Easy Steps For Staining The Concrete Countertops
Staining the concrete countertops is an easy task to perform, you simply need to follow certain steps mentioned below in order to achieve a better result:
- Cleaning: The first step is to go for the cleaning process, remove any kind of dust or residue that has been build upon the countertop. Any kind of the staining is more effective if the surface is properly cleaned.
- Taping: In this step the user needs to apply the tape to the surrounding areas. In order to avoid making a mess, simply apply tape to cover the surrounding area's and under the countertop as well.
- Prepare The Work Area: Prepare the work area by laying down the cardboard, towels, or any other material it's helpful in case the stain drips over the edge of the concrete countertop.
- Test The Acid Stain For Preferred Color: In order to make sure that color meets the user's preferences test the acid stain on the countertop. The Concrete that is used for countertops is hand mixed and usually uses a grey or white cement. The grey will result in colors normally achieved on the floors and the White will lighten the stain colors. Since the concrete mix used in the countertops is totally different from a concrete truck, so it's best to prepare a sample piece or two for the purpose of color testing when possible.
- Apply The Acid Stain: The user can use the plastic concrete sprayer to spray the concrete stain over the countertop, but here the user needs to make sure that surface area should be properly saturated but not over saturated where the puddles form. The stain can be applied with the brush in a circular motion from side-to-side manner. Mostly the lighter colors will show off the brush marks easily than the darker colors. The best way is to apply a small amount of acid stain in the beginning on the hidden spot like where a carousel or cabinet will sit, to check whether the color meets the needs.
- Let The Stain To Dry: Usually the stain can take 2 to 4 hours to dry and react to concrete. However the longer the stain is allowed to dry, the darker and richer the color it becomes. However, most of the stains take 24 hours to react.
- Washing: After the stain is completely dry its important to wash the countertop to remove all the residue that is created from the acid staining and depends on the color used. Before neutralizing, it is highly advisable to remove and clean the residue using a sponge and water. However it is not important to remove every little bit of the residue, just try to remove as much as possible after that allow the countertop to dry again.
- Neutralize: Use a ammonia or baking soda to neutralize the stain. Make a solution of 6-8 ounces of ammonia for every gallon of water. The user can use a brush or sprayer to apply the solution on the Concrete Countertops. After applying the solution wash the surface with the water a couple of times then allow it to dry.
- Sealer: The last step is to apply the sealer best for concrete, use a paintbrush or roller to apply the sealer, apply like painting the area. It's advisable to apply the waterproof sealer that will prevent liquids from wicking through and causing dark spots.