Acid stain & Nohr-S done! + one final question

[aznof]

Just moved in and finally have time to do a write up. A question though.. some stain residue got on my driveway. It's been almost a month now, what's the best way to clean it? Hosing off and scrubbing got rid of most but still some left... sprinkle on and scrub in tide? borax? vinegar solution?, let sit, scrub some more and then rinse and wet vac?

Briefly, my process:
I scrubbed the garage floor with a stiff broom and scrapped off a bunch of dried mud / construction adhesive, let it dry a couple days, then applied Eagle acid stain. Neutralized it, rinsed it, then after a week touched up with water based stain. Waited one more day before Nohr-S. I've attached some pictures. Sequence is immediate > 4hours > afterRinsing > dried > norhSapplied > nohrS_1day_1 > norhS_1day_2.

While rinsing I was quite concerned because the colour kept coming off. In "afterRinsing" you see a spot where I applied acid stain last - I had to further dilute what I had left and there really wasn't much colour at all (especially since it did not have as much time to react as the rest of the floor, since neutralizing and rinsing was faster than applying). I fixed this and darkened other areas with a darker water based stain.. I think I applied about 4 coats.

I was quite stressed during the process but am happy with the experience and results. Hopefully it lasts!

 

[kram71]

What is your driveway made of? If its concrete I would approach it differently than asphalt or pavers.

 

[aznof]

It is concrete. Thanks.

 

[kram71]

It is concrete. Thanks.

I have some thoughts but instead of me saying them I think first you should contact your stain manufacturer and ask them first how to remove the stain that went on your concrete driveway. They should know what works best.

 

[aznof]

Care to share? Acid stain formulations are pretty similar across brands anyways.

 

[kram71]

Care to share? Acid stain formulations are pretty similar across brands anyways.

Speaking generally some stains are oil based. Some are water based. I'm just speculating so I would definitely contact the stain manufacturer and ask their expert opinion. It only takes a phone call.

If I did not know the manufacturer I would try the least abrasive solution first and work my way up. I'd try degreaser and a wire brush. If that did not work I would try some mineral spirits if your stain is oil based.

On my own concrete I have used degreaser, and diluted chlorine but that has not been oil and mold not for the kind of stain you used. I hesitate to say anything because I really think the key is knowing the product you used.

 

[aznof]

Thanks kram, I gave them a call and Chad told me to treat it as any dirt or sediment since I should have already neutralized the acid. He suggested dish soap and deck brush first, then escalating to using muriatic acid to open up the pores more before deck brushing (or even power washer) if needed.

 

[kram71]

Thanks kram, I gave them a call and Chad told me to treat it as any dirt or sediment since I should have already neutralized the acid. He suggested dish soap and deck brush first, then escalating to using muriatic acid to open up the pores more before deck brushing (or even power washer) if needed.

I'm going to give you my experience but this is not advice.

1. Dawn, Kaboom, and some degreaser stuff they sell at Homedepot is good for oil and dirt but not abrasive. I have also heard of people using Tide powder. I have not used that personally.

2. I have used diluted chlorine which is basically strong bleech on concrete for dirt and mold. I start with 4 to 1 mixture in a sprayer. If not strong enough I go up to 2 to 3 mixture with the rest water.

3. I have also used muriatic acid. If you use muriatic acid please take hand and eye precautions. Also make sure any brush you us is clean because if it has any dirt or color sometimes the muriatic acid can leave that color on the concrete.

If you are going to use soap I would let it penetrate for 15 minutes or so before brushing and power washing.

Good luck! I'm glad you called.