• Benefits of Staining Concrete

    Enhance the Look and Longevity of Your Project with Concrete Stain

    Looking for a cost-effective way to add an extra layer of style and strength to your concrete project? Great for indoor and outdoor applications — commercial or residential — applying stain is an excellent, affordable, and low-maintenance way to enhance the appearance of any concrete project.

    Concrete staining is a decorative concrete technique that adds color and texture to plain concrete surfaces. Stain is excellent for all types of concrete projects, including floors, driveways, patios, sidewalks, and walls. As a bonus, staining a concrete’s surface is relatively inexpensive. It can be done on existing concrete, eliminating the need for costly removal and disposal of old flooring.

    What concrete stain is better for your project?

    The two most common types of concrete stains are acid-based stains and water-based stains. The primary difference between these two types of stains is how they interact with the concrete:

    • Acid-based concrete stain is great for outdoor use and offers a more natural color by penetrating the surface and reacting with the calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) in the concrete.
    • Water-based concrete stains use pigments, rather than a chemical reaction, that flow into pores to bond with the cement. They sit closer to the surface (allowing for more vibrant color tones) and are less likely to permanently change the concrete’s color. Most water-based concrete stains are also more user-friendly, less toxic, and more environmentally friendly than acid-based stains.
    Brick Stamped Concrete Patio

    For concrete staining success, surface preparation is key

    Regardless of whether you’re planning to apply an acid-based or water-based concrete stain, preparation is important, especially if you’re staining existing concrete. Consider investing in Smith’s Green Clean Surface Prep, a non-corrosive biodegradable gel that will prepare your concrete for staining. A major benefit is that you can use it both indoors and outdoors.

    There are countless possibilities for customizing your concrete color

    Concrete stains come in many colors and design options. Here at Calico, we offer water-based acrylic stains, acid stains, Pro-Stain, and more. We have a wide variety of Proline products that can help bring your concrete inspiration to life.

    Check out our FAQs to learn more about the stamped concrete colors and tint options we offer.

    Concrete staining is a durable and long-lasting solution for both residential and commercial spaces

    Because concrete stains penetrate the surface, their color resists fading, flaking, and peeling while preserving its stunning color. Staining is considered an excellent option for both residential and commercial use. It can also stand up to heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor surfaces.

    Seal your stained concrete for a long-lasting solution

    Stained concrete, while durable, does wear down over time. Properly sealing the concrete will help protect it for significantly longer. Then, you’ll only need to run a damp mop over the surface from time to time and avoid using both harsh chemicals and abrasive materials to prolong its life.

    • The longevity of a concrete stain can vary depending on several factors, including:
    • The quality of the product used
    •  The surface preparation
    • The application method
    • The level of exposure to wear and tear

    If you’re looking to give your concrete a personalized touch, check out Smith’s Color Floor-Bright Lights, a concrete seal that offers a natural appearance and is water-submersible, a neutralizing agent, and both weather and UV light resistant.

    How long does concrete stain last?

    Generally, high-quality stains that are applied and sealed correctly can last for several years before they start to fade or wear down. Over time, the color will fade and may need to be reapplied to maintain the desired appearance. Regularly cleaning and resealing the surface will prolong the life of your stained concrete and keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

    Put a custom look on your next concrete project by applying a vivid stain!

    Call 800-221-9469 to contact Calico Construction Products’ concrete experts, who are ready to answer your questions.

    , ,
    , , , , , , , ,
  • All About Calico Construction Products

    Welcome! We’ve had a lot of new customers recently, so we wanted to share a little bit more about our company and products. It’s important to us that you know our story, what we do, and why we can offer you the best decorative concrete stamps, stains, and accessories.

    What we do

    Here at Calico, offering competitively priced, high quality decorative concrete products has been our mantra since we opened in 1971. Why? We love that concrete can be used to create so many wonderful and durable things like tables, sinks, bookcases, and more. There are almost limitless opportunities to turn any concrete project into a striking, functional, and unforgettable piece of art.

    We’re proud to be an authorized distributor for Proline concrete stamps and tools which produce the best quality concrete products available on the market today.

    Whether you’re a contractor or a DIY enthusiast, if you’re looking to beautify, transform, color, restore, repair, or protect a concrete project, we can help!

    Get inspired! Learn more about our decorative concrete products

    Let’s dive into our main product categories, and break down how they can each offer impactful and memorable additions to your next concrete project.

    Add a stylish touch with concrete stamps

    This is the heart and soul of Calico Construction Products! We offer the full line of Proline concrete stamps including Ashlar stone, brick, cobblestones, slate, sandstone, granite, reclaimed wood, and more. Plus, we carry Proline’s super skins, a more convenient way to stamp thanks to their lightweight and increased rigidity. Table and patio concrete molds create durable and stylish furniture and medallion stamps are a popular way to create beautiful statement pieces.

    From a wide variety of textures, skins, and border art to custom stamps, accent pieces, and animal tracks for personalized touches, you’ll have the tools you need to make your project a work of art.

