About the Instructional Video

Learn how to use chemical acid stain to change boring concrete into a work of art. Join master artisan, Juan M. Romero, as he takes you through various techniques using acid stain to transform concrete surfaces. Get BASIC STEPS, plus TIPS about how to get the best results.

Discover the magic of the chemical acid stain process, and find that there are an infinite number of possible results. Watch plain concrete transform to look like marble. And, see how breakfast cereal and plant leaves can help you create a terrific special effect!

This is a process of applying an acid with color to actually change the appearance of the surface of the concrete.

Ideal for interior smooth surfaces, both commercial and residential. Popularly used in restaurants, car dealer showrooms, shopping malls, hotels and more.

Can be used with successful results in outdoor areas such as pool decks, patios, sidewalks, staircases, etc. Can also be used in combination with various overlay designs for a great effect.


Frequently Asked Questions About Acid Stain

What is acid stain?
A combination of metallic salts in an acidic, water based solution that reacts with the hydrated lime in a concrete substrate or cementitious overlays to yield colored compounds that become permanent color.

How does acid stain work?
The acid opens the top surface of the concrete or overlay and allows the mixture to reach the limestone deposits. A reaction is fueled and a change in color of the material is the result.

What is the result of acid stain on a concrete surface?
It creates a marble like effect. The colors are variegated and mottled.

Can a color be selected from a catalog?
The reaction of a color can be unique on every surface. Many factors can affect the result such as age, consistency of the surface, humidity, light and much more. A color selected can be a guideline, but each application creates a unique artistic result.

Can acid stain be applied to any concrete surface?
New concrete must be cured for at least 28 days, and perhaps longer in extremely humid conditions.
Any concrete substrate or cementitious overlay can be acid stained. The reaction is unique in every type of surface. Proper preparation makes a difference in the results.

How long will acid stain last?
The color reaction is permanent on the surface material it affected. The durability is related to the method of protection (sealers, epoxy, polyurethane, wax, etc) you choose and the maintenance.

Can acid stain be applied to vertical surfaces?
It is most commonly used on floors, but it can also be applied on vertical and any other shape surfaces.

What are some benefits of acid stain on concrete?

The ability to improve or add a durable, artistic effect to a concrete surface
A sustainable alternative that encourages renovation
Can be an inexpensive option to decorative concrete, depending on the number of color applications and designs created.
Can be combined with special effects to create even greater artistic results
An alternative to more traditional decorative concrete

Brief of History of Acid Stain

Man began using acid stain commercially in the early 1900's. The most famous project was the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park in 1927. The architect, Gilbert Stanley Underwood, directed an application of a mixture of chemicals with water to be applied to the concrete floors. Patterns were ground into the floor and the chemicals produced the color. This is a great example of the durability of acid stain since after these many years the colors are still evident there.

About 15 years ago, it was accepted that acid stain did not provide a uniform, solid color finish, but instead by design offers a marble like effect with variances and variegations. The technique grew to have more broad appeal. There are particularly great examples of acid stain in many of the extravagant hotels in Las Vegas. A great example of one of the first large commercial projects is The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace.

Today, this technique has growing popularity in both commercial and residential projects.

Video Duration: Approx. 41 minutes.