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sealer over acid stained concrete

chadwick02

Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2017
Messages
11
Location
Amherst Ma
Thought I had this all figured out, did a test patch (under stairs, wont be visible) and I'm not thrilled. Back to the drawing board?

I'm trying to achieve a nice leathery-brown marbled floor (see first picture attached). Love the high gloss wet look, however I'm leery about that high gloss finish wearing away fairly quickly (quicker than a permeable sealer would?), especially with acrylic top coats. Hobby work and project garage with vehicle storage, in the northeast so salt is used (sparingly on our roads it seems...). Right now the garage is completely empty, now is the time - I'd like to do it once and do it right.

I decided on direct colors acid stain - I really like the unique and interesting results an acid stain (should, typically) produce. After doing tons of research I thought I had decided on ghostsheild as a protectant, most likely 8510 but also wanted to try a little bit of their 5505 for fun.

I did my sample, need to perfect my acid stain process a bit but I think I've got that under control now - put 8510 over half and 5505 over the other half of the sample patch. I thought 8510 was going to be the answer. But it doesnt deepen the stain colors at all, it just looks BLAH (which I knew... but just didnt comprehend how it would effect the final product). I really like the way the floor looks with the 5505, that wet deep color glossy look - but its my understanding that 5505 is an acrylic coating and it sounds like it wont hold up well to our uses (??).
I set an empty grill propane 20 pound grill tank on the test surface, dragged it a bit, and there was noticeable scratching/discoloring.

So, what do i do?
8510 with a wax over it to help deepen the color?
5505 and baby the floor hope it'll hold up well? If its not going to hold up I dont want to bother.
Or investigate other options: How about some of these Polyuria or polyspartic? Not sure why I didnt focus on these to begin with?

VOC's and cure time are not important, want to do it right. And while cost is always important, I'd rather pay more now and do it right.

Help!!

Thanks - really overwhelmed with all the different options.
Chad
 

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Shea

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Joined
Sep 19, 2012
Messages
2,866
Location
California
When ever you use a penetrating sealer on a stain (GhostShield 8510) the outcome is going to be blah. Penetrating sealers are not film forming. That is why when you put them on bare concrete it does little to the appearance. Same with a stain - it does little with the appearance.

Yes, an acrylic for your situation is not going to serve you well. A polyurea or polyaspartic clear coat is what you want. It's a night and day difference in protection and it will stand up to your winters. Unless your concrete is unusually hard, the acid in the stain will open up the pores and prep the concrete for such a coating. Most polyurea and polyaspartics are water clear and glossy. Some more than others.
 

Manganos

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 12, 2013
Messages
123
Location
Virginia
I used legacy industrial delta dye and sec sealer and it looks wet all the time. I love it.


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Armorpoxy

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Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
3,735
Location
NJ
We have had great results like you want over stain with our water based clear epoxy and topcoat.
 
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