutions performs flooring services that can’t be beat. From stained concrete floors to decorative systems, we are multifaceted in the flooring industry, and we leave you with impressive results. Our customizable solutions enable you to select services tailored to your company’s needs and exceed the expectations of your vision. When people enter your facility, one of the first things they notice is the floor. Make sure your concrete makes a great first impression with every visitor.
Ardor Solutions continues to excel in what we do, which is provide great customer care and stellar flooring services you can be proud of for years to come. No task is too challenging for us, and no requirements exceed our capabilities. We have over 15 years of experience, and we take pride in each job perfectly done. Call the friendly, dedicated team at Ardor Solutions today to discuss your flooring needs and schedule an appointment with us.
