How to Seal Kemiko Acid-Stained Concrete
A Kemiko acid-stained floor must be properly neutralized, cleaned, dried and sealed. The stain creates the decorative color, while the sealer helps protect the concrete and enhances the finished appearance.
Stain and sealer perform different jobs. Acid stain chemically changes the color of the concrete. Sealer forms the protective finish over the stained surface.
Why Kemiko Acid Stain Needs a Sealer
Kemiko acid stain is translucent and reacts within the surface of the concrete. It is not a protective coating.
Sealing helps protect the completed floor against water penetration, staining and normal use. It also enriches the stain color, making the mottling and variation more visible.
A floor may appear dull or much lighter before sealing. Because the final color changes when a sealer is applied, evaluate test areas using the complete stain-and-sealer system.
Neutralize the Stain First
Do not apply sealer immediately after the stain reaction.
The concrete must first be neutralized and cleaned to remove residue and excess colorant. Kemiko recommends Neutra Clean Neutralizer and Degreaser as part of its acid-staining process.
Continue cleaning and rinsing according to the product instructions. Remaining residue can interfere with the sealer and may cause adhesion or appearance problems.
The surface must then dry completely before sealing.
Choose the Correct Kemiko Sealer
The correct sealer depends on whether the project is indoors or outdoors, the expected traffic, ventilation, desired finish and maintenance plan.
Kemiko offers several sealing and finishing products. Stone Tone Sealer II is a water-based, non-yellowing acrylic sealer intended for interior or exterior use. It is designed to protect Kemiko Stone Tone stained concrete and provides a gloss finish.
Other Kemiko systems may be selected for projects requiring different performance or appearance characteristics.
Read the current product instructions before choosing or applying a sealer. Products should not be mixed or substituted without verifying compatibility.
Follow the Application Requirements
Sealer should be applied only after the concrete is clean, neutralized and dry.
Heavy sealer applications are not necessarily better. Applying too much material can create bubbles, cloudiness, uneven curing or a thick artificial-looking finish.
Follow the specified application rate, equipment requirements, drying conditions and recoating period for the selected product.
Temperature, humidity and ventilation can affect drying. Protect the floor from dust, debris, moisture and foot traffic during application and curing.
Interior Floor Finishes
Interior floors may receive a compatible wax or maintenance finish over the sealer. Kemiko Stone Tone Buff-On Wax is intended to provide additional protection and reduce scuffing and marring on interior surfaces.
The appropriate maintenance finish depends on the sealer and how the room is used.
A maintained finish can absorb everyday wear before it reaches the underlying sealer. This is especially useful in entrances, kitchens, hallways and commercial spaces.
Exterior Protection
Exterior surfaces require a sealer approved for outdoor exposure.
Do not use an interior-only wax as the primary exterior protective finish. Exterior patios and walkways face water, sunlight and changing temperatures that require an appropriate exterior system.
Some sealed concrete can become slippery when wet. The intended use of the surface should be considered when choosing the finish.
Protect the Finished Floor
Avoid placing furniture, rugs or heavy objects on the floor before the sealer has cured as directed.
Use protective pads under furniture. Clean spills promptly and avoid harsh products that may damage the finish.
Inspect the floor periodically. A maintenance coat or sealer renewal should be completed before the protective layer is worn away.
Proper sealing and maintenance preserve the depth, variation and natural stone appearance produced by Kemiko acid stain.