The world's foremost magazine on decorative concrete
Over the last couple of years, I’ve written articles on how I use math to break down design layout and my views of color theory. This time, I’m going to share one of the little details that help my projects look amazing — how to properly use a brush.
What’s the difference between concrete and decorative concrete? One of the first indicators is whether it has the dull gray color of … well, concrete, or if it incorporates a natural or even not-so-natural hue, tone or shade. Of course, there are also several ways to add color to concrete, depending on the needs and desires of the client.
Massive, huge, humongous— pick your superlative, as any or all can be applied to the Rinconada Margaritas high-rise residential development in Zapopan, Mexico.
Acid-stained concrete has been popular for decades. The process of acid staining is well documented, as are the key precautionary items to look for before and during application. Thanks to real-world experience, continuing education and better specifications, issues with acid stains have been greatly reduced.
Question: The last two times I have acid stained existing, untreated, basement concrete floors, I’ve unintentionally created footprints in the acid stain finish. I didn’t create them by walking across the wet stain, as I always use spiked sandals when I apply stain.
Stain remains a popular finish, and while the number of problems or complaints has decreased over the last few decades, the problems remain the same, and they don’t discriminate between professionals and DIY homeowners.
Over her 22-year career, Victoria Simpson Collins’ talent for acid staining has created a niche she hopes to occupy for a long time to come.
“It’s hard for people to understand why a ‘girl’ would be interested in concrete work,” she says.
When preparing a brand new concrete surface to be acid-stained, don’t take anything for granted. Every step of the new concrete pour contains elements that might affect the quality of your acid stain job.
The acid-stained pizzeria floor looked worse than horrible. Actually, it became the unintentional focal point of an otherwise attractive restaurant newly opened and ready for business.
We then washed the floor with soap and water and removed almost all of the color. The floor now looks spotty and ugly. Why did all the color come off, and what can I do to make it look like it did before I cleaned the floor?
