ACID STAINING
SUGGESTED TOOLS & MATERIALS NEEDED
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Pressure Washer using 2500-3000 PSI (if staining outdoor surfaces)
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Acid resistant, drip-less pump-up sprayer with conical tip
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Masking tape and wax-backed masking paper (if needed)
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Medium synthetic bristle brush with long handle
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Eye protection and gloves
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5-gallon mixing bucket
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EAGLE ETCH & CLEAN (if staining interior)
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Concrete Sealer: EAGLE SUPREME SEAL for outdoor surfaces. EAGLE ARMOR SEAL for indoor surfaces. Finish ARMOR SEAL with EAGLE CONCRETE POLISH and buff to desired shine.
**NOTE: ALWAYS TEST FIRST – We strongly suggest, before applying any EAGLE products, you should always check the suitability and desired finish on a small test area before starting your application. When applying to a test area, you should use the same surface preparation process and apply using the same equipment you will be using to complete the full general application.
PREPARATION IS KEY
The most important step of an ACID STAIN project is preparation of the surface. The concrete should be at least four weeks old, free from all debris, and clean. DO NOT USE MURIATIC ACID TO CLEAN as you may destroy important minerals necessary to produce the desired color you selected.
Step 1: Clean any dirt, wax, grease, oil and other contaminants that may interfere with the sealer from adhering to the surface. This includes removing any prior coatings (for instructions on removing old sealers click here).
Clean oily concrete with EAGLE CLEANER DEGREASER & NEUTRALIZER. Use a medium to firm bristle brush for heavily oiled spots.
Step 2: Concrete must be porous enough to accept water. If concrete surface is smooth (similar to a garage floor or interior floors), it will be necessary to etch the substrate using EAGLE ETCH & CLEAN. Dense concrete surfaces may require mechanical preparation to accept sealer.
Step 3: PRESSURE WASH. ALWAYS rinse outdoor surfaces well using a pressure washer with 2500-3000 psi. It is recommended to allow 24 hours for concrete surface to completely dry after pressure washing.
For indoor floors, ensure floors are thoroughly rinsed.
Step 4: Mask any adjacent areas you DO NOT want stained for over-spray with masking tape and masking paper. This includes floors and walls. Use duct tape over masking tape to prevent possible bleeding.
APPLICATION
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An EAGLE ACID RESISTANT SPRAYER should be used.
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Dampen concrete with water prior to application of acid stain, but do not puddle.
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Spray in an overlapping manner, maintaining a wet edge until entire area is covered.
Allow ACID STAIN to react for at least 6 hours.
NOTE: It’s perfectly okay to apply EAGLE ACID STAIN one day and then start the cleaning phase the following day. Clean residue thoroughly and pour water onto floor to approximate the final color. If darker color is desired, apply a second coat of ACID STAIN.
Concrete must be fully neutralized. Clean residue from floor with EAGLE CLEANER DEGREASER & NEUTRALIZER using an acid resistant synthetic bristle brush. Repeat. Rinse with clean water and mop up excess water. A Wet-Vac may be used for indoor areas. Rinse with clean water until rinse water is free of color. Concrete must be completely free of residue. Expect to rinse with clean water several times. Once dry, test the readiness of the concrete by wiping floor with a white cloth. If it shows residue rinse and dry again. Repeat until no residue remains.
CLEANUP
Clean up tools with water.
MAINTENANCE
Clean sealed surface with water only. Reseal surface as needed, but not more than every two years to prevent buildup of sealer.