NewLook Blog: Your Premier Source for Concrete Stain Info

Salt Lake City, UT - January 09, 2012 - NewLook International, Inc. has unveiled SmartColor, a revolutionary, nano-acrylic water-based concrete color stain used to restore, decorate and revitalize concrete and masonry floors. It is intended to be used by professional decorative concrete installers.

"Formulated with advanced nano-technology, SmartColor offers efficient penetration and tenacious adhesion to a variety of porous substrates," explains Jacob Webb, Vice President of NewLook. "The environmentally friendly formula is the safe, user-friendly alternative to hazardous and unreliable solvent or acid-based stains."

The nano-technology used enables the stain to penetrate and adhere to very dense surfaces. SmartColor is also water-submersible, and alkali, weather and UV light resistant. SmartColor stains require a top coat and are compatible with solvent-based, water-based, single and two component products, including but not limited to acrylics, epoxies and urethane sealers.

"There is a long list of the benefits of using SmartColor over the competition," suggests Webb. "Simply put, SmartColor is a much better product at a much better price than the closest competitor."

SmartColor is packaged in a concentrated form that may be diluted with clean water to achieve either a semi-opaque finish with high-hiding capabilities or a semi-transparent finish depending on the dilution ratio. It is weather resistant and may be used both indoors and outdoors. The VOC content is "ultra low" and it contains no toxic air pollutants or hazardous air pollutants.

"It's easy to mix and install with standard sprayer equipment, and unlike the competition, SmartColor complies with all environmental regulations for all states and all applications," Webb says. "We are super jazzed about this solution as it means NewLook has taken another tremendous step forward as the leading supplier of innovative decorative concrete solutions. More importantly, it means our customers have access to even better products than they are currently using."

SmartColor has been in the research and development phase since 2007 and has been tested for wear resistance.

NewLook International is the industry leader in innovative and premium decorative concrete solutions. Industry professionals and property owners have used NewLook's revolutionary and proven Concrete Color Maintenance System since 1989 to dramatically enhance the image of their concrete. NewLook was founded on the principle of innovation and manufactures a broad range of decorative concrete solutions, including concrete preparation, staining, polishing, maintenance and installation products. NewLook's products are distributed through specialty concrete supply resellers both domestically and internationally.

NewLook Contact Information

Jacob Webb

Office Phone: 801-886-9495

Email: jacob@getnewlook.com

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New premium grade weatherproofer and fortifier permanently protects concrete and masonry surfaces

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah; Jan. 2012 - NewLook International has introduced a concrete and masonry weatherproofer and fortifier. The product, DriveHard, prevents and reduces damage caused by common problems, including extreme weather conditions.

NewLook International, founded in 1989, has since specialized in innovative and environmentally friendly, decorative concrete products. The technology of NewLook's concrete weatherproofer DriveHard has been formulated to create a bond that permanently increases the lifespan of concrete and masonry. This new product coincides with NewLook's mission to manufacturing sustainable product solutions while minimizing their environmental footprint.

DriveHard's proprietary nano-silicone/silicate formula densifies, strengthens and makes the intended surface water-repellant by penetrating into and chemically reacting with the unique chemical properties of the substrate. DriveHard can be used to strengthen most concrete, masonry, brick or stucco surfaces including driveways, patios, sidewalks, masonry capstones and walls, brick, pavers or blocks and architectural or exposed aggregate concrete.  

To apply DriveHard, the surface must be dry and clean before applying. After performing a test on a small area of concrete to determine suitability and shaking the container, the product may be applied with a sprayer or brush until the surface is saturated without puddles. DriveHard will begin to react immediately upon contact with the substrate. It is recommended to immediately apply a second coat on the wet surface for maximum benefit.

NewLook has begun to aggressively expand its product range; DriveHard is one of the many solutions NewLook intends to unveil before the end of 2012.

"Our distribution strategy has always been to offer quality products through a variety of channels," explained Jacob Webb, Vice President of NewLook International. "DriveHard just happens to flow through a mass merchandising channel, which includes both national retail and online partners."

