How to Apply Concrete Dye

Applying concrete dye is a great way to add color and character to your concrete project.
There are a few essential steps to follow when using concrete dye to ensure the best results.
First, it’s important to mix the dye with the appropriate amount of acetone properly.

Once the dye is mixed, it can be added to the concrete mixer and distributed for about 15 minutes at maximum mixing speed or 130 mixer revolutions.

After mixing the dye, the concrete can be poured into the desired forms. Following these steps can achieve vibrant and long-lasting colors for your concrete project.

Concrete dyes and stains have made all this possible.
However, you should note that dyeing concrete floors is pretty different from staining them.
With dye application, no chemical processes are involved.
Dyes are available as dry pigments or in liquid form.
Applying paint on concrete floors is a simple process you can do independently.
Here is how to go about it.

Choosing Your Concrete Dye Surface

First, you should have an unfinished concrete surface.
Any finish on your concrete surface, be it paint, dyes, or sealants, should be removed through grinding.
This allows the stain to penetrate the pores of the concrete and stick to it.

If you are working with newly poured concrete, then you don’t have to do any form of grinding.
The surface is ready as it is.
If you are not sure about the type of finish on your floor, you should do a water test.

If it beads on the floor, you need to do some form of grinding.
You can rent a grinder for as low as $100 from your local home improvement store.

Concrete Floor With Dye

Cleaning The Floor

If you want the dye to penetrate, adhere to the concrete surface, and produce the best results, you should ensure your floor is sparkling clean.

You can use hot water mixed with laundry detergents to mop the floor.
Proceed to scrub them using a scrub brush. The cleaning method used depends on various factors.

For example, if you have pets in your house, you should use laundry detergent pods since they are pet-friendly.
Be very cautious when using strong chemical cleaners.

Although they do a perfect cleaning job, they might damage the concrete, clothes, baseboards, and skin.

Ensure you follow the directions as specified by the manufacturer. When your floors are clean, they should not have any noticeable dirt or dust.

Etching the Floor

Acquisition of Materials: Begin by obtaining a suitable etching acid.
The most common type used is muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid).
The exact quantity depends on the strength of the acid and the surface area to be covered.
Other suitable alternatives include phosphoric acid and sulfamic acid, a safer choice for beginners.
Clearing the Concrete Surface: Ensure the etched area is free of furniture, vehicles, or other obstructions. Sweep the area to remove dust, dirt, or grime, which could interfere with the etching process.
Degreasing: If the concrete area contains oil or grease stains (for example, in garages or driveways), use a commercial degreasing product or ordinary laundry detergent to remove them, as etching acids cannot penetrate oily substances.
Moistening the Area: Use a hose with a sprayer attachment to evenly wet the concrete surface, leaving no standing water. Any adjacent surfaces should also be dampened to minimize the chance of acidic contact.
Mixing Acid: Mix water and acid in a three or 4:1 ratio in a plastic bucket (acid can erode metal containers).
Remember to always add acid to the water, not the other way around, to avoid dangerous splashes.
Safety measures such as wearing long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and a face mask (if necessary) should be observed at this stage.
Testing Mixture: Before applying the mixture to the floor, test it on a smaller, less critical concrete area.
The acid mixture should bubble and react upon application. If this does not occur, the mixture may need more acid.

7. Applying Acid: A sprayer or watering can evenly distribute the acid mixture across the floor.
After spraying, a squeegee or floor machine can distribute the acid further and ensure uniform coverage.
The floor must stay wet throughout the etching process, and the acid should not dry on the floor.
Wait for Reaction: Once the acid is evenly applied, wait for the floor to stop bubbling, which typically takes 2-15 minutes.
The acid reacts with the concrete, creating small, porous holes that make the concrete more receptive to the intended dye or sealant.
Areas, where the acid isn’t reacting might have unnoticed grease or sealant, requiring mechanical solutions like a grinder for complete etching.
Neutralizing the Surface: Follow the instructions on the acid’s label to neutralize the surface after the reaction. This typically involves using a specific product [1].

After these steps, the concrete floor is etched correctly and ready for the application of concrete dye.

Please note that these instructions may need to be slightly adjusted depending on the specific conditions of the concrete floor and the products being used.

Always ensure you are following safety guidelines when working with acid.

Dying Floors

You will mix the concrete dye-like paint depending on your color preferences.
You can also use two different color dyes to achieve an exciting look.

After applying the dye, wait at least 2 hours before applying the second coat.

However, if your home is humid, the dye might not dry within those two hours, and you might have to wait for a more extended period.
You can even wait until the following day.
Then, when the floor is dry enough, apply the second coat, just as you used the first one.

Applying to The Sealer

After applying the second coat, you should wait at least 24 hours or longer to allow complete drying before applying the sealer.
Then, use a low-luster sealer and apply it in thin coats.
This is done using paint rollers. The sealer appears milky.
However, it seems clear when completely dry.

Wait for at least 4 hours before applying the second sealer coat.
You should use at least four coats for excellent protection and luster.
Ensure your room is adequately ventilated since the sealer has a strong smell.
Leave the doors and windows and ensure the ceiling fan runs for adequate ventilation.

Final Word

As you can see, dyeing concrete is straightforward but taxing.
You don’t need any specific skills.
It would be best if you were patient to allow every coat to dry before moving on to the next step.
Work can also be disruptive to your daily routine.
Therefore, plan the work accordingly.
The results were gratifying.