FAQ’s

Below are a few frequently asked questions regarding the products we distribute. If you do not find an answer to your question, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to discuss your project.

There are many reactive stains on the market. Why should I choose Kemiko?
Since 1930, Kemiko products have been utilized by architects, designers and contractors nationwide. Kemiko Concrete Stone Tone Stain produces a very beautiful long lasting colored surface.

As Kemiko is reacting with the lime in the concrete, prominently, other elements such as alkali and calcium are utilized. Thus, creating rich mottling effects and various depths and tones of color. This reactive process elevates Kemiko above the rest.  

Do I acid etch or acid wash before applying Kemiko Stone Tone Concrete Stain?
Do NOT acid etch or acid wash a surface prior to applying Kemiko Stone Tone Concrete Stain. This is a reactive stain that utilizes the lime in concrete. Acid etching the surface depletes the lime, therefore, preventing the stain from working favorably.

Why am I not seeing color after staining the floor with Kemiko Stain?
If you have tested multiple areas on your floor or are having an unfavorable outcome after multiple spray applications most likely the stain is not able to penetrate, or it is unable to react once it soaks in.  To diagnose and remedy the problem see below:

To determine if the stain is unable to penetrate the surface, spray water and if it beads rather than soak in, a light profile of the slab will need to take place. There are multiple ways to accomplish this. The first, is to lightly sand a small area with 100 grit sandpaper to see if this is enough to open the pours to allow the stain to penetrate. Try and do this in an area that is unnoticeable as it will be difficult to blend in if the entire area will not be sanded. Reapply to see if a reaction will occur.

If the stain soaks into the surface, but color is not appearing the concrete mix may have too much fly ash or slag. All of the admixtures, by themselves, may hinder stain from reaching sufficient free lime with which to react and produce an adequate color. The additives tend to create a membrane type barrier near and in the cream of the concrete slab during the troweling process. This will generally produce blotchiness or little to no color. The extent is unknown until the stain has been applied.

Can I spray the surface once full strength?
Kemiko Stone Tone Stain when diluted equal parts stain to water with at least 2 applications will usually produce a color and effect most like the color chart. No two surfaces are the same and many variables come into play that is why we suggest sample testing with different ratios of stain to water. Adding more water will produce a lighter color with more of the concrete tones coming thru. Whereas adding more stain may produce a deeper pigmented color with less variation and mottling.

I am not sure if I should add more stain after two coats. How do I get an idea of what the color will be after I wash the residue?
No exact preview of the final color(s) can be totally achieved; however, we encourage the use of the “water test” during testing and final staining step to obtain the colors nearest to those desired. In an out of the way small area, scrub off the residue with clear water, rag and/or brush.

Can I spray multiple colors on my floor?
Yes, however if you would like the lighter color to show thru do not apply a darker color over it. For example, Vintage Umber is a rich dark pigmented color. It will dominate and will not allow a lighter color to show thru. We would be happy to discuss accent layering techniques with you.

How do I know the stain residue has been cleaned enough for the next step?
Step 3, residue removal, is a critical step to ensure proper adhesion of the protection coat. A surface may need to be cleaned more than once in order to remove the residue thoroughly. One helpful tip is to do a small area at a time and quickly follow with a wet vac. The residue has less chance of drying back down on the floor. If the residue remains on the floor and sealant or wax is applied the protection coat will not have the ability to properly grip or adhere to the concrete surface. It will sit on top of the residue and peel off over time.

To test that the floor is clean enough to seal, wipe your hand over the floor. If you feel grit, clean again. Or, wipe a white towel over the surface and if it is mostly clean then you are ready to seal.