
QC Patina Stain: Product Information Bulletin 5.402
QC PATINA STAINS produce a rich but variegated finish unique to
each surface. Instead of covering up the concrete like a paint or
coating, stains infuse colour into the surface while also showcasing
the character of the substrate. The translucent effects and the
broad drifts in colour—considered hallmarks of the stains—give surfaces
the appearance of a timeworn patina finish.
Uses And Benefits
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QC PATINA STAINS are combinations of metallic salts in water-based
solutions that are slightly acidic. By reacting with the free
lime available after concrete has fully cured, stains penetrate
and etch new or existing concrete that is free from sealers,
paints, and other forms of resists. Stains form permanent precipitates,
becoming part of the concrete. Colour remains in the concrete
pores which means colour won’t chip, crack, fade or peel.
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QC PATINA STAINS do not “cover up” the concrete surface but
rather work in conjunction with the finish character of the
substrate. QC PATINA STAINS produce a variegated finish and
beautiful patina, an “old world” surface effect, similar to
the patination of bronze or the natural oxidation of copper.
The broad drifts of colour and mottled surface effects are not
considered defects but rather architectural hallmarks of this
concrete colouring method. (There are no pigments in QC PATINA
STAINS. The stains are reactive in nature—stains are not paints
or coatings.)
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Available in eight standard colours, QC PATINA STAINS create
expanses of rich colour and marbleized hues from plain, gray
concrete.
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Inside or outside, QC PATINA STAINS can be applied to walkways,
driveways, pool decks, patios, plazas, street pavements and
more.
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To expand the colour palette on new projects, QC PATINA STAINS
can be used over all QC COLOUR HARDENERS, QC INTEGRAL COLOURS,
and COLOURTECH by QC colours to further enhance the tone of
coloured concrete. To produce enhanced and richer effects, white-based
QC COLOUR HARDENERS can be excellent base choices for the application
of QC PATINA STAINS.
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Stain can also be applied over another stain to expand colour
possibilities.
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A wide variety of artistic and graphic effects are possible
with this product, and QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS can provide
an experienced contractor or artisan reference.
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These stains may also be used to treat other cementitious
materials (such as terrazzo, gunite, shotcrete, stucco, cement
plaster, and certain self-leveling toppings) as well as any
lime-based natural stone that has a chemistry similar to concrete
(for example, limestone).
Before Any Application
1. QC
PATINA STAINS should be applied to concrete that has fully cured.
Concrete should be cured according to ACI standards. For optimum
results, allow concrete to cure for 28 days. If stains are applied
to concrete that has not fully cured, unpredictable results may
occur.
2. If
a curing compound is needed for freshly placed concrete that will
later be stained, QC SURE CURE may be considered. QC SURE CURE is
a specialty curing compound formulated to cure, preserve and protect
freshly placed concrete. Unlike other curing compounds, QC SURE
CURE does not form a film or membrane. Designed for use on non-coloured
concrete, QC SURE CURE, unlike common sodium silicate curing products,
will not interfere with the reaction of chemical stains. Because
there is no membrane to remove during preparation, QC SURE CURE
is an excellent, cost-saving, alternative curing method when properly
applied.
3. Before
applying QC PATINA STAIN, your surface must be dry, structurally
sound, and clean—free of dirt, grime, and any other material that
would act as a resist to the stain. If surface is not structurally
sound and is found to be dusty/soft from improper curing, apply
QC CEMGUARD. QC CEMGUARD is a clear, penetrating water-based sealer
designed to harden, water proof, protect and preserve concrete,
even in the most adverse environments. QC CEMGUARD will also prevent
potential problems due to subsurface moisture. For complete
application instructions consult the QC CEMGUARD Product Information
Bulletin.
4. For
interior surfaces, a QC MOISTURE TEST KIT should be used in accordance
with ASTM D 4263 standards to determine the amount of moisture movement
in the concrete prior to the application of QC PATINA STAIN. If
moisture levels exceed four pounds, apply QC CEMGUARD according
to the instructions in the respective Product Information Bulletin.
(Contact QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS to order an individual QC MOISTURE
TEST KIT or a three-pack kit. Contact information for QC CONSTRUCTION
PRODUCTS can be found at the end of this bulletin.)
For exterior surfaces, there is no method to effectively test for
moisture movement and related problems. If moisture problems are
suspected, pretreat the surface with QC CEMGUARD according to the
instructions in the respective Product Information Bulletin.
Important Note:
QC CEMGUARD should not be used after stain
application.
5. Before
applying QC PATINA STAIN, a job site sample is strongly recommended.
To test the surface (to be stained) for the presence of sealers,
curing compounds or release agents, mist the surface with water
from a hand-held spray bottle. Potential problem areas will not
“wet out” uniformly. Extremely dense or burnished surfaces should
be slightly abraded to better accept QC PATINA STAINS followed by
recommended finish sealers.
To test the surface for colour, a sample conducted with the proposed
QC PATINA STAIN, application procedures and sealing products should
be done prior to application to better anticipate results. For existing
slabs, it is strongly recommended that a sample be done in an inconspicuous
area on the actual surface to be stained.
Application
1. QC
PATINA STAIN is best applied with an all-plastic pump-up sprayer
at a rate of 200-400 square feet per gallon per application depending
on surface texture. Smoother surfaces require higher coverage rates.
2. Once
sprayed onto surface, use a stiff nylon-bristled brush to massage
stain in a circular motion into the surface.
