When it comes to dye for concrete versus dye, the main difference is that a stain will react chemically with the concrete, whereas a dye will simply impregnate the material. Do Tru Tint stains or dyes last a long time? Both concrete dyes and dyes are manufactured to be as durable as possible. When your project is outdoors, a stain is preferred because it doesn't fade quickly. Dyes may lighten over time when subjected to UV light.
This is a property of all dyes on the market. Otherwise, when applied to a properly prepared substrate and protected with the right sealant, both will last indefinitely. Concrete dyes are not UV stable, so they are generally used on interior surfaces. Unlike stains, they can be mechanically polished.
Dyes are plant-based and give color by penetrating deeper into concrete, as they have a smaller particle size than stains. Due to this, dyes provide greater color saturation to concrete floors. So now that you know the pros and cons of each, which colored concrete method should I choose? Ultimately, choosing between tinting and tinting your concrete floors comes down to preference. If you are looking for a colorful floor design, dyes for concrete would be better.
If you want a more natural shade, concrete stains would be better. Ultimately, both methods will help improve the look and design of your commercial floors. With a little practice on another concrete slab or project piece, the homeowner learns all the skills he needs to tackle an entire floor. Paint is difficult to match and smooth, as it tends to show brush marks and collect dust as it dries.
Concrete stains are more tolerant, as the liquid is translucent and cleans easily after application. The stain penetrates through the surface and penetrates the concrete, so it cannot be visibly chipped unless a large amount of concrete is released. Concrete dyes are also pigment particles, but they are many, many times smaller than what stains contain, and the pigments actually dissolve rather than in suspension. Without a sealant, even if Tru Tint stains and dyes penetrate deep into the substrate, the concrete can wear out along with the stain or dye.
In fact, any colored concrete surface needs to be resealed from time to time, and more often, depending on foot traffic and other factors. Concrete dyes are available in water-based or solvent-based formulas, and produce a variety of different effects, from translucent to opaque. Because it is chemically bonded to the concrete surface due to its penetrating nature, the concrete stain will not tarnish or ghost even after years of daily foot traffic. If there is a chip or chipping large enough to expose the raw concrete, a homeowner can use the leftover concrete stain or a matching color to cover the gray and mix it with the rest of the floor.
The best option depends on whether the concrete is indoors or outdoors, and what effect is expected to be achieved. Concrete stains usually contain hydrochloric acid, metal salts, and water, and react chemically with the calcium hydroxide in concrete to change its color. The variables that will affect the coverage rate are the surface profile (a textured surface has more area and may need more) and the porosity of the concrete. They are mixed with water or a solvent such as alcohol or acetone, which acts as a vehicle that penetrates the concrete so that the dye penetrates the pores of the concrete and changes the color.
Although traditionally, concrete is a greyish and bland color, this is far from the case with polished concrete floors. The main topical application is achieved by diffusion of the pigment (ready-mixed with cement and other materials) onto the surface of freshly poured concrete. The damage that the underlying concrete will reveal will also need repair to stabilize, making it a rare occasion where it is unlikely that anyone will face as a homeowner. .
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