OFFICE: 303.286.8111

FAX: 303.286.8113

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) weeks. The optimum time to stain a new home is after all construction (taping, bedding, texturing, and painting) is completed and just prior to the baseboards 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 1/16 - 1/8 of an inch. Deeper grooves will collect dirt. Kemiko stains should be applied when the temperature is above 50 degrees. Kemiko products should be used in a well-ventilated area.

STEP ONE - 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, as it is corrosive. DO NOT apply tape directly to concrete.

STEP TWO - STAIN (First Application)
CAUTION: CONTAINS ACID. Use safety goggles and rubber gloves. Whenever exposure to vapor/mist is likely, unless levels are below applicable limit, wear properly fitted NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.
Generally, you will mix equal parts stain with equal parts water(50%-50%). Kemiko stains can be applied using a mop or sponge, however, we suggest 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 may 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 THREE - WASH
After the floor has completely dried, scrub off the residue with a long handled, stiff bristle brush and water only. Remove the water/residue mixture from the floor by mop, squeegee or (preferably) a wet vacuum. This may take more than one cleaning, as all the residue needs to be removed. Allow the floor to dry completely.

STEP FOUR - WAX OR SEAL
Kemiko Wax is best applied with a heavy-duty floor machine (175 rpm) and three attachments, a stiff natural bristle brush (most critical), a medium bristle brush, and a (white) buffing pad. We also suggest having mineral spirits and a rag on hand.
To begin, spread a smooth, light coating of wax out from the walls (2-3 inches) and from the corners, out to the radius of the floor machine attachment. Buff the corners by hand with a cloth. Put on no more than 1/4 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 stiff natural 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 this application phase, change to the medium 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 Stone Tone Sealer rather than wax, it is generally best applied by an airless sprayer. Two thin coats of sealer will almost always be necessary and sometimes a third with at least 2 - 3 hours drying time between coats. Ensure that the sealer is fully cured, generally 24 - 48 hours after application of last coat, before allowing any heavy traffic.

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.