No longer does a basement or garage floor need to look dull, drab and dirty. Dying concrete floors has increased over the last ten years with bright colors, eye-catching aesthetics, and new textures. Concrete water based dye in Texas is easy to apply. They are free of volatile organic compounds that pose no health hazard. Some concrete paints and stains produce harmful gases to inhale.
There are a variety of ways to apply concrete water based dyes in Texas. The application method depends on the square footage, job site limitations, and the desired final appearance. Three ways to apply concrete dye include using a high-volume low-pressure sprayer, rolling it on or using a brush.
Surface Protection and Maintenance
Is the existing floor dyed, stained or painted? Without testing, the concrete dye may not adhere to the concrete surface. Pour some water on the surface. If it beads, it’s a sealed surface or it the water slowly fades into the concrete, it’s an unsealed floor. Remove the existing sealant coating and clean any concrete contaminants before the dye application. Should dirt or other contaminants mix with the dye, it can present a distorted color and show uneven surfaces.
Before applying dye to the concrete surface, it is essential to determine the concrete surface age and surface porosity and density. An unsuitable surface won’t provide proper adhesion and necessary penetration and color expected color intensity. Scrub the floor with water and a commercial cleaning product. Do not use muriatic acid. It will alter the concrete floor composition and change the finished floor’s appearance. Touch the floor after cleaning it and if nothing appears on a fingertip, the floor is dry and ready for the dye and sealant.
To maintain a dyed floor’s brilliance and luster, a finish coat sealant will protect it from foot traffic, equipment damage and material decomposition. Some experts recommend a floor wax application atop the sealant. Unprotected floor sealants break down quicker, exposing the finished dye application to scratches, worn out spots and chemical pollutants.
Concrete water based dye in Texas will last for years. Protect baseboards, walls, doors and non-dyed areas from dye seepage and overapplication. The concrete dye will stain if not wiped off immediately. Use a commercial-grade painter’s protective tape for protection.
When the concrete area is dry and free of dust and grime, a cleaner & etcher solution will expand the concrete pores. This allows the dye to absorb better into the concrete and enhance the finished appearance. Mopping the cleaner & etcher solution works fine, but scrubbing the solution drives it further into the concrete pores. The solution takes one to two hours to dry before the dye application.
Mix and pour the dye into a paint tray for a roller application. Just like painting a wall, place the roller into the tray, and coat it with dye. Apply the dye onto the floor in a circular motion. A back-and-forth motion will produce streaking and an unwanted finished appearance. A spray application provides a more uniform dye distribution. The sprayer moves in a semi-circular motion, producing a spectacular, dynamic look.
Wait two hours after the initial coating, then apply a second concrete dye coat. If the room has high humidity, wait at least 24 hours before a second coat application. 24 hours after the second coat has dried, apply a sealant. Apply the sealant in a semicircular motion, like the first and second coats. After 24 hours, when the second coat dries, apply the sealant. For the concrete to dry fully, wait 72 hours before walking on it.