However, not all NewLook products are sold direct. Webb continues, "We have reserved a range of popular solutions for our regional dealers and distributors. So if contractors want our award-winning Solid Color Stain, for example, they'll need to continue to buy that from their local specialty concrete reseller."

DriveHard covers approximately 125 - 200 square feet per gallon and should be applied when the temperatures are rising above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or falling below 90 degrees F. Maximum strength and resistance will develop over several days. When applying, keep the surface saturated for at least 15 minutes or until the surface no longer absorbs DriveHard. The treated area usually takes 1-2 hours to dry, more if excessive moisture is present. Restrict the use of the floor to light traffic and non-harsh chemicals for at least 24 hours.

DriveHard is not a sealer. It is recommended for use only as a concrete weatherproofer and densifier. It is not recommended to apply DriveHard over previous coatings as it will effect the penetration of the product.

DriveHard is sold in 1, 2.5 and 5 gallon containers. It can be purchased online at www.buynewlook.com, homedepot.com, amazon.com, or by contacting your nearest NewLook distributor.

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New eco-friendly, non-fuming alternative to harsh cleaning acids or hazardous etching chemicals 

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah; Jan. 2012 - NewLook International has unveiled an advanced liquid formula that dissolves and physically breaks down concrete. Mean Klean will safely clean, dissolve and remove concrete, cured cement, mortar, grout and stucco. It can also be sued to clean trowels, screeds, hand tools, mixers, pumps, scaffolds, mud tubs, mud boards, trucks, trailers and silos, saws, drills, generators, augers and more. 

The technology of NewLook's concrete dissolver Mean Klean has been formulated to break down concrete by attacking the Portland cement and other unique chemical properties, reducing it to a mush that's easy to clean and remove from the surface. This new product coincides with NewLook's mission to manufacturing sustainable product solutions while minimizing their environmental footprint.

Mean Klean's patent-pending formula is 100% biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-corrosive, non-fuming and non-flammable, meaning it can be used indoors and outdoors without respirators. It will not corrode tools, equipment, paint, metal or wood. It is strictly formulated to only decompose cementitious materials. Mean Klean is also composed of a non-VOC, non-acid formula with no muriatic acid (HCI), sulphuric or phosphoric acid.

Mean Klean is commonly used by Ready Mix Concrete companies, pre-cast concrete companies, masons, concrete and paving contractors, tool and equipment rental yards and concrete block manufacturers.

"On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate Mean Klean at a 4.5," noted NewLook customer Dave Yoder, owner of Yoder Discount. "I used it on a lift to soften up hardened concrete and latex paint about 1/8" thick. After 30 minutes of set time, I pressure washed it all off. I definitely recommend Mean Klean to others."

NewLook has begun to aggressively expand its product range; Mean Klean is one of the many solutions NewLook intends to unveil before the end of 2012.

"Our distribution strategy has always been to offer quality products through a variety of channels," explained Jacob Webb, Vice President of NewLook International. "Mean Klean just happens to flow through a mass merchandising channel, which includes both national retail and online partners."

However, not all NewLook products are sold direct. Webb continues, "We have reserved a range of popular solutions for our regional dealers and distributors. So if contractors want our award-winning Solid Color Stain, for example, they'll need to continue to buy that from their local specialty concrete reseller."

Mean Klean is ready to use, with no additives required. It can be easily applied with standard pump sprayer equipment or brushes. Mean Klean is an active formula that can be neutralized and deactivated with water. Do not dilute! Never wet surface with water before applying Mean Klean.

To apply, completely saturate concrete with Mean Klean. Surface will turn white, then darken. White residue may appear if Mean Klean evaporates. Do not rinse. Re-apply to reactivate as needed until concrete has softened and dissolved. Allow Mean Klean to penetrate for 10-15 minutes, keeping the surface saturated. Concrete will soften and release from the surface after approximately 20-30 minutes. The needed soak time depends on the thickness of material being removed. Rinse with cold water, using a garden hose with a nozzle or pressure washer.

Mean Klean can also be used as a concrete etching compound. Apply with a wand sprayer evenly. When etch time has completed, neutralize with water. A mop may be necessary to clean up the residue.

