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Concrete Decor - Index

Concrete Decor - Concrete Decor Magazine, The Journal for Decorative Concrete - Index

Technique
48 | www.ConcreteDecor.net | Dec. ’07/Jan. ’08
Photos courtesy of Shellie Rigsby
Effects with Reactive Stains
by Shellie Rigsby
There are unlimited opportunities to create fabulous effects
with reactive acid stains. Acid stains are most mutable from
the time they are sprayed onto the concrete until the reactive
color change develops. During this reactive period, the greatest
opportunity for color manipulation is while the stains are wet.
Whether or not the stain stays wet on the surface throughout
the entire reactive stage depends on the ratio of stain volume to
surface porosity, as well as ambient factors such as temperature,
humidity and air movement. The stain colors may continue to
develop after the concrete is surface-dry. The wetter the stain-tosurface
ratio, the greater the color reaction. Volume equals depth
of color. This basic premise explains why, in a fi nished product,
we may see puddles from heavy spray or “white” spots from
surface porosity.
Let’s explore a few of the infi nite opportunities available with
stain colors.