Kemiko of the Carolinas

Here are a few tips to help with the installation of Kemiko Stone Tone Stain products on your next decorative concrete project.

It is always recommended that a small out-of-the-way section of your concrete 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 six (6) weeks. The optimum time to stain in a new home is after all construction (taping, bedding, texturing, and painting) is completed and just prior to the base boards being affixed. A Tip from Kemiko of the Carolinas

We recommend that you protect your new concrete 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 concrete slab will be the finished 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 concrete slab is poured, and we suggest that the scoring groove be no deeper than 1/8 inch. Deeper grooves will collect dirt.

Wash the concrete surface as it must be clean and free of paints, wax, grease, dirt, and other surface contaminants. Do not acid wash the concrete slab or use heavy alkali cleaners.

Tri sodium phosphate (TSP) is an excellent mild all purpose cleaner (available at hardware or janitorial supply stores) and when mixed with water, can be used to clean the concrete slab by scrubbing with a long handled stiff brush and then wet vacuumed (preferred) or mopped (several moppings may be necessary) to remove all dirt. After washing, allow the floor to dry completely.

Generally, you will mix equal parts A Tip from Kemiko of the Carolinas

acid 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: 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 add equal parts acid 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. A Tip from Kemiko of the Carolinas

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 acid stain, there may be varying degrees of fizzing and there will not be a lot of color. Let the floor dry completely.

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

Kemiko Stone Tone Wax is best applied with a heavy floor machine and three attachments, a stiff natural bristle brush (most critical), a medium bristle brush and a buffing pad. To begin, spread a smooth light coating of Kemiko Stone Tone Wax out from the walls (2-3 inches) and in the corners out to the radius of the floor machine attachment. Put on no more than 1/4 of wax on 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).

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 the 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 pad.

If you have chosen to use Kemiko Perfectly Clear Sealer instead of Kemiko Wax, it is generally best applied by an airless sprayer. Two coats of sealer will almost always be necessary and sometimes a third with at least 6 to 8 hours of drying time between coats.

Should you have questions regarding the application of Kemiko products, we encourage you to call us at (800) 713-6774 and discuss them with us. Or you can E-Mail Kemiko of the Carolinas at info@kemikocarolinas.com.

CAUTION

Our products contain ACID

Always use safety goggles, rubber gloves and rubber apron.

Installation Instructions