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Special Effects with
Concrete Stains
Tips
and tricks that will help
artisans get creative
BY
SUSAN BRIMO-COX
Decorative
concrete artists have become quite creative
in using acid stains, water-based stains, dyes
and paints on concrete. Acid stains offer the
most earth-like, weathered and warm colors.
However, because of their iron oxide base, acid
stains are available only in a limited color
palette - earth tones. For a virtually unlimited
palette, there are water-based acrylic stains.
Dyes, too, come in more or less any color, with
the exception of white.
Depending
on whom you talk to, however, there can be some
challenges with acrylic stains and dyes. While
water-based stains eliminate the problem of
neutralizing acid stain residue, some contractors
express concerns about acrylics peeling in some
conditions. Others are concerned about the colors
of dyes fading with UV exposure, even though
some dye products are said to be UV-resistant.
Acid stains, for their part, are known for their
color permanence.
Experienced
contractors wisely spend time talking to the
manufacturers of different colorant products
about where and how they should be applied.
Even in the same product category, there are
differences in products across manufacturers.
And while some decorative concrete artists may
prefer to use only acid stains, others mix and
match products with great results.
The
real fun with stains and dyes is in the creation
of special effects. Just look at some of the
effects shown in the photos accompanying this
article. If you're wondering, "How'd they
do that?" you'll enjoy this sampling of
tips and tricks from some clever and talented
decorative concrete artists and experts from
across the country.
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With
the range of products available today, artisans
in the decorative and faux markets have almost unlimited
design capabilities. Years ago, five or 10 colors were
the norm and you  could
make variations from there. Now artisans demand 50 or
more colors to make their combinations.
There are many ways to achieve creative effects on
concrete. There are so many options now. We have a neutral
gel that can be used in stains, colorants or dyes so
you would apply your colored gel in the designs, then
apply color to the entire surface for vivid effects.
You can also reverse the process for deep rich colors.
 For
logos or veins a large syringe filled with dyes or stains
will give a lot of control for spectacular effects;
air-powered is another option. Vinyl stencils and antiquing
are very popular this year. Stain or dye your entire
floor, put down your stencils, take Tru Blue and adjust
your color, then pull your stencil for a custom antique
floor.
Brad Berg, Architectural
Enhancements,
Lake Crystal, Minn.
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