Have you ever wondered how some homeowners add unique swirls and other dreamy, multi-colored designs to their countertops? There are two common concrete acid staining techniques that can help you achieve these designs—the Wet-on-Wet and Wet-on-Dry methods.
The Wet-on-Wet technique refers to adding multiple colors on a concrete surface while the colors are still wet, allowing the colors to diffuse together, each hue blurring into the other. The Wet-on-Dry method involves applying one stain color, allowing it to dry completely, and then applying subsequent coats.
While both techniques create dramatic, blotchy designs on concrete surfaces, the Wet-on-Wet application yields softer, less distinct lines where two or more acid stain colors meet.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can add swirls and other different-colored patterns to your concrete surface using the Wet-on-Wet concrete acid staining technique.
Step-by-Step Instructions For the Wet-on-Wet Method
Creating concrete veins with the Wet-on-Wet method is the perfect do-it-yourself project for creative individuals. The color patterns you can create with this technique are endless, and it only takes a few days to complete.
Let’s look at the steps you’ll need to follow in this method.
1. Prepare the Surface
You must always prepare concrete, old or new, before staining it. Surface preparation is critical, so it’s wise to put in some extra effort here.
Preparing your concrete for acid staining will likely require a combination of dry sanding, wet sanding, grinding, power washing, brush scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, and wiping down.
Concrete acid stains are translucent, meaning they do not provide the concealment power of opaque coatings like paint. Instead of covering and hiding surface imperfections like paint, the acid stain accentuates imperfections and makes them more apparent.
2. Apply the Base Color
Once your surface is clean, smooth, and try, you’re ready to apply your base color, which is the lightest colored coat of acid stain. First, mask off all doors, walls, and other items you don’t want stained. Then, dilute the acid stain per the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the solution is ready, use a sprayer to apply the acid stain to large areas and a brush or sponge to blot the stain on more targeted areas. After you’ve saturated the surface to your satisfaction, apply the next color stain you’re using.
3. Apply the Next Layer of Acid Stain
Follow the same steps as above to apply the next coat of stain. Don’t repeat your spraying movements. Instead, randomize your motions to achieve a unique stain distribution. You can also use a different application method to mix it up even more. For example, if you used a pump sprayer to apply the base coat, you might sponge-blot the entire second color.
4. Create Your Vein Design
Combining different concrete acid staining techniques ensures you never create the same effect twice. You can utilize various application methods to produce one-of-a-kind results that can never be repeated by anyone anywhere. Consider the following options, and remember that acid staining concrete is an artistic expression. There are no rules to follow.
Express yourself by combining handpicked stains to make different-colored swirls and other random designs in the acid stain while it’s still wet. You can also use string, cardboard, crinkled plastic, sponges, newspaper strips, scrap wood, or anything else you deem suitable to achieve your desired results.
You may also add random veining (marbling) effects by lightly brushing accent stain colors on the still-wet work surface. This will make long meandering lines of color, like the mineral-based veins seen in natural stones like marble and granite.
Again, there are no rules. Use this as an opportunity to express your creativity. Just know when to say enough is enough and call the veining phase “finished.” Once you have finished creating your design, you’ll want to give it plenty of time to dry before sealing it. The total dry time will vary based on the type of stain you are using, so you’ll want to look at the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Seal the Concrete
When all layers of acid stain have dried completely, apply a coat of sealer with a roller, brush, or sprayer (look at the manufacturer’s instructions for application recommendations). Generally, two thin coats are better than one heavy coat. Choose your sealer based on the level of sheen you desire and whether the concrete being treated is inside or outside. Once the sealer dries (usually within three hours), your project is complete!
Are You Ready to Start Your Acid Staining Project? Contact Stamped Concrete Today!
Get everything you need for your concrete veining project from Stamped Concrete. We’ve been a leading supplier of decorative concrete products since 2009. Our helpful team is always available to answer your questions and direct you to the best products for your unique goals.
Contact us today if you have any questions about the Wet-on-Wet concrete staining technique or need help selecting the right acid stains.