Mean Klean is available in 22 Oz, 1, 2.5 and 5 gallon containers and may be purchased online at www.buynewlook.com, homedepot.com, amazon.com, or by contacting your nearest NewLook distributor.

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NewLook International is the leading manufacturer of premium and innovative decorative concrete solutions. Our revolutionary and proven systems have been used since 1989 by industry professionals and property owners alike to dramatically enhance the image of concrete. Whether you are a concrete contractor, decorative concrete suppliers, architect, designer or DIY customer, NewLook has a specific range of innovative and environmentally friendly products that will compliment your own range of solutions - making us your experts in surface enhancing solutions.

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Concrete surface preparation is one of the most critical components in a decorative concrete installation process. It is obvious that decorative coatings will adhere better to a clean surface than one contaminated with oils, glue, dirt, previous sealers etc. However, prepping also opens the pores of the concrete allowing coatings to penetrate deeper into the surface. Proper cleaning and preparation before installation will also prevent inconsistencies and flaws in the surface coatings over time.

There are a variety of methods that can be used to prepare a concrete slab for decorating including sand blasting, diamond grinding, steel shot blasting, etching compounds and more. An effective, albeit expensive alternative to these is carbonic or dry ice blasting. Dry ice blasting is not as widely recognized in the concrete world for its ability to prep surfaces, but can be just as efficient.

What is dry ice blasting?

Dry ice is pure, solid carbon dioxide (CO2) that doesn't melt. To make dry ice, carbon dioxide must be converted from a gas to a liquid. Then, as the liquid carbon dioxide is exposed to normal air temperatures some of it freezes into a snow. This snow is pressed into small ice pellets or blocks, which are then used in dry ice blasting machines.

Using a special air compressor, the dry ice pellets are blasted onto a surface at high speeds to strip a variety of coatings. As the dry ice pellets meet the surface they go through a process called sublimation, transforming immediately from a solid to a gas and expanding up to 800 times their size. The expansion of the gas allows the dry ice to penetrate deep into the substrate, while the incredibly cold temperature freezes and weakens grime's grip on the surface. With such deep infiltration, decorative products are able to adhere better to the concrete surface increasing the durability of the coatings.

Benefits of dry ice blasting:

Because the pellets immediately sublimate upon contact with the surface, the process is non-abrasive and there is minimal clean up. There is no dust or chemical residue to dispose of, unlike when using sand blasting or chemical strippers. Dry ice is non-toxic, making it user friendly and safe for the environment and the high pressure can reach places brushes and chemicals sometimes can't. Dry ice blasting is a time saving option; blasting will leave the surface completely dry so there is no wait time between prepping and applying a decorative coating. At -109 degrees Fahrenheit the dry ice is also able to kill mold and bacteria, making it a disinfectant and an excellent cleaning solution, even on walls stained with products like graffiti. 

Depending on the dry ice blasting machine used, the unit may be entirely self-contained. Some machines do require a compressed air source. Most blasting machines are available to rent or purchase, with the option of paying a professional to come and do the work for you.

Limitations:

One of the limitations of dry ice blasting, in lieu of pressure washing, sand blasting, or other preparation techniques is the expense. Cost for dry ice blasting your concrete can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Depending on the location of the job site and the availability of a machine and dry ice in the area, renting can be around $1,500 a week. Dry ice pellets used in the machine, again depending on the location, can cost about $.30-$.40 per pound.  Buying a dry ice machine can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $40,000. However, if you're saving time and money and achieving better longevity in your concrete coatings, the initial expense might be worth it in the long run to you and your customers.

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Concrete dates back to 3000 BC when the Egyptians used an early form of concrete to build the pyramids. Because of advancements in technology and a diverse market, concrete has come a long way since that first formula. However, concrete material is still a relatively fragile substance. Typically composed of water, Portland cement and an aggregate (rock or sand), the finished product is able to hold up well under pressure, but it is still susceptible to wear and tear. Knowing how to prevent concrete deterioration is useful, but if the concrete is already crumbling you'll need to know what is causing the breakdown in order to treat it.

