When most people think of concrete, they think about boring, monochromatic pavement on sidewalks and roads—but concrete is much more than just a purely utilitarian building material. In fact, concrete has many aesthetic characteristics that can be used to improve the appearance and value of properties. If you’re planning a project and thinking about how to maximize the aesthetic benefits with help from a concrete contractor in western NY, keep reading to learn about stained concrete and why this concrete option is a great choice for projects.
What is stained concrete?
Stained concrete is a type of concrete that’s treated with pigment and other additives to alter its appearance. Stained concrete can be made in different colors, finishes and textures depending on the desired result.
There are two basic types of concrete stain: acid stains and water-based stains. Acid stains are made of harsh chemicals that react with the compounds in concrete to produce a new color that lightly etches the surface and seeps into the concrete to create neutral color changes. Water-based stains come in a much wider variety of colors and are designed to sink into the concrete to produce vivid colors ranging from subtle to opaque.
Staining existing concrete
A lot of people wonder whether it’s possible to stain concrete that’s already in place. In most cases, the answer is yes, but some types of concrete aren’t as well suited to the staining process, so there can be some variations in the final result. Still, there are certain steps that can be taken to stain existing concrete with a desired color or finish:
- Test the concrete: Before staining, it’s important to make sure the concrete is intact and free of grime and debris on the surface. One of the best ways to check concrete is to pour water on it and watch to see if it seeps in. If it does, that means the concrete is intact. However, if the water beads up, that usually means there’s a waxy buildup on the surface.
- Strip the concrete: The next step in the process is concrete stripping. The type of product used for stripping varies depends on what is on the concrete. If the concrete is sealed, it’s necessary to use a seal stripping product. On the other hand, if your concrete is not sealed, it might be enough to use a strong cleaning product and a sturdy concrete brush to clean the surface.
- Test colors: Before applying a particular staining product on the entire concrete surface, it’s important to start by testing a small patch. This will give you a better idea of how the color will actually look in the end. For the best results, it’s a good idea to work with a concrete contractor in western, NY for staining services.
Contact a concrete contractor today
For concrete staining services from a professional concrete foundation contractor in western, NY, reach out to Bri-Mic Construction, Inc. For over 20 years, our team has been committed to providing our customers with comprehensive concrete services to meet their individual needs. We offer residential and light commercial services, ranging from small additions to full foundation laying. Give us a call today to find out more about our services and get started with a consultation and quote.