Water-based concrete stain: a win-win
Despite differing views on climate change, most everyone can agree that pollution is a pertinent issue, and everyone can take steps to lessen the damage they inflict on the environment by making more eco-conscious choices. While in the past contractors didn’t have as many choices in quality products to deliver the decorative stained concrete projects their customers requested, now this beautiful technique can be performed with less impact on the environment.
Even though each concrete staining job requires specific planning and unique consideration, water-based stains are a great option for contractors looking to make their decorative concrete staining jobs a little more eco-friendly. Free from the solvents in acid-based stains, water-based stains can deliver the same fabulous results in a less environmentally impactful way.
What are some water-based stain benefits?
Safety: Due to low volatile organic compounds (VOC) content, water-based stains create a safer work environment. Contractors do not have to worry about inhaling harmful VOCs or dealing with an unpleasant acid-related smell. Since people are doing more and more concrete staining work inside, this is exceptionally beneficial.
Selection: Water-based stains have a more vast color selection than their acid-based counterparts. Since they don’t rely on the use of metallic salts like acid-based stains, water-based stains are available in a greater variety of both bright colors and earth tones.
Slower Evaporation Rate: Water based stains have a longer evaporation point so the stain stays on the concrete longer. This allows the color to sink slowly into the concrete making for deeper, more vibrant coloration.
Simpler Clean Up: Water-based stains do not require the stringent neutralizing and clean up that acid-based stains need. Water and residue from acid stain needs to be cleaned up and properly disposed of before the stained concrete can be sealed. Conversely, water-based stain can be sealed immediately after curing. This is especially helpful when performing vertical wall stamping.
Whether looking to meet an environmentally conscious client’s specifications or simply trying to do your part to make your work a little greener, using water-based stains is a great place to start.
Water-based concrete sealers are around too?
And you’ll find plenty of low VOC, water-based sealers to complete your concrete staining projects. Compared to solvent-based sealers, these eco-friendly sealers contain fewer to no fumes. This makes them a great option for the safety of workers in low ventilation indoor projects and also on outside projects where their chemical counterparts could harm landscape installations near the stained concrete.
Finally, water-based sealers generally do not affect the finished color of the stain or concrete like some solvent-based sealers could. They are also available in matte or gloss finishes.
Choosing the right stain while remaining eco-conscious is easy with Redi-Mix Colors! If you’re not seeing what you like, contact us and we’ll help you with any questions or customizations you have!