    Simplify your projects with our concrete stamp packages

    Do you like saving money while completing your project with ease? So do we. This is where our Proline concrete stamp packages come in. We offer a wide variety of packages for your decorative concrete needs, including Ashlar stone, slate, tile, reclaimed timber, limestone, and more. Most packages contain the minimum number of stamps and accessories recommended for the pattern, and our seamless packages and seamless magnetic pattern stamp packages will save you time on the job site — just rotate and lock in place for perfectly aligned grout lines.

    Proline Running Bond Brick Blue Concrete Mat

    Complete your decorative concrete project with form & edge liners

    Concrete Form & Edge Liners are incredibly useful because they are used to act as a mold for the concrete to be formed against. Unique to the industry, Proline’s edge liners are designed to fit form lumber and complete your decorative concrete projects. Available in a variety of realistic natural stone textures, you’ll be able to create outdoor fire pits, fountains, countertops, steps, walls, and more with these decorative form liners. Lightweight and high quality, Proline’s flexible and reusable concrete edge liners transfer texture to edges, corners, and risers.

    Add a unique touch to your project with our vast selection of concrete colors and stains

    Concrete stamps are great on their own, but can be elevated with magnificent color by adding colors and stains. We offer an extensive collection of water-based acrylic stains, acid stains, color hardener, antiquing wash, integral color, and more. For a vibrant look, add color to wet concrete, or  a translucent effect with stains. Consider adding sparkling color with GEM-TEX™, a decorative concrete hardener. To learn more about colors and tints, read our answers to frequently asked questions about our stamped concrete coloring options.

    Shop our wide variety of protective and decorative concrete sealers and finishes

    After you’ve added some beautiful color to your concrete project, you’ll want to maintain its color and intensity, make the surface easier to clean, and reduce freeze-thaw damage. For this we offer a wide variety of protective and decorative Proline concrete sealers and finishes. Our solutions include solvent-based clear sealers in high gloss or matte, as well as products for interior or exterior uses and those that increase slip resistance, repel water, or are UV resistant.

    Nature-Shield Concrete Sealer

    Finish your project with ease with our accessories and tools

    In addition to selecting your concrete stamps, color, and finishes, make sure you also have the accessories and tools needed finish your decorative concrete project with ease! We have high quality Proline tools in a variety of sizes, whether you need chisels, tampers, joint texturing strips, or touch up wheels.

    Concrete Stamps - Sample Ring of Seamless Texture Skins

    Questions? Contact us!

    Ready to get started on your next decorative concrete project? Contact Calico at 800-221-9469 to chat with our concrete pros, who are happy to talk through any problems or questions you have. Or if you’re ready to get shopping, shop our selection of concrete stamps, form and edge liners, colors, and sealers.

    Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to learn about our latest product launches and read the latest tips and tricks.

    , , ,
    , , , , , ,
  • 5 Ways to Make Your Project a Work of Art

    Your concrete project is planned out and you know your client is going to love it. Here are a few quick tips to help turn your project into a work of art.

    Tip #1: Use Proline SUPER Skins

    You’re already a pro at concrete stamping but make sure you’re using tools that will make your job as easy as possible. Proline’s Seamless Magnetic Pattern Concrete Stamps are the best way to make your vision a reality. These lightweight but rigid stamps have self-aligning patterns, thanks to strong magnets that line up joints. They can also rotate 90 or 180 degrees to create different looks. Requiring zero or very little touch up, they’ll cut your labor costs significantly. For more, read Proline Magnetic Skins Are a Game Changer.

    Tip #2: Try an Accent Piece

    Consider adding one or two seamless accent pieces to your project. A well-place landscape stamp, spiral sun stamp, or animal stamp is a great way to add flair and personality. Or, consider a selection from our wide assortment of hand sculpted accent pieces. Choose from our aquatic, equestrian, garden, and wildlife themes.

    Tip #3: Define the Space

    Borders are perfect for physically defining a project while adding a little something special to the overall look. Define the outline of a patio or add emphasis to landscaping. Shop our selection of animal, garden, and decorative borders.

    Tip #4: Use a Medallion Stamp

    Talk about a show-stopper! Medallion stamps are a classic and gorgeous method for adding a special style to your project. They’re a perfect way to add visual impact to a driveway or patio. From the classic compass rose to suns to lotus flowers, you’ll find a stamp for every client.

    Tip #5: Don’t Forget the Color!

    Concrete used to have a reputation for being drab but we know that’s anything but true! With the wide range of concrete color and tinting options available, there’s no excuse for a boring grey patio or driveway. From soft browns and blues to brick reds to bright turquoise, your options are endless! Get your base color with Proline Color Hardener or Integral Color for new concrete, Color packs for cementitious overlays or ProStain to brighten up your existing concrete.  Accent with color options including water-based acrylic stain, EZ-Tique Antiquing Wash, Antique Powder Release and more, you’re sure to find the right product combination for the job.

    Ready to make your project a work of art?

    Contact the concrete experts at Calico Construction Products. Shop our wide selection of concrete stamps, coloring options, and accessories. We’re standing by to answer your questions! Just give us a call at 800-221-9469.

    , ,
    , ,