Coloring Sealer with Metallic Powder

In the first photo, metallic powder is being added to a solvent-based acrylic sealer and thinned 4:1 with acetone. The metallic powder sealer mixture is then connected to a Preval Sprayer assembly and shaken prior to spraying.

In the second photo, a stencil has been applied to the concrete sample and burnished to assure that all of the edges are flat and firmly adhered to the surface. Next, the metallic mixture is spray applied. It's important to remember that several light applications are better than one heavy coat. This method allows for quick drying and safeguards against any chance of material seeping under the stencil. Several light coats assure good coloring and wear resistance.

The third photo shows the stencil being removed from the surface of the concrete sample. Following this coloring application, the surface can be treated with reactive stains or acrylic stains. Since the metallic colored areas are applied with a sealer, stain colors will not affect those areas.

Note: In this case and with so many other flooring applications, reactive or acrylic stain can easily be applied to the concrete ahead of stenciling the surface. However, it is important to remember that any staining application must first be washed in order to neutralize the surface and remove any residue. This will assure that the stencil adheres firmly to the surface of the concrete and the metallic coloring of the surface bonds properly.

Looking for adhesive backed stencils? Try the following:
Modello Designs
(800) 747-9767

Surface Gel Tek
(888) 872-7759

Concrete Solutions
(800) 232-8311

For metallic powders:
Gold Leaf and Metallic Powders
Mastering Decorative Concrete Applications