Application Tips

NOTE: Before applying this product, verify that the color indicated on the container is the same as the color ordered from Kemiko Concrete Products. Kemiko Concrete Products Expressly disclaims any damages resulting from the application of an inappropriate color of stain.

CAUTION: CONTAINS ACID. Use in a well ventilated area.

May use safety goggles, rubber gloves and rubber apron. Whenever exposure to vapor/mist is likely, unless levels are below applicable limits, wear a properly fitted NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.

It is always recommended that a small out-of-the-way section of your project be tested to see if the desired reaction occurs. If it does not, you probably have surface contaminants on your slab.

A new concrete slab must have cured for 28 days. The optimum time to stain in a new home is after the sheetrock has been installed and just prior to the base boards being affixed. We recommend that you protect your new slab during the construction phase with plastic, paper, cardboard, plywood, or sheet rock covering as the initial cleaning step will be much easier. All laborers should be advised that the slab will be the finished floor.  Do not tape to floor.

If scoring is desired, giving the impression of stone or tiles, we suggest that it be done within three to four days after the slab is poured, and we suggest that the scoring groove be no deeper than 1/8 inch. Deeper grooves will collect dirt. Scoring can also be done on older slabs.

STEP ONE- WASH ***DO NOT ACID WASH BEFORE APPLYING KEMIKO STAIN***

Clean with Neutra Clean or Super Blue available at The Stain Store.   Clean the slab by scrubbing with a long handled stiff brush and then wet vacuum (preferred) or mop (several mopping’s may be necessary) to remove all dirt. ****

STEP TWO – STAIN (First Application)

To prevent Acid Burn pre-wet the concrete prior to staining. This involves making the surface damp prior to stain application. The damp surface will slightly dilute the initial reaction and eliminate surface acid burn.

Generally, you will mix equal parts stain with equal parts water (50%-50%). You can apply the mixture with a brush, mop or sponge, however, we suggest that you consider using an all-plastic garden (insecticide) pump-up sprayer (no metal parts) as you can control volume much easier and remember that (VOLUME EQUALS DEPTH OF COLOR).

Make sure all container lids are tight and shake vigorously before using. Put the water in the spray container, then all equal parts stain. Close the lid, pump up the pressure and begin randomly spraying the mixture on the floor by holding the nozzle of the wand approximately 18 inches from the floor.

Try to avoid precise back and forth motions. You should apply the mixture leaving ‘full moisture, short of puddles’. Try not to leave puddles as puddle edges hold more moisture (Volume equals depth of color). As you apply the stain, there maybe varying degrees of fizzing and there will not be a lot of color. Let the floor dry completely.

Drying time will depend on porosity, temperature, humidity and volume, but it generally takes several hours. Do not walk on the floor while it is wet or damp. Do not remove the residue that is left from the chemical reaction.

(Second Application)

Using the same procedure as mentioned above, apply the second application. Again allow the floor to dry completely. You will notice darker tones of color appearing at this time.

STEP THREE – WASH (3 to 4 washing may be necessary)

After the floor has completely dried, scrub off the residue with a long handled medium stiff bristle brush and neutralize with Neutra Clean in the water. Remove the water/residue mixture from the floor by mop, squeegee or (preferably) a wet vacuum. Allow the floor to dry completely.

(Don’t panic – floor will be “rusty” when dry – until you wax or seal)

STEP FOUR – SEAL

H Seal 25/30 Sealer

*****Caution all solvent base sealers are flammable*****

After the floor has dried, put the H Seal 25/30 in a paint pan or large bucket. Use the Adhesive Applicator (roller cover – available at The Stain Store). (Do not put the sealer on in direct hot sun or excessive temperature – as it will set up while you are rolling on.) To apply: Dip roller in sealer, roll a thin coat out and then cross roll – make sure you do thin coats. You can do 1 – 2 or more coats. Let dry completely between coats. Do not walk on until completely dry. You can walk on after completely dry – dry time varies with temperature and also with humidity. Let cure for 24 – 36 hours before you move furniture or anything heavy on it.

STEP FIVE – WAX (1 Gallon will cover 1,000 sq. ft.)

After the sealer has dried, put the Easy Shine/EZ Glow Wax on with a sponge mop. Put on straight (undiluted) the first time. Apply thin coats, you can apply 1 – 2 coats.

Keep any left over wax and when you damp mop every few weeks or when the floor gets scuffed, put 1 cup in 2 gallons of water and mop the floor, this will take out any shoe scuffs, marks etc. You can maintain your floor with this wax by doing this every so often.

IF YOU USE THE KEMIKO PRODUCTS:

KEMIKO WAX OR SEAL

Kemiko Wax is best applied with a heavy floor polishing machine (slow speed (175 RPM) and three attachments, a stiff natural bristly brush (most critical), a medium bristle brush and a buffing pad.

To begin, spread a smooth light coating of was out from the walls (2-3 inches) and in the corners out to the radius of the floor machine attachment. Put on no more that ¼ cup of was of the floor in the center of the first 3 to 4 foot square. It will appear wet and dull. Immediately work the wax by spreading and burning it in with the natural stiff bristle

attachment (this may take 4 –5 minutes – till dull). Move to the next 3-4 foot quadrant and repeat the step only after the wax in the preceding area has turned to a slight glare and wax

ridges have disappeared. Mineral spirits will soften any ridges or excess wax allowing it to be spread and worked in.

When you have completed the application phase, change to the medium bristle brush attachment and buff the entire floor including your original hand waxed areas. After buffing, if greater protection is desired, repeat the first phase applying a thin second coat. Then rebuff. If a slightly higher sheen is desired, buff with the soft buffing pad.

If you have chosen to use Kemiko Sealers instead of Kemiko Wax, they are generally best applied by an ***airless sprayer. Two coats of sealer will almost be necessary and additional coats may be necessary on porous surfaces. Drying time between coats may vary depending on which sealer is being applied (usually 2-3 hours)

***** NOT A PUMP UP SPRAYER*****

ATTN: CONTRACTORS

FLOOR MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES WITH CARDBOARD PLACED UNDER LADDERS, TOOLS, PAINTS, ETC….

DO NOT PUT TAPE DIRECTLY ONTO FLOOR. IF TAPE ADHERES TO FLOOR IT MUST BE REMOVED WITH HEAT GUN OR BLOW DRYER.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP ANY SPILLS OR RESIDUES WITH ANY CHEMICALS. FLOORING CONTRACTOR WILL CONSULT ON ANY SPILLS OR CLEAN UPS NECESSARY DIRECTLY WITH MANUFACTURER OF SEALANT.

IF CORRIGATED PAPER IS USED THE CORRIGATED SIDE MUST BE FACING UP. DO NOT USE DROP CLOTH DIRECTLY ON FLOOR.