The water to cement ratio in concrete can contribute greatly to its durability or ability to resist degradation. Although concrete does not corrode like some metals will, it is still susceptible to corrosion from chemicals and physical effects due to its porosity. 

Chemical Degradation:

Concrete can be chemically weakened because it is porous. When elements are allowed to penetrate into the concrete, corrosion is the result. The corrosion can spread to the reinforcements used - in most cases re-bar - which will lead to rust, decomposition and a decrease in concrete strength. Acids can also contribute to concrete degradation since they can actually dissolve the cement mixture in concrete. This will obviously result in diminished structural reliability. Efflorescence is another common concrete problem caused by water soluble salts. These salts are brought to the surface by water that has penetrated the concrete. As the water evaporates, the salt residue is left on the surface in the form of a white powder. 

Solution:

Using fibers in the mix to reinforce the concrete can supplement wire mesh, eliminating rust and the corrosion of the concrete. The fibers also minimize cracking, whereas mesh only holds existing cracks together. A concrete hardener or densifier can help remedy the penetration of acids into the concrete. A concrete hardener will also protect from salt and water intrusion, which lead to efflorescence, or white dusting.

Physical Degradation:

Because concrete is porous, is it susceptible to freeze-thaw damage. As water penetrates into concrete and the temperatures drop, it will freeze and expand, putting pressure on the concrete. This pressure can exceed the concrete's strength, resulting in cracking and spalling.

Solution:

To prevent this from happening, air entraining admixtures can be used in the initial concrete mix. The air entraining agents create microscopic air bubbles in the concrete. When the water in the concrete freezes and expands, it will expand into the air bubbles instead of into the concrete, preventing damage. A concrete hardener can protect your concrete from further water infiltration and freeze-thaw damage. 

Although concrete performs well under pressure, heavy loads and constant pressure can wear it down, resulting in loss of strength, abrasions, cracks and more. Preventing this type of physical breakdown may be impossible, but minimizing the appearance of constant wear and tear is an option. Sand blasting or diamond grinding will even out abrasions and divots in concrete; concrete maintenance sealers can provide a protective coating from surface scuffs.  

NewLook's weatherproofing and fortifying solution 'DriveHard' can be used to protect your concrete. The revolutionary nano - silicone/silicate based formual creates a breathable, yet stronger and water-repellant surface that is more resistant to abrasion and water-dissolved salts (alkali). DriveHard does not create a film or change the surface texture; it leaves a natural looking and more durable finish. DriveHard penetrates and chemically bonds with concrete properties to permanently increase its lifespan and reduce spalling, scaling, cracking, rust corrosion, white powder dusting, dirt pickup, salt intrustion and freeze-thaw damage.

Using DriveHard can help to protect your investment in expensive concrete and maintain curb appeal. It is recommended for use on most concrete or masonry surfaces subject to deterioration and corrosion. These include driveways, pool decks, garage floors, patios, sidewalks, concrete foundations, retaining walls, integrally colored concrete and more! It also works on architectural or exposed aggregate concrete, porous or dense brick, pavers or blocks, masonry capstones and walls, stucco, mineral plasters or clay tile. The one-time use formula is an excellent preventative maintenance solution. 

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As people are becoming more conscientious about the environment, the demands for "green" construction projects are increasing. Therefore, it is invaluable for decorative concrete contractors to become proactive about LEED ratings and to know the environmental consequences of concrete temperatures.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is an organization interested in assisting the public to build safer, greener structures. They operate on a point based system in which points are awarded when a builder meets certain environmentally friendly criteria. If a builder is interested in earning LEED points, cooler concrete is one way to acquire them.

Surface coolness is determined by a surface's solar reflective index, or SRI value. An SRI is a material's measured temperature based on reflectance and heat emittance. These are calculated on a scale from zero to one with one being most reflective. Reflectance is the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight, while emittance is defined by how well a surface radiates heat into space. An SRI value is important in decorative concrete because a LEED requirement for a green concrete surface is an SRI of 29 or greater.

Builders should be interested in the benefits of cooler surfaces because numerous studies show that untreated surfaces contribute to the Urban Heat Island Effect. The UHI, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is a measurable increase in ambient urban air temperatures resulting primarily from the replacement of vegetation with buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructures. The heat island effect can result in significant temperature differences between rural and urban areas.

