1. What are the main differences between the SoyCrete versus Acid Stains?
There are several equally important differences.
i) SoyCrete contains no hazardous ingredients and is formulated with over 80% bio-based content made from rapidly renewable resources. This unique eco-friendly formulation requires no hazmat handling restrictions nor does it contain the numerous health warning precautions. Our ultra-low VOC (<25 g/l) and very low odor allows installation indoor or outdoor without toxic offgassing health risks. Meets Green Building LEED, Federal Buy-Bio Initiatives, and environmental compliance regulations.
ii) Unlike acid stains, you are able to predict, customize and colorize designs with consistency. Controlling
the entire staining process is significant for ultimate installer and end-user satisfaction. Since acid stain is
a chemical reaction with the concrete surface, many substrates are incompatible based upon hardness or
calcium chloride composition. SoyCrete allows a broader range of substrate compatibility applications and
consistent colorization.
iii) Installation time is cut in half if not more with our Soy Stain technology. Each phase of the application
requires less time and expense for set up, preparation, installation, clean-up and disposal.
2. Is the decorative look and durability the same or better than conventional acid stain products? Yes and yes! The decorative look of our semi-transparent Soy Stains produces beautiful natural variations that look as good as and even better than acid stains. Our stain technology consists of natural plant oils, modified acrylics, and the world’s only 100% solids soy-based colorants. This combination achieves a true subsurface or penetrating stain that recolorizes and bonds within the substrate. Since it is not a topical coating, it will not chip, crack or peel like other coatings. The durability will last as long as the substrate is undamaged and is properly maintained.
3. What steps are required to install SoyCrete?
i) Surface preparation: Must be porous for full penetration and desirable results. If the surface is a hard
non-porous finish, you should sand, grind, or chemically etch (Eco-Etchtm) the surface to open up the
pores. Remove all sealers, stains, adhesives, debris, etc that you do not want to show through. Degrease
and rinse, then allow drying for stain application.
ii) Apply the stain with an HVLP sprayer or foam applicator. Please ask for the complete installation guide.
iii) Apply the final sealer coat Acri-Soy Sealer (satin or gloss) once your design and installation is
complete. You may install an additional specialty finish topcoat such as our Eco-Tuff High Traffic Clear
Coat, polyurethanes, polyurea, floor wax, etc over our finish sealer.
iv) Allow to dry for 12-24 hours to opening for normal foot traffic. Full chemical cure is 5-7 days.
4. Is it possible to adjust the colors once the stain is applied?
Absolutely. This is one of our most unique product capabilities. It provides maximum flexibility to meet project changes, varying concrete surfaces, or environmental conditions. If you simply wish to lighten the color tone, you may spray the surface lightly with water and blotch or wipe. This technique will remove layers of stain that has not yet penetrated into the surface. If you wish to darken the stain, wait one hour after the first coat, and then apply a second coat. Adding additional colors as highlights or accents should be installed after a one hour dry time of the base coat. If you wish to blend colors with the first coat, you may apply immediately as desired. For the most extreme cases where the wrong color(s) were installed, you are able to remove the stain with our specialty soy-based cleaners within 4-6 hours of application, and then reapply the correct color(s). If exceeding this parameter and within 24 hours, please call your local supplier or Eco Safety Products for detailed technical assistance.
5. What surfaces can SoyCrete be applied to?
It may be applied to virtually any porous surface, interior or exterior. The most common are; concrete floors, block walls, stucco, drywall, adobe, fiber cement, precast concrete, brick pavers, natural stone, and more.
6. Is your product UV, chemical and abrasion resistant?
Yes to all! The SoyCrete technology is a recolorization below the surface and contains a 100% solids soy based colorant that is the most colorfast pigment available. This combination provides optimum protection from UV discoloration. Chemical resistance is offered through the natural repelling characteristics of the stain and sealer installation. As long as the chemical does not damage the concrete, the stain will remain unaffected. For applications exposed to harsh chemicals or industrial traffic, we recommend installation of our Eco-Tuff Clear Coat or applicable protective finish. SoyCrete easily resists abrasion since there is no topical stain to remove. If the abrasion is such as to damage the concrete, it will obviously damage the stain. Always maintain the Acri-Soy sealer for optimum surface protective.
