Concrete Staining: Water Based vs Solvent Based
OCT 16 | WRITTEN BY DEANNA ULMER
CONCRETE STAINING: WATER BASED VS SOLVENT BASED
Ready to stain your concrete areas but don’t know which product is correct for your application? Here are some basic facts about the two type we sell; water based and acetone (solvent) based for both the stains and the sealers.
Water Based Staining:
- Considered the “Green” stain application with no harsh chemical smells
- Typically used indoors due to less smell
- To mix, the stain color is added to the correct, desired amount of water
- Stain type of choice for projects with an artistic or hands on design aspect due to longer working time (dry time)
- It does take longer to dry in between the multiple coats if desired, so the project takes longer
- Stain dries looking differently than how it will look with the sealer. To test that the stain is the correct color/design, 24 hours after the stain is applied, small amounts of water can be applied. How it looks wet, is much more closer to how it will look when sealed
- Sealer is applied 24 hours after the stain is applied allowing ample dry time. If a water test is done to check for correct color, the sealer is applied 24 hours after then to allow ample water dry time
- Stain colors can be diluted or strengthened to change the stain color applied. The minimum stain color to water ratio is 1 part stain to 4 parts water. This will give a deep, opaque color. The maximum dilution is 1 part stain to 8 parts water. Layering the stain applications is the general way to achieve different desired colors as well
Solvent (Acetone) Based Staining:
- To mix a 32oz kit, 32oz of acetone is added directly to the can of stain color and mixed. It can be applied immediately
- To mix a 1 gallon kit, 1 gallon of acetone is added directly to your sprayer, followed by your 1 gallon concentrate of stain and mixed. It can be immediately applied
- Stronger smell (acetone vs water)
- More vibrant and rich colors achieved
- The stain dries immediately on contact so multiple layers can be done quickly
- No artistic movement ability since it dries on contact. If too much stain is applied in one spot (too dark), a rag with acetone can be used to dab or wipe out some of the color
- Sealer can also be applied immediately to stain instead of waiting 24 hours
- Stain dries looking differently than how it will look with the sealer. To test that the stain is the correct color/design, small amounts of water can be applied. How it looks wet, is much more closer to how it will look when sealed
- If a water test is done to check for correct color, the sealer is applied 24 hours after then to allow ample water dry time
Water Based Indoor Acrylic Sealer:
- Considered the “green” application with no harsh chemicals
- Looks milky white going on, but dries clear
- It is generally a spray and wipe/mop
- If a second coat is needed, it can be applied after 2 hours
- It can be walked on in 4 hours
- Full cure is 3 days
- Give more of a natural sheen or low gloss vs the high gloss of the Outside Acrylic Sealer
- If a higher gloss is desired, the “Floor Finish” product can be applied in coats to brighten
- “Floor Finish” is suggested to top over the sealer to protect. This provides the maintenance coat for easy fixing in the future or brightening 1x a year.
- “Floor Finish” also has a matte option if desired
Solvent (Acetone) Based Outside Sealer:
- Stronger smell than the water based sealer
- Flammable - should not be applied near open flames or in closed off rooms with little ventilation
- Recommended for outdoor use only
- If a second coat is needed, it can be applied after 30 - 40 minutes
- It can be walked on in 4 hours
- Full cure is 3 days
- Brighter, fully glossy finish
- Should not be applied to a surface that has been wet in the last 24 hours