Acid Stain Wont Take

[SciDad]

I recently acid stained my patio concrete with a Valspar acid stain. Although I had never performed the task, I did do plenty of research into how to and what to do. The only thing I was not ready for was what the slab should look like right after staining. I called the manufacturer, because after neutralizing the acid my concrete appeared orange. I did not know it was supposed to look that way and would turn brown after applying a sealant. Well I called the manufacturer and they told me to wash again with the baking soda and water solution another 3-4 times to remove unwanted color. I noticed that some of the stain came off due to vigorous scrubbing with stiff bristle broom and don't know what to do now, because I have spot treated the areas where the stain has come off and the stain will not take. I have attached a pic for reference. This is not the only area that was affected, there are other small areas around the slab that make it an eyesore. Any suggestions?

What sealer do you all recommend? I live in the Southwest desert area with lots of heat during the summer (above 100 F many days) and chilly (40 F) to cold nights (12-15 F) in the winter.

I appreciate the help. Thank you!

 

[zchrisz]

i'm not an acid stain expert, but i just acid stained my patio and most likely your stain came off due to excess scrubbing, when you neutralize it it's not really 'final' till it dries.

you'll always see that spot even if you re-acid stain it..

sorry for the bad news

 

[JakeKohl]

Call it a "feature".

 

[Shea]

Acid stain reacts with the free lime that is present in the surface of your concrete. The amount of lime present varies over the surface of your slab. This is why acid staining does not give an even colored look and is more known for providing a natural looking almost translucent appearance that can be mottled, marbled, or highlight imperfections in the concrete. It's also why you don't want to acid etch before staining or do only light sanding.

All of your scrubbing and neutralizing may have cleaned up areas where the stain did not take as well due to not as much lime being present in the area. You can try touching up the areas again and let the stain sit at least overnight to penetrate and possibly find some lime to react with. Cover it with plastic so that it doesn't completely dry up. It may darken up a bit but there is no guarantee. Applying a sealer will help to blend the transition between light and dark a little better.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Acid stained concrete looks like a mess or dull until sealed.
Sealer makes it pop!

Yes, the over-scrubbing removed the stain. Use a solvent based acrylic sealer used for exterior work.

 

[SciDad]

Thanks everyone for your input...greatly appreciate it. I wish the representative had not told me to scrub it more, because now I have this mess. Is there any way I can paint the affected areas with a semi-transparent paint or dye for concrete and then seal it?

Shea --- I'll give it a shot and re-apply some acid stain and then cover with plastic and see how it turns out. Thanks!

 

[bigbadktm]

What you need to find is a water based stain that is very close in color. I have done this dozens of times. Semi-transparent of course and dilute it. Add a little at a time to the light area and then faux it into the area that took the stain. If it were interior, I would tell you to use an acetone dye and a small preval sprayer. Those little guys are job savers. Get the area wet and that will tell you what it will look like sealed. Acrylic lacquer works great outdoor, and don't forget your nonskid.