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DO NOT ACID ETCH OR ACID WASH BEFORE APPLYING
KEMIKO STAIN
It is always recommended that a small out-of-the-way
section of your project be tested to see if the
desired reaction occurs. If it does not, you probably
have surface contaminants on your slab. A new
concrete slab must have cured for six (6) week.
The optimum time to stain a new home is after
all construction (taping, bedding, texturing,
and painting) is completed and just prior to the
base boards being affixed. We recommend that you
protect your new slab during the construction
phase with plastic, paper, cardboard, plywood,
or sheet rock covering as the initial cleaning
step will be much easier. All trades (laborers)
should be advised that the slab will be the finished
floor. If scoring is desired, giving the impression
of stone or tiles, we, suggest that it be done
within three to four days after the slab is poured,
and we suggest that the scoring groove be no deeper
than 1/8 inch. Deeper grooves will collect dirt.
STEP 1 - WASH
Wash the concrete surface as it must be clean
and free of paints, wax, grease, dirt and other
surface contaminants. Do not acid wash or use
heavy alkali cleaners. Tri sodium phosphate (TSP)
is an excellent mild all purpose cleaner (available
at hardware or janitorial supply stores) and when
mixed with water, can be used to clean the slab
by scrubbing with a long handled stiff brush and
then wet vacuumed (preferred) or mopped (several
moppings may be necessary) to remove all dirt.
After washing, allow the floor to dry completely.
Protect all walls with tape and paper. Do not
allow the stain to touch any wood or metal.
STEP 2 - STAIN (First Application)
Generally, you will mix equal parts stain with
equal parts water(50%-50%). You can apply the
mixture with a brush mop, or sponge, however,
we suggest that you consider using an all-plastic
(insecticide) pump-up sprayer (no metal parts)
as you can control volume much easier and remember
(VOLUME EQUALS DEPTH OF COLOR). Make sure all
container lids are tight and shake vigorously
before using. Put the water in the spray container,
then add equal parts stain. Close the lid, pump
up the pressure and begin randomly spraying 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). As you apply the stain, there
may be varying degrees of fizzing and there will
not be a lot of color. 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. 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.
STEP 3 - WASH
After the floor has completely dried, scrub off
the residue with a long handled, medium stiff,
bristle brush and water only. Remove the water/residue
mixture from the floor by mop, squeegee or (preferably)
a wet vacuum. Allow the floor to dry completely.
STEP 4 - WAX OR SEAL
Kemiko Wax is best applied with a heavy floor
machine and three attachments, a stiff natural
bristle brush (most critical), a medium bristle
brush and a buffing pad. To begin, spread a smooth
light coating of wax out from the walls (2-3 inches)
and in the corners out to the radius of the floor
machine attachment. Put on no more than 1Ï4
cup of wax on the floor in the center of the first
3 to 4 foot square. It will appear wet and dull.
Immediately work the wax by spreading and burning
it in with the natural stiff bristle attachment.
Move to the next 3-4 foot quadrant and repeat
the step only after the wax in the preceding area
has turned to a slight glare and the wax ridges
have disappeared. Mineral spirits will soften
any ridges or excess wax, allowing it to be spread
and worked in. When you have completed the application
phase, change to the medium bristle brush attachment
and buff the entire floor including your original
hand waxed areas. After the buffing, if greater
protection is desired, repeat the first phase
applying a thin second coat. Then rebuff. If a
slightly higher sheen is desired, buff with the
soft pad. If you have chosen to use sealer instead
of wax, it is generally best applied by an airless
sprayer. Two coats of sealer will almost always
be necessary and sometimes a third with at least
6 to 8 hours of dry time between coats.
CONCLUSION
Should you have questions regarding the application
of Kemiko products, we encourage you to call and
discuss them with us.
A list of professional applicators is available
upon request.
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