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I use acid stains made
by a variety of manufacturers. I use different brands
for different color options, and I have also gotten
raw product to make my own custom colors. Because they
are made from iron oxides, acid stains stain concrete
very much like iron oxides stain rocks it's very natural-looking.
 We
prefer not to use brushes when applying acid stains
- we use spray bottles. You can spray multiple acids
this way, and the mottling you get by spraying you can't
achieve with brushes.
I've thrown Miracle-Gro into acid stains for an intensely
turquoise color. You can use shoe polish, wood dyes,
and Sharpies - whatever stains your hands you might
consider for staining concrete.
We like to create effects that are artful, effects
that come from nature. We may make an impression stamp
from nature, such as seaweed, and then use acid stains
to color the stamped concrete. We'll use acrylics sometimes
for special colors or when acid stains don't perform
as expected.
Tom Ralston, Tom Ralston
Concrete,
Santa Cruz, Calif.
I think acid and acrylic
stains are good, depending on the effect you want. If
you want a distressed, mottled look acid stains are
the answer. Acrylic stains, on the other hand, have
really opened up the color palette, and you can use
them as a touch-up or where acid stains don't take.
You get different effects depending on how you apply
stains; for example, if you broom on or spray on a stain.
Coffee grounds put little specks in the color.
To make veins, lay string down on the surface. Long
strips of plastic wrap crinkled up in a long tube will
also create veins. The stain collects where the plastic
rests on the wet stain.
Try taping designs or using stencils - you can stain
one color and then lightly sandblast the stencil. You
can dilute stains, too, for a washed-out look.
No matter what stain you use, it is important to choose
compatible coatings. Call the stain manufacturer and
get recommendations to save time and avoid headaches.
David Tatom, Chem-Coat,
Dallas, Texas
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