Decorative Concrete Finishes

Kemiko Stone Tone Acid Stain

Permanent color for interior and exterior concrete with natural variation and a rich stone-like appearance.

Unlike paint, Kemiko Stone Tone Acid Stain reacts with the concrete itself to create lasting decorative color with unique character, economical value, and easy maintenance.

Kemiko Stone Tone Acid Stain

Kemiko Stone Tone Acid Stain is a permanent coloring system for interior and exterior concrete. Instead of covering the surface like paint, it reacts with the concrete to create natural color variation and a decorative stone-like appearance. Kemiko presents the system as durable, long-lasting, economical, and easy to maintain.

Where It Can Be Used

Kemiko stained concrete is used on a wide range of residential and commercial projects, including interior floors and exterior concrete surfaces. The system is presented throughout the site for decorative concrete applications in both indoor and outdoor settings.

System Components

  • Concrete Floor Stain
  • Floor Wax
  • Concrete Floor Sealer
  • Polyurethane Coating
  • Epoxy Coating

Product Features

  • permanent color
  • natural variation
  • a stone- or marble-like look
  • long-lasting durability
  • economical decorative value
  • easy maintenance

Color Selection

Standard colors are shown on the Kemiko Color Chart. Final color should always be confirmed with a jobsite test area, since concrete composition and site conditions can affect the finished result.

Finish Systems

Most projects follow the same path through preparation, staining, and residue removal. The final system is then chosen based on where the concrete is located and the appearance needed.

Interior Systems

Common interior finish paths include:

  • Rich Luster: Buff-On Wax
  • Glossy: Stone Tone Sealer II + Easy Shine Wax
  • Matte or Satin: Stone Tone Sealer II + Easy Shine Wax
  • Commercial: Sta-Crete Epoxy

Easy Shine Wax can help reduce scratching on sealed interior floors, but it should not be used over Buff-On Wax.

Exterior Systems

Common exterior finish paths include:

  • Natural: Repels
  • Glossy: Stone Tone Sealer II
  • Matte or Satin: Stone Tone Sealer II
  • Commercial: Sta-Crete Urethane

Repels is described as a 0-VOC silane/siloxane emulsion for exterior concrete and cementitious surfaces.

Basic Installation Summary

This page is intended as a specification overview rather than a full application guide. In general, the process is:

  1. Allow new concrete to cure.
  2. Prepare the surface so it is clean and free of contaminants.
  3. Apply the stain.
  4. Remove the residue.
  5. Apply the selected protection coat.

New concrete should cure for 4 to 6 weeks before staining and that the surface should not be acid washed before application.

Protection Products

Buff-On Wax

Kemiko Wax is  a product for porous interior surfaces, including new and old concrete, tile, flagstone, and unsealed wood not affected by mineral spirits. Kemiko says it enhances depth of color, adds protection, and helps resist water and dirt. Coverage is listed at about 300 to 400 square feet per gallon, depending on porosity.

Stone Tone Sealer II

Stone Tone Sealer II is  a 30% solids water-based acrylic urethane sealer for interior and exterior use. Kemiko says it is non-yellowing, resistant to blush, and intended to provide a durable clear coating with a natural satin finish. Coverage is listed at about 250 to 300 square feet per gallon, depending on porosity.

Easy Shine Mop-On Wax

Easy Shine Wax is  a water-based acrylic polymer floor finish designed to protect Kemiko and Sta-Crete sealers and help reduce scratching. Kemiko recommends at least two coats. Coverage is listed at about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet per gallon per coat.

Repels

Repels is  a 0-VOC silane/siloxane emulsion designed to repel water, reduce efflorescence, allow the surface to breathe, and resist UV and high-alkalinity exposure.

Sta-Crete Epoxy

 Sta-Crete 1600 Epoxy is a two-part sealer with self-leveling qualities and extended pot life for properly prepared interior concrete. Coverage is listed at about 350 square feet per gallon per coat. The site also lists Sta-Crete 3700 as a durable, high-gloss, water-extended epoxy coating.

Equipment Overview

  • All-plastic pump-up sprayer for stain
  • Slow-speed floor machine for wax application
  • Natural and medium bristle brush attachments
  • White buffing pad or Tampico brush for higher shine
  • Airless sprayer or professional pump-up sprayer for sealer

Maintenance

Kemiko recommends routine cleaning with a damp mop and water, or a very mild detergent if needed. Heavy cleaners such as ammonia or bleach are not recommended.  Felt pads under movable furniture are also recommended,

Download Specifications

Click Here to Download Specifications (PDF and Word Docs)

Specifier Notes

Architectural specifications are written in CSI 3-Part Format and should be reviewed and edited by the design professional to fit the project, related sections, drawings, and local code requirements.