Surface must be cured for at least 6 weeks, dry and free from stains and laitance. All visible oil, grease, paints, dirt and other contaminants must be removed prior to application of stain. Surface preparation includes the following methods:

Wash the concrete surface as it must be clean and free of paints, wax, grease, dirt, dry wall mud, and other surface contaminants. Do not acid wash or use heavy alkali cleaners. Kemiko Neutra Clean is an industrial strength, high performance water base sodium metasilicate cleaner for the preparation of bare concrete and coated substrates. Tri sodium phosphate (TSP) is an excellent mild all-purpose cleaner as well. Mix the cleaning agent with the appropriate amount of water and scrub with a low-speed multi-purpose swing arm single disc floor scrubber or a long handled stiff brush. A wet vacuum is the preferred way to lift dirt and water from the surface. After washing, allow the floor to dry completely.

Grind or sand to achieve a surface profile of CSP 3 if the floor surface has existing coatings, hard to remove paints, mastics etc. This product is not intended for application over existing coatings. The concrete should have a slight texture to achieve proper penetration and reaction of the stain with limestone in the concrete. Kemiko Neutra Clean is an excellent industrial cleaner to use after mechanical profiling to ensure dust and debris have been removed.

Liquid paint, urethane and coating stripper would be another option if equipment is difficult to acquire. After contaminants have been lifted and removed thoroughly clean/flush the floor with either Kemiko Neutra Clean or TSP.

Check concrete preparation by applying water over a small area of the concrete surface (especially in areas that had oil and grease stains). If water beads on the surface, additional surface preparation is needed. If the concrete darkens with no water beading on the surface, then the surface is ready to be stained.

It is advisable to protect all walls with tape and paper. Do not allow the stain to touch any wood or metal.

Care should be taken when applying Kemiko Stone Tone Stain. Use safety goggles, rubber gloves and protective clothing. Ensure proper ventilation prior to application of product. In warmer weather, apply stain during the coolest part of the day. Always verify that the color indicated on the container is the same the color ordered. Shake well prior to use. If settling is visible, strain material prior to use. Avoid getting material on unwanted areas including hands and skin.

Dilute the stain with an equal part of water. You may add more water for a lighter more diluted look or full strength for a deeper color. Kemiko Stone Tone Stain is best applied with a low pressure conventional all-plastic pump-up sprayer with cone tip. Randomly spray 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). If a puddle should occur, do not attempt to correct it. As you apply the stain, there may be varying degrees of fizzing. Usually, there will not be a lot of color visible after the first coat. 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 after the first coat.

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.

Once dry, test the depth of color by wetting the surface in several out of the way areas with a wet cloth. If color is not sufficient, apply additional applications of stain.

Once color has been achieved and the surface has completely dried, it is time to remove the residue. Use a long handled, medium stiff, bristle brush or a low-speed multi-purpose swing arm single disc floor scrubber. Scrub with clean water and a neutralizing agent like Kemiko Neutra Clean or baking soda. One tablespoon of baking soda for every 4 gallons of water. Remove the water/residue from the surface with a wet vacuum or squeegee. The rinse water has the capacity to stain; special care must be taken around foliage and any surface which does not require staining. Allow the floor to dry completely.

Use warm water and mild soap to clean tools.

Protection coat will add depth and lustre to stained surfaces. A few options are listed below.

Kemiko Stone Tone Buff On Wax - Solvent Base and Water Based are ideal for interior residential and light commercial projects, such as offices, art galleries and showrooms. Provides a low sheen finish with high protection and durability.

Kemiko Stone Tone Sealer II is a waterborne, water viscosity, single component, superior acrylic polymer product that offers ultra-low VOC. User friendly, stain resistant and cures to a hard resilient finish in clear gloss and satin clear. Stone Tone Sealer II is an excellent replacement product for high VOC lacquers, acrylics and varnishes. Typical applications include residential and commercial concrete floors.

Kemiko Repels Sealer is a 0-VOC, user friendly, waterborne silane/siloxane emulsion for sealing Kemiko Stone Tone Stained floors. Designed to repel water, reduce efflorescence and frost damage. It allows substrate to breathe, contains no solvents, and preserves stained concrete color. Repels Sealer is resistant to UV and high alkalinity exposure. Typical applications include residential and commercial driveways, walkways, pool decks, stamped and stained concrete, as well as horizontal and vertical above grade exterior surfaces requiring additional protection.

Kemiko Clear-A-Thane is a waterborne, water viscosity, single component acrylic urethane polymer that offers low VOC, is very user friendly and formulated to seal concrete and provide resistance against water, alkali, acids, UV light, and staining. Kemiko Clear-A-Thane is available in both clear gloss and stain and forms a non-yellowing interior/exterior protective coating. Typical applications include commercial and residential cement floors, hospitals, showroom floors, schools, shopping malls, patios, walkways and many other surfaces requiring additional protection. Clear-A-Thane exhibits excellent flow and leveling properties and provides uniform clear protective finish for a multitude of surfaces.

Kemiko SS1600 is a quality, abrasion resistant, amine cured, water extended epoxy coating that offers low VOC, has excellent adhesion, low odor, and is designed to be used as a thin resilient primer/finish. Kemiko SS1600 has over 20 years successful case history and is USDA acceptable in food processing facilities and cures overnight. Typical applications include warehouse floors, garages, architectural applications, food and chemical processing facilities, hospitals and other applications requiring a cost-effective surface tolerant general maintenance primer/finish.

Kemiko SS1202 is a self-leveling clear top coat. This 100% solids, low viscosity, 0-VOC, water clear epoxy coating that has excellent chemical resistance. User friendly and cures to a blush free resilient high gloss film. Kemiko SS1202 is USDA acceptable in food processing facilities. Typical applications include those that are subject to continuous foot traffic, showroom and warehouse floors, food and chemical processing facilities, hospitals, kitchens, breweries, laboratories, and many others requiring a high gloss resilient floor finish.

Kemiko SS1202 UVR is also available where surfaces require UV protection.

Kemiko Easy Shine Mop on Wax is a low-VOC, user friendly, waterborne acrylic polymer wax for protecting and maintaining sealed concrete floors. Kemiko Easy Shine is available in a gloss and satin finish. This maintenance wax is applied over properly cured epoxies, polyurethanes, and polyaspartics as well as Kemiko Stone Tone Sealer II. Applications include grocery stores, restaurants, residential floors, and walkways. Kemiko Easy Shine is not meant to be applied over Kemiko Stone Tone Buff on Wax.