3. As
stain is applied, various degrees of acidic reactions, such as fizzing
and foaming, will occur. These types of reactions are generally
signs that the substrate is accepting the stain.
4. Stains
should always be applied in two or more applications. (Important
Note: Two or more applications are typical for concrete
flatwork. Consult QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS for questions regarding
applications.)
5. Do
not rinse stain between coats.
6. After
the first coat has dried (five hours minimum), additional
coats can be applied. To avoid any unevenness, brush out any excessive
puddles.
7. Any
modifications to the product or application procedure or applied
combinations of QC PATINA STAIN are done at applicator’s risk.
8. Allow
final coat to dry. Recommended minimum dry time for final
coat on many surfaces is 10 hours. Dense or burnished surfaces will
require a minimum of 18 hours dry time. Important
Note: For drying times on Adobe and Blackfoot stains,
please see “Limitations” section.
9. Remove
salty residue by spraying with water and agitating with a stiff
nylon-bristled brush. (A rotary floor machine with a pad driver
and soft pad may also be used with care.) Rinse until rinse water
runs clean. Rinse water may have an additional colouring capacity.
Control and/or collect run-off to keep from discolouring surface
not designated for stain. Under normal circumstances, rinse water
should be collected and disposed of properly. (Always consult Material
Safety Data Sheets and appropriate agencies for disposal information.)
10. Be
sure all surface residue has been removed and no dusting is present
prior to sealing. Squeegees and/or wet-vacs are recommended for
removing residue.
11. To
assure lasting protection of stained surfaces, QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
offers a full range of sealers, from medium-grade to high performance
coatings. QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS recommends the following sealers:
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QC CEMSEAL
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QC SOLVENT SEAL
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QC SOLVENT SEAL VOC II
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QC CEMGUARD
- QC INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH (for maintenance top coat only)
Maintenance
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Maintenance will vary
depending on a number of factors, including volume and intensity
of traffic, geographic location, ultraviolet light exposure and
weather conditions.
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It is strongly recommended
that a routine maintenance schedule be followed so that surfaces
maintain a high quality appearance. Periodically and as required
by volume and intensity of traffic, stained surfaces should be
inspected, cleaned and resealed.
- Stained surfaces should be routinely swept and damp-mopped
of dirt/loose debris to avoid unnecessary wear to the surface.
Limitations
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Inconsistencies in job site conditions, base colour, concrete
mix design and slump, curing methods, finishing practices, stain
application, surface porosity, and age and condition of concrete
in existing slabs may produce variations in the colour of the
finished product.
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On the QC PATINA STAIN Colour Chart, standard QC PATINA STAIN
colours are shown applied to both uncoloured (gray) concrete
and to a QC COCONUT colour HARDENER base. However, QC PATINA
STAINS produce unique effects to each individual concrete substrate
and may differ significantly from the colours shown on the chart.
There is an element of uncertainty and unpredictability inherent
in the use and final appearance of QC PATINA STAINS including
uneven, mottled or translucent effects. Product literature photos
and sample colour chips provide a good representation of the
palette, but the actual colours achieved may differ significantly.
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In particular, Adobe and Blackfoot are high-solid QC PATINA
STAINS that work best in very thin applications. For these stain
colours, two thin applications are recommended with the longest
possible drying times in between coats. The recommended dry
time after each coat is a minimum of 10 hours with 18 hours
being the optimal dry time if possible. Allowing adequate dry
time is especially important if applying these stains to hard-troweled
surfaces. As stated in the “Before Application” section, a job
site sample is highly recommended whenever you’re applying stain.
Producing job site samples is of particular importance for these
two colours.
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Neptune, Bluegrass and Jade stains (the blue and green stains)
react to the presence of moisture and can create a black, spotty
effect. When working with these stains, 24 hours of dry time
is recommended to assure rinse moisture has left the slab before
sealing. When using these stains, it is especially important
to follow instructions outlined in the “Before Any Application”
section.
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Concrete that has been extremely hard-troweled may be difficult
to stain. Allowing adequate dry time in between application
coats is especially important if applying stains to hard-troweled
surfaces. The recommended dry time after each application on
hard-troweled surfaces is a minimum of 10 hours with 18 hours
being the optimal dry time (if possible).
Coverage Guide
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Note
– Actual coverage may vary depending on the texture, porosity
and condition of the concrete, application method, and other
local conditions.
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Material usage is approximately 200-400 square feet per gallon
per coat.
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If the slab is hard-troweled and highly polished, material
usage will favor the high side of the suggested coverage rates
(400 square feet per gallon per coat).
Package Sizes
QC PATINA STAINS are available in 1-, 5- and 55-gallon units in
eight standard colours.
Technical Data
Colour–
Available in eight standard colours—refer to the QC
PATINA STAIN Chart for selection. Stains can be diluted to yield
a variation of standard colours.
Shelf Life
QC Patina Stains are under warranty for one year. Keep at minimum
temperature of 40 ºF.
Product Handling
For handling and use, consult the corresponding Material Safety
Data Sheet before using product.
Warranty
QC PATINA STAIN, a proprietary product, is warranted to be of
uniform quality within manufacturing tolerances. Since control is
not exercised over its use, no warranty, expressed or implied, is
made as to the effects of such use. Seller’s and manufacturer’s
obligation under this warranty shall be limited to refunding the
purchase price of that portion of the material proven to be defective.
The user assumes all other risks and liabilities resulting from
use of this product. If you have any questions, please contact QC
CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS.
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