Concrete Stains and Dyes

The use of stamped concrete and concrete overlay was once limited in color. Now, that has all changed with new applications for color dyes and stains, appropriate for all stamped concrete designs. Residents no longer have to opt for stamped concrete and concrete overlay which remains a single, bland color, nor do they have to select a monochromatic exterior design. Topical film-building stains are like paint in that they are opaque in nature, making them perfect for a basic concrete overlay or stamped concrete. They reside upon the concrete surface but their bond can be enhanced if they penetrate the pore structure. Generally, the topical film-building pigmentation is made with mineral oxides because mineral oxides will not degrade when in ultraviolet light. The size of the pigment particles contained in the mineral oxides is the largest within the family of stains. However, those made with organic coloring agents have UV blockers contained therein which help to protect the color in a stamped concrete design or an exterior concrete overlay which is prone to severe weather changes and direct sunlight.

Stains which are film-based have bonding agents which aid the attachment to the concrete surface. Generally, acrylic polymers are used because of their positive bonding properties. The moisture vapor within the concrete can also pass through the acrylic polymers. Some companies use lithium silicate because of the good bond strength it contains. Lithium silicate reacts chemically to the calcium hydroxide within the concrete. This chemical reaction forms a surface which is abrasive-resistant and is not soluble in water after it has cured.

In order to complete this job, a sealer should be placed on top of the film-building stains to reduce oxidation as well as degradation of areas prone to high volumes of traffic.

Water-based dyes will penetrate the concrete surface for stamped concrete and concrete overlay and can allow the concrete to remain in looks. Overall it creates a translucent-colored appearance. The coloring agent for water-based dyes is very small and it does not require any bonding agents.

Another popular stencil material to use upon stamped concrete and concrete overlay is the polyvinyl chloride sheeting. This comes in a variety of thickness and can be cut for any pattern. One on side of the polyvinyl sheeting is an adhesive which bonds to the concrete and prevents the stencils from moving. It also offers a sealed edge between the edge of the stencil and the concrete which prevents bleeding underneath the stencil during the application. The diamond-polished concrete stencil work is the fastest growing in the industry right now because of the penetrating color which can achieve translucent patterns for furniture, floors, or countertops.