Acid stain alternative after muratic acid etch?

[terryp]

I have a garge floor that has been spot cleaned with muratic acid.

I would like to stain the concrete, but all the products that I can find highly recommend to not be used after muratic acid because the muratic acid removes the same minerals required for the stains to work.

I have a 700 sqft garage that I would like to do something to the concrete and then seal with a product such as AcrilSeal 3501. I thought about epoxy, but it is a little more than my budget can handle right now. In addition, I have a few small cracks and some fairly significant stress relief cuts in the floor that I would want to level out if I was going to spend the money on epoxy (and at that point I am into a fairly expensive and time intensive project)

Anyone have any ideas of a product that can produce an attractive, pref. variegated surface in such a situation (that remains reasonably affordable and is appropriate for a garage after being sealed)?

 

[TONE]

How does the concrete look when wet?

Im getting at what about just putting some clear on it?

A nice, polished, natural look is sweet if ya ask me.

 

[AlphaGarage]

There is a non-acidic, water based stain that might work for you. I've seen samples, and they looked great, but haven't had a chance to try it out firsthand, so I can't vouch for it, although we have some samples being sent to us.

It's called "Sim Stain" and you'll find more info at www.simstain.com.

Our AcryliSeal 3501 is compatible with water based products and should work well with Sim Stain.

 

[sky1]

Alphagarage,

I'd like to hear about your testing experience with SimStain.

The only first hand non-commercial experience I've found is post #4 in this thread:

http://forum.doityourself.com/bricks-masonry-asphalt-concrete/359599-concrete-stain-third-try.html

 

[AlphaGarage]

Alphagarage,

I'd like to hear about your testing experience with SimStain.

The only first hand non-commercial experience I've found is post #4 in this thread:

http://forum.doityourself.com/bricks-masonry-asphalt-concrete/359599-concrete-stain-third-try.html

Interesting review. I think the key may be to use a good sealer to lock it down. Need to call them and find out where that sample is...

 

[sky1]

Alphagarage,

Since the original topic of this thread is about alternatives to acid staining:

- What can you tell me about tinting Wolverine's epoxy to get an acid stain-like color?

- What kind of tinting products are ok to mix in epoxy?

- What percentage would be too much tinting (compromising the bonding properties)?

- Would tinting the epoxy affect the bonding properties at all?

 

[CreteCoater]

I use MEK based dyes when an acid stain isn't an option with good results. If your looking to tint your own epoxy, goto Sherwin Williams and ask for 844 tint. You can make it opaque or translucent depending on how much tint you add. It doesn't take much.

 

[CreteCoater]

We also use powdered metallic pigments to make epoxy look like an acid stain, unfortunately these ones in particular aren't available to the general public. I do, however, travel to install them. This one in particular was installed by a contractor in Ohio.