Semi-Transparent Stain
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT AND HOW-TO:
H&C® Semi-Transparent Decorative Stains
Product Supplies
- H & C® Etching Solution
- Plastic water sprinkling can
- Water hose for clean up and dilution as necessary
- Pump up sprayer
- Plastic sheets to cover walls/foliage
- Blue painters tape
Product Preparation
New concrete must cure for a minimum of 28 days. For new concrete, use H&C Etching Solution and rinse thoroughly to ensure a clean, dry and residue-free substrate to be stained.
With all Semi-Transparent Stain projects, use H&C Etching Solution prior to application to open up the pores of the concrete. As always, use plenty of water to rinse the prep products off.
When staining very aged and pitted/porous concrete apply one coat of H&C Paver Sealer Natural. This will prevent the stain from penetrating too deeply into the concrete and will help with color distribution. Allow to dry 1 hour then apply the Semi-Transparent Decorative Stain.
*Due to the nature of these stains, the final color may vary throughout the installation depending on the age, texture, finishing techniques (trowel method), and other variables within the concrete.
*ALWAYS perform a test area before final installation, and ALWAYS include a clear topcoat because it will alter the final appearance of the stain as well.
Product Application
For best results apply using a pump-up sprayer, avoiding track lines. A circular motion with the wand works best. Additional coats can be applied right away, no need to wait for the stain to dry. It’s also common to use mops, sponges, rags or other faux technique tools to achieve the desired look.
H&C Semi-Transparent Decorative Stains can be diluted with water up to 4:1. Dilution simply allows for more color options, a much lighter brown than offered, for example. But don’t dilute any more than 4:1. Lighter colors should be applied first if “layering” the colors (for example if a gold color with browns is desired, apply the gold first, the darker color will be easier to see/apply rather than light over dark). You are in charge of your color options here; be creative!
Start by diluting the colors a bit, and if you decide you want the color darker, it’s easier to go that route. To remove a color, rinsing it or wiping it off will work only to a point. You may have to use H&C Etching Solution to open the pores of the concrete again.
Allow the Semi-Transparent Decorative Stain to dry a minimum of 4-6 hours before applying a clear topcoat. Use a water- or solvent-based sealer (H&C Wet Look Sealer Water-based, or H&C Concrete Sealer Clear Gloss Oil-based, formerly Clear 23®); whichever is desired and approved. Keep in mind the solvent-based sealers will darken the final appearance of the color/project; be sure to include this step in your sample/test area. Two coats of any clear coat are recommended. Commercial and Industrial Sealers can also be used over Semi-Transparent Decorative Stains.