170 Meetinghouse Rd Manchester PA 17345
717-266-5000
Instructions on How to Use
Please read before getting started!
There are several methods of applying and completing a stain project, and this is by no means the only way to complete the task. This is the method we prefer and use for most applications.
How The Staining Process Works
Brick Stain for Homes stain is water-based liquid bearing minerals, potassium silicate and binding agents. The stain mixes with the substrate (brick, block, stone, cement, etc.) to force a chemical reaction, which changes the color of the surface, similar to a forced bond. You can also highlight and protect with a water-based sealer.
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is one of the most important steps of the staining process. The brick or masonry surface must be free of debris, dirt and oils. Using an organic degreaser (such as DCI Orange, Simple Green, etc) at a medium concentration, scrub the surface thoroughly with a nylon brush and rinse with clear water. For an interior project where water run off is not available, you may use a shop vacuum and mops or squeegees to contain the water and aid in drying. Be sure all soap and cleanser residue is removed from surface before staining. The surface must be adequately dried. Our stain will not work on marble or non porous products.
- Pour Brick Stain for Homes Masonry Stain or Mortar Stain into an adequate size bucket or container.
- Mix the stain extremely well and get all the pigment off the bottom!!
- The stain will darken slightly when dry. Let dry for 24 hours.
- For sample pack users: First try on a small area until you pick your color.
- Keep a wet cotton cloth close by in case you get stain on unwanted areas like the mortar. You can rub it off while the stain is wet. Do it quickly or it will be very difficult to get out.
- Be certain the washed area is dry before restaining!
Applying the Stain
The appearance of the finished product is very much influenced by the manner in which the stain is applied. The stain can be sprayed, mopped, brushed, rubbed, etc. We prefer to brush the stain on using a brush with even strokes. For the average brick, use a good 2” brush. Try to avoid using short stokes. Use the stain on the brush through the entire stroke. Example: When staining a brick, stroke each brick from one side to the other without lifting up the brush to achieve the best results. You can also dilute the stain with water and put on a second coat to give the brick, mortar, stucco, cement, block and stone a textured look.
When the stain dries, brush another coat on top of the first coat to eliminate any brush strokes in the stain, unless the strokes are desired in the finish. Brushed stain applies darker and more evenly. You can also dilute the stain with water and put on a second or third coat to give the brick/mortar a textured look.
For a more diffuse look, you may wish to spray the stain onto the surface without brushing. Every brick, block, stone or slab of concrete is different, and staining is an artistic process, so when available, do small test patches on the surface in corners or areas that are unobtrusive. Make certain each coat is dry before applying another coat.
Hints:
Our stain can be slightly cut with water to lower the ratio of minerals, thus making the color lighter in shade. The best option is to test patch the surface using straight stain and stain cut one or two parts water to one part stain. If the water content is too high, the binding agents won't facilitate the chemical reaction required to make the color. This can be corrected by raising the content of stain. Some colors vary more by adding water content and many factors determine how dark the stain will be, such as age of concrete, cement or any masonry content and weathering. This is another reason to do as many pre-stain tests as the job site will allow.
Do a small test area first before staining the entire project!
Let dry or heat with hair dryer for 30 seconds to a minute.
Once the stain is dry the color will be slightly darker.
