SUGGESTED TOOLS & MATERIALS NEEDED
**NOTE: PLEASE READ ENTIRE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING PROJECT.
ALWAYS TEST FIRST – We strongly suggest, before applying any EAGLE products, you should always check the suitability and desired finish on a small test area before starting your application. When applying to a test area, you should use the same surface preparation process and apply using the same equipment you will be using to complete the full general application.
PREPARATION IS KEY
The most important step of an INTERIOR CONCRETE DYE project is preparation of the surface. The concrete should be at least four weeks old, free from all debris, and clean. All walls, furniture, columns, or other items/areas that you do not want to color should be masked using painter’s tape and plastic sheeting. This will protect the items from overspray.
Step 1: Clean any dirt, wax, grease, oil and other contaminants that may interfere with the dye or sealer from adhering to the surface. This includes removing any prior coatings (for instructions on removing old sealers click here).
Clean oily concrete with EAGLE CLEANER DEGREASER & NEUTRALIZER. Use a medium to firm bristle brush for heavily oiled spots.
Step 2: Concrete must be porous enough to accept water. If concrete surface is smooth, such as interior concrete floors, it will be necessary to etch the substrate using EAGLE ETCH & CLEAN. Dense concrete surfaces may require mechanical preparation to accept dye or sealer.
Step 3: ALWAYS rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning and etching. It is recommended to allow 24 hours for concrete surface to completely dry prior to beginning the dye or sealing process.
Step 4: Mask any adjacent areas you DO NOT want stained for over-spray with masking tape and masking paper. This includes floors, walls, columns, etc. Use duct tape over masking tape to prevent possible bleeding.
DYE APPLICATION
**NOTE: A pump-up, non-drip sprayer with a conical, fine-mist tip should be used. Always perform a test spot in an inconspicuous area before proceeding with the full project.
1 Pint (16 oz.) makes 1-gallon of concrete dye. Pour INTERIOR CONCRETE DYE concentrate into 1-gallon pump-up sprayer. Use clean water to rinse the dye residue from the concentrate bottle and empty into sprayer. Repeat this step until all INTERIOR CONCRETE DYE is completely out of the bottle. Add clean water to sprayer in order to obtain a final volume of 1-gallon. To use larger capacity sprayers, adjust volumes of dye and water accordingly.
Apply the dye uniformly to achieve desired results. Apply in a random, circular motion with some overlapping to generate a more mottled look that more closely resembles acid stain. Colors may be blended to produce an infinite palette or applied over a base color for a unique look. Depending on the depth of color that is desired, more than one application may be required. Use clean water to rinse the sprayer between color changes. Keep a container of clean water available and place the end of the sprayer wand into it between applications to keep the tip from becoming clogged.
- Small areas can be brushed using a circular motion to avoid brush strokes.
- Take care to maintain a wet edge to avoid bleed lines.
- Do not apply more material than the surface will absorb in 1 minute.
**PRO TIP: If not using a non-drip sprayer, tape a piece of cloth or a small container to the sprayer body to catch drips while not spraying the dye. Place the tip of the spray wand on the cloth or into the small container immediately after releasing the spray handle.
EAGLE INTERIOR CONCRETE DYE HOW TO VIDEO
SEALER APPLICATION
**NOTE: The dyed surface must be sealed with a clear concrete sealer in order to fully lock in and protect the color.
After applying INTERIOR CONCRETE DYE, wait at least 4 hours before sealing surface with EAGLE ARMOR SEAL. If dye residue is present, remove with white buffing pad and tack cloth. Do not use water. A light initial coat of sealer should be applied to the dyed surface with a pump sprayer to “lock in” the dye.
See EAGLE ARMOR SEAL for complete application instructions.
For ongoing maintenance, clean with water only and use EAGLE CONCRETE POLISH for ongoing scuff protection and maintenance. Apply 2-3 coats initially per the label’s instructions, and touch-up periodically as a regular maintenance routine.
CLEANUP
Clean up tools with water.
MAINTENANCE
Clean sealed surface with water only. Reseal surface as needed, but not more than every two years to prevent buildup of sealer.