Installation & Troubleshooting
1. It has been over 6 hours and the stain is still tacky, what can I do? If the stain has not penetrated and is not free from tackiness within a couple of hours, it is a result of a surface that is not porous enough to allow full penetration or that the stain was applied to thick. If there is no place for the stain to go, it will begin drying on top of the surface.
Repair Recommendations:
i) If the stain does not come up when you wipe it, pick a test area and install Acri-Soy Sealer. Apply as directed and allow drying for 2 hours. If the surface is dry and is no longer tacky, you are able to proceed to the seal coat application. Acri-Soy will often assist the breakup of the topical stain and provide enough solvency to complete the penetration process in the available open pores of the concrete.
ii) If the stain does come up or (i) above test area fails, spray the surface lightly with water and begin mopping with your floor applicator, scrubbing pad, or floor buffer to remove the topical stain material. If the colorization is acceptable, allow to dry before applying the sealer coat.
Note: It is very important to test the entire concrete surface prior to installation for proper porosity
and remove any existing sealers if applicable. Concrete cures and hardens at different densities even
within the same pour. In addition, some concrete pours will contain curing hardeners or cure-n-seal
that may prohibit penetration. To ensure consistent porosity or if you are unsure of the porosity, use
a floor sander, grinder or chemically etch the surface to open up the concrete pores. Remember, the
application whether by sprayer or applicator, must be applied in a thin even coat. If by manual
method, it must be spread thin until dry. By sprayer method, buff dry or back-roll to ensure removal of
topical stain or puddles. As always refer to the installation guide for complete instructions and
recommendations.
2. After full installation the sealer is producing a milky white substance when exposed to standing water. What is it and what can I do?
As with any sealer, it has a full cure time before all the chemical composition has penetrated and sealed within the substrate. This is usually within 5 to 7 days. Should a white milky substance occur due to puddling or standing water from rain, irrigation, etc., don’t worry, it is simply the uncured sealer. It will not harm or degrade the stain installation. Simply allow it soak back into the surface and allow it to dry normally. We do recommend that you avoid controllable conditions that may produce standing water during the cure period.
3. Do I have to worry about rainfall during or after application?
It is always advisable to schedule around possible rainfall. However as we all know, weather predictions are anyone’s guess. If the SoyCrete application has enough time to dry, (1-2 hours) it has an excellent chance of sustaining its integrity. Our stain technology has built in water resistant characteristics and as a plant oil based product it helps repel water. The use of the floor buffing method will almost ensure an immediate protection within 30 minutes of installation. If a severe rain storm hits prior to optimum dry time and part of the stain application had lightened more than desirable, simply apply a light coat over the area(s). It will easily and seamlessly blend with the rest of the installation. No other stain product can withstand such an unpredictable and damaging rainfall consequences as does SoyCrete.
4. How do you prevent bleeding when using stencils or design patterns?
The viscosity of SoyCrete enables precision stenciling and will not bleed under properly applied tapes and stencils. Install your stencils, saw cuts, floor dividers, or taping patterns prior to the stain application. Simply apply your desired colors as applicable. Allow the colors to dry for 6 hours before application of the finish sealer. If using a floor buffing machine, allow the colors to dry for approximately 30-45 minutes and buff dry for faster cure for final sealer coat application. Always test area before buffing full application. When installing overlay colors on a base coat, you must allow the base to dry. It is usually dry to the touch within 1 hour or faster when using a floor buffing machine.
5. Why is actual stain color on my concrete surface different than what is on the color chart?
The color chart should be used only as a reference since every concrete surface is different. The concrete color, porosity, age, etc. produces a different effect even with the same color stain. It is not a topical paint coating with color matching or substrate hiding results. This is the case with any acid stain or semi-transparent stain. You are able to achieve a more consistent color by installing a white base coat. This helps accent the colors while providing a more uniform color transition across different slab pours. You are also able to experiment with multiple colors and application techniques to create the desired appearance. To be sure of the actual color expectation, you may order a 2 Ounce sample of your desired colors from your local dealer.
6. Where can I buy SoyCrete Concrete Soy Stains?
SoyCrete is available at select specialty stores throughout the U.S. New dealers and installation companies are added weekly. Please call Eco Safety Products for a dealer nearest you. Or you may purchase the product from our authorized online retailers.
