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Leener Park Labvrinth Formal Park: Concrete Coloring Summary Concrete Stains Produce a solid, translucent to opaque effect, similar to paint. Able to mimic looks from polished marble to tanned leather. Usually are available in two options: acid -based and water- based. Acid stains: React chemically with hydrated lime (CaOH) in concrete. Once stain reacts, it becomes permanent part of concrete, and won't fade, chip, or peel away. Palette is generally limited to earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue -greens. Water-based: Comes in broader spectrum of standard colors. No chemical reaction occurs, so the color is more consistent. Low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and safer to apply because they are free of solvents and acids. Advantages: • Both can be applied to new or old, plain or integrally colored concrete. • Excellent UV stability and wear resistance. • Used for walkways, patios, and vertical surfaces such as walls. Limitations: • -Enhance, rather than disguise surface. They will not hide blemishes. • Limited palette for acid -based stains. Dyes Dyes are nonreactive. The small particles impart color by penetrating pores of concrete. The particles fill the pores and are hard to remove, making them almost as permanent as stains. Can be water- or solvent -based. Water-based have more marbling and variation (similar look to chemical stain). Solvent -based appear more monotone and uniform. The two can be combined for color effects and variations. Colors can easily be mixed at the jobsite or diluted to obtain a multitude of other shades. Advantages: • Ease of use • Extensive palette • Vibrancy of color (more intense than chemical stains) • Nonreactive • No residue, minimal cleanup • Speed of application Limitations: • Like chemical stains, dyes have some transparency. They will not disguise existing flaws. • Dyes penetrate very fast, leaving little room for error in application. • Not UV stable, may fade when exposed to direct sunlight; some manufacturers recommend for indoor use only.