We typically specify Conformal by Chemprobe for vertical concrete staining - does any one have any suggestions for comparable products? This would be for new concrete applications.
I specify L.M. Scofield Co., Lithichrome Chemstains. Web Site http://www.scofield.com.
David, I also specify Chemstain, but it is only warranteed for horizontal applications - we just received a recommendation on CanyonTone Stain - anyone have any expreience with them?
What?! I have never heard or read of Chemstain being only warranted for horizontal applications.
Yes I have also specified Canyon Tone and Davis Colors.
I’ve used Canyon Tone for YEARS (decades really). Its a heavy bodied stain, and we used to use it to even out the color of cast in place concrete – it makes concrete look more like concrete, somehow. If you want something more transparent, have them do some samples for you, because the Canyon Tones can get real opaque really fast..
Sherwinn Williams sells H & C Concrete stain, styrene acrylic, provides an opaque finish and is much less expensive than acid reactive stains such as Lithochrome’s Chemstain. Tintable to a limited degree. Lithochrome is more ‘artsy’, brings out the natural variations much like wood stain, H & C more suited to producing a more even appearance
A related question, on mortar and concrete brick: Can anyone recommend a way to change the appearance of existing concrete “Roman” brick and mortar joints from greenish-gray to a light, warm, neutral buff color? Is it necessary (or possible) to bleach these? I’d prefer not to end up with an opaque “painted” look. Thank you!
The most reliable way I know of is not cheap–cut out the joints and repoint with mortar the color you want.
Designers in our office occasionally ask me to specify stained concrete. I typically base the spec on Lithochrome Chemstain. But I am always concerned about the short-term and long-term potential for corrosion by the acid.
If the contractor stains the concrete early in the construction process, the stained slab would likely be messed up when the work is finished. If the contractor waits until near the end of the construction process, it seems like it would be hard to thoroughly rinse out all the acid from around the walls, door frames, etc.
One designer wanted the concrete in steel pan stairs stained. I didnt want to have anything to do with that idea.
Am I being overly cautious and timid?
The typical con’s associated with stained concrete, ie, damage during the construction phase, uneven or non-uniform reactions to the different pours, traffic wear patterns, chipping caused by high-impacts, spoty or non-maintenance, etc. can be eliminated by going to an integral colored concrete. I have been led to believe that the cost is not out of line compared to the cost of concrete staining and doesn’t have the call-back and maintenance problems.