Elevate your concrete surfaces with Reactive Acid Chemical (RAC) Concrete Stain, the perfect solution for infusing classic elegance into domestic and commercial spaces. This professional-grade acid stain performs a remarkable transformation, reacting with the minerals in your concrete to create stunning, vibrant colors that are both translucent and variegated. The outcomes are unique to each slab, as variables like texture, age, and dilution ratio dictate the final appearance—ensuring your concrete becomes truly one-of-a-kind.
RAC Stain delivers a sophisticated, marbleized effect that showcases the inherent character of the slab. Unlike traditional paints, which merely coat the surface, this acid stain penetrates deeply to physically alter the color of the concrete, ensuring longevity without bonding issues. With its UV stability, this stain is perfect for both interior and exterior projects, making it a versatile choice for any environment.
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Technical Data
Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for RAC Stain
**This product may only be used on fully cured concrete. Allow a minimum of 28-45 days of cure time after the concrete
is poured to allow ample time for the concrete to completely hydrate.
Safety– Always use appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to, goggles, face shield, rubber gloves,
chemical resistant clothing or apron, and chemical respirator. Do not permit contact with eyes or skin. Do not breathe
vapors, ventilate area during mixing and application. Consult product MSDS for additional safety information.
Coverage–Amount of square footage stained per gallon varies with the surface texture of the concrete, temperature of the
concrete and ambient conditions. Average coverage rate is 100-200 sq ft per gallon.
Surface Preparation- Scratch test the concrete to verify the top surface is not dusting or disintegrating. Concrete must
be clean and free of all dirt and contaminants. Concrete floors must be open and porous prior to applying RAC Stain.
Approved materials for the cleaning and preparation process are as follows:
CR-580 Degreaser – Used for the removal of oil and grease.
CR-590 Paint & Sealer Remover – Used to remove paints and sealers.
CR-765 Surface Etch & Prep – Used for laitance removal and opening of pores of the concrete.
CR-585 Surface Neutralizer – Used to balance the surface pH after application of Surface Etch & Prep
Step 1: If needed remove all paint and/or sealer from the surface using CR-590 Paint & Sealer Remover
Step 2: If the surface has an oily or greasy film OR if CR-590 Paint & Sealer Remover was used, scrub the surface using
CR-580 Degreaser.
Step 3: (Necessary step if: (1) working with a very smooth power troweled interior floor or (2) when a slab has a significant
amount of surface laitance.) Apply CR-765 Surface Etch & Prep at a dilution ratio of 10 parts water to 1 part Surface Etch
& Prep scrub in with a stiff bristle broom. When the fizzing action stops, rinse the surface with water. Do not allow the
Surface Etch & Prep solution to dry on the concrete. If a more porous surface is needed repeat Step 3. Next apply CR
585 Surface Neutralizer (dilution of 8 oz in 5 gallons water) using a stiff bristle brush or broom to scrub in the neutralizing
solution, then rinse with water.
Step 4: Thoroughly scrub the surface. Interior floors require the use of a floor machine (buffer) with a black pad, sanding
screen or coatings removal pad. Exterior concrete preparation requires the use of a pressure washer.
Step 5: Apply RAC Stain. Equipment that comes in contact with RAC Stain must be constructed of plastic or other non
corrosive material. RAC Stain can be applied using a plastic pump sprayer, mop, brush, rag, or sponge. Wash equipment
thoroughly after use with water.
Dilution- For lighter shades of colors, RAC stain can be diluted with CR-645 RAC Stain Color Extender.
Step 6: Allow a minimum of 4 hours reaction time after final coat of stain to achieve maximum coloring effects.
Step 7: (REQUIRED) Neutralization– CR-585 Surface Neutralizer (8 oz in 5 gallons water) is used to neutralize the acidity
of the concrete caused by the RAC stain. A stiff bristle brush or broom should be used to scrub in the neutralizing solution.
Use a wet vacuum to collect residue and waste water.
Step 8: Residue Removal
• Interior floors - Required minimum residue removal method is scrubbing using a floor machine (buffer) with a nylon
bristle brush or white pad. Use a wet vacuum to collect residue and waste water. Dispose in accordance with local,
state, and federal regulations.
• Exterior surfaces - Required minimum residue removal method is pressure washing. Use a wet vacuum to collect
residue and waste water. Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Caution– Residue runoff can stain and discolor unprotected concrete, buildings and landscape features. It may also
cross contaminate previously applied colors.
***Dispose all waste water in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
Step 9: Sealing– It is strongly recommended that a clear sealer be applied as a top coat for abrasion and UV resistance. It
is recommended that a non-skid / skid reducer be utilized when sealing exterior surfaces.
Special Considerations
Color Test- Apply a test sample of the stain in an inconspicuous area of the floor to verify color. It is advised to use the
same application method for the test spot as what is planned for the entire floor.
Color Change- The use of CR-607 Olive Mist, CR-608 Azure Sky, CR-609 Mossy Oak and CR-610 Summer Wheat on
concrete which has no vapor barrier underneath (typically exterior concrete slabs) have the risk of partially or completely
turning black when excessive amounts of moisture migrate from underneath the slab to the top surface.
Color Variances- Results may vary from color chart due to differing compositions, texture and age of the concrete. Many
characteristics of the concrete will show through the stain.
Warranty– This warranty is made in lieu of all other warranties, either expressed or implied. Before application the User
shall determine the suitability of the product for his/her intended use and User assumes all risks and liabilities whatsoever
in connection therewith. Neither seller nor manufacturer has any knowledge or control concerning the purchaser’s use of
this product and no warranty is made as to the results of any use. The Manufacturer and/or Seller warrants that if any
goods supplied prove defective in material the sole obligation shall be to replace said product. Any claim of defective
product must be received in writing within one (1) year from date of shipment. Neither Manufacturer nor Seller shall
assume any liability for injury, loss, or damage resulting from use of this product.
WARNING! CORROSIVE: Causes skin and eye burns. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes severe eye irritation with
possible blindness. Vapor and mist causes irritation to nose, throat, and lungs. Always use proper safety equipment.
Consult MSDS for additional chemical and safety information.
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
FIRST AID
Skin - Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Discard affected clothing and footwear.
Eyes - Flush with water immediately. Hold eyelids apart while flushing material out thoroughly with large amounts of
water.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately!
Ingestion - Give several glasses of water or milk. Seek Medical Attention Immediately!
Inhalation - Move to fresh air.
WARNING– Detectable amounts of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm may be found in the material. Proposition 65, California Health and Safety Code Section 252495
es.seq.
Close container immediately after each use. Store upright in a tightly closed container away from combustible material
and sources of heat. Never transfer to an unmarked container. Do not reuse empty container, empty containers may
contain hazardous product residues. Before use, review the Material Safety Data Sheet for further information, including
health effects.