Decorative concrete stains and dyes transform ordinary, gray concrete into colored architectural finishes. Stains and dyes enhance and accentuate the natural beauty of concrete by producing rich, deep colors and effects that are translucent, variegated and marbleized, not unlike the look of natural stone. Stains and dyes make possible a wide range of unique looks and visual character. Stains and dyes may be used on concrete floors, cement overlays & micro-toppings, countertops, walls or any other porous concrete surface. Sealing the surface with clear acrylic, epoxy, or urethane sealer adds varied levels of sheen and depth, and protects the concrete from damage and staining.
Typical uses include:
-
Restaurants, bars, and food service areas
-
Hotels and casinos
-
Retail stores and malls
-
Art studios, theaters, and museums
-
Offices and lobbies
-
Amusement parks
-
Automobile showrooms
-
Pool decks, patios, and walkways
-
Residential flooring
-
Countertops and walls
-
Faux concrete rocks
When considering decorative stained concrete finishes, it is important to understand a few basic realities:
-
Every piece of concrete is unique to itself and, when stained, will produce color effects unique to that surface. Wide variations in coloring, mottling, and unevenness are to be expected. Colorations / discolorations are likely to occur. Toughstuff makes absolutely no guarantee on color of stained or dyed concrete, overlay or micro-topping.
-
There is no perfect stained concrete finish. The natural components and common application practices of the processes produce a finish that is inherently flawed and imperfect. This applies even to new concrete, overlay, or micro-topping.
-
Don't expect decorative stains to hide, cover or conceal old, damaged, or unsightly concrete. In fact, stains tend to accentuate and highlight the imperfections in the concrete. Simply applying stain to old, damaged concrete will only result in old, damaged concrete with decorative stain. Concrete surface rehab via diamond grinding and polishing is a popular and economical method of greatly improving the surface of old concrete or concrete that is covered with adhesive, coatings, sealers, etc. Concrete that is too old, unsightly or damaged to be made acceptable by grinding may have cement overlay or micro-topping installed to create a 'like-new' concrete surface prior to staining.
Please contact Toughstuff Industrial Floors if you would like to learn more about decorative stained concrete, or to receive a free estimate or price quote for your project.
|