One good question to ask right before deciding to have your floor concrete stained is this: does concrete stain fade? While many are raving about the advantages of concrete stains, one thing seems to be overlooked—its consistency. So, really, does concrete stain fade? The answer is yes.
Types of Concrete Staining
Most people like concrete stains because they yield unique, vibrant colors and results. There are two types of concrete stains—the acid and water-based stains.
Water-stain
Water-based stains are non-acid formals that provide more consistent and uniform colors throughout the surface since it is a non-reactive coloring agent. It may look like watercolor, but with the right skills, it can turn out to be amazing and unique with customizable colors.
Acid-stain
Acid staining Tampa is said to be long-lasting compared to the water-based ones since it penetrates the concrete’s particles. These also offer earthy tones that look lovely with the right furniture or landscaping. However, acid stains also have limitations. In general, concrete stains do not last for decades. You will still have to periodically re-apply coats of stain so as to protect its surface.
How do I make my concrete stain last longer?
There are a lot of reasons why concrete stains do not last forever. These include sunlight, dirt, humidity, and other environmental elements that cause colors to fade at a certain period of time. Wear and tear is also a factor. Usually, concrete stains only last up to five years, depending on the location of the concrete and the amount of its exposure to harmful elements. You can set concrete staining Tampa sessions after every five years. It is also advisable to put a sealant to your newly stained floors as the ammonia and water will help neutralize the stain. This way, the stain also gets extra protection from harmful elements.
Floors that are stained (either with acid or dye stain) still require cleaning. Oil, dirt, and grease must always be removed. Often, people use harsh soaps and detergent to clean it. Scrubbing, followed by a pressure washer rinse, is also one of the reasons why concrete stains fade.
Again, does concrete stain fade? Yes, but this should not stop you from choosing concrete stains. You can always find ways on how you can prolong its life anyway so just enjoy choosing the right color and finish you want your floor to have.
We hope our article helped you in choosing a good flooring option for you. If you’re interested in other resurfacing techniques to restore and resurface your concrete, check out our professional flooring services. We also have other topics you may be interested in. Read about the recommended concrete overlays for your pool decks.