In other words, as sunlight comes in contact with objects such as buildings or roads, radiation is absorbed and heat is generated. Temperatures can reach unacceptable levels if heated objects are unable to reflect the Sun's rays. As a result, energy is used to cool down the area. Obviously excessive heat can affect the health, safety and comfort of inhabitants. Fortunately, the surface temperature of materials, specifically concrete surfaces, can be decreased in a few different ways.

Although concrete is a naturally cool substance, other treatments or embellishments can lower the temperature even more. To name a few: lighter colors, durable sealers and coatings, irregular surfaces/textured concrete, pervious concrete, proper maintenance, and even decorative additives like glass. Infrared reflective technology also allows you to control the heat in concrete surfaces.

The technology to maximize a products total solar reflectance can prevent a concrete surface from absorbing an uncomfortable amount of solar rays. By maximizing solar reflectance, products are also available now in darker colors, allowing a homeowner to build with the environment in mind, while still being able to get the look they desire. Using infrared reflective technology on concrete surfaces can lower an SRI rating, as well as contribute to a builder's LEED points.

The following is an excerpt from the Portland Cement Association:

 "Concrete surfaces can earn a LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation (LEED-NC version 2.2) credit through Sustainable Sites Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof. The intent of this credit is to reduce the heat island effect. The intent can be met if materials that stay cool in sunlight are used on at least half of the site's non-roof impervious surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots."

Use NewLook's CoolStain to keep your concrete cool. It is a modified polymer, water-based concrete color stain made especially for use with existing, unsealed concrete surfaces. CoolStain is not paint and therefore able to form an opaque (solid) breathable finish that requires no sealer. It penetrates the surface of porous concrete, minimizing heat build-up of concrete surfaces exposed to sunlight.

CoolStain is ideal for driveways, garage floors, pool decks, offices, restaurants, hotels, theme parks, shopping malls, schools and other high traffic areas. CoolStain will reduce surface temperature by up to 50 degrees F, even in darker colors. CoolStain is available in a variety of standard colors, with color matching available for a fee. 

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Memorial Park, in Provo, Utah, dates from the early 1920s. It was first dedicated to the fallen soldiers from World War I, though over the years it has expanded in size and scope to commemorate the contributions of all the hometown soldiers over the last century. With its latest makeover, the city decided to create a world map in concrete highlighting the history of the wars and notable battlegrounds. Numbered brass markers will refer to descriptive boards that will be placed around the perimeter for an account of what happened at that location in world history.

The city commissioned the project in 2006. Westroc Concrete supplied a 7-bag mix for the slab, which was placed in late September of that year. The 1084-sq.-foot slab included #3 rebar, placed on 2-foot centers.

Once the slab was completed, Jerry Boyd and Rylee Snelson of the Parks Department came in and cut joints in the slab using a Target Pro 65 saw from the city's Water Department.

Dean Hutchison sent out a request for bids on the decorative work, but the quotes were more than the budget would allow. So, city employees decided to do the decorative work themselves, despite the fact that no one had ever done decorative concrete work before.

The city purchased a large-scale stencil from the Web. It then took three people one 10-hour day to stencil and paint the international boundaries on the surface, though detailed engraving did not begin for nearly two months.

"The engraving was the most difficult part of the job," Hutchison said. "The engraver was more powerful than we needed and was difficult to control." Once they removed about half of the engraving teeth and turned down the air pressure, it was much easier to handle.

The small countries of Europe were the most difficult to engrave. Free-handing the work didn't work, so Boyd and Snelson made plywood templates of an architect's French curve for a guide. "The borders are close, but not exact," Hutchison said.

It took two people two days to complete the engraving. At that point, the city covered up the artwork with insulation mats to protect it from vandalism during the winter.

Beginning in March of this year, the city peeled back the covers to finish the project, which included staining the concrete. First, they sanded the concrete with a large floor sander, followed by a good power washing and cleaning out the expansion joints. Over the next five days, Parks Department personnel, including Hutchison, managed to cover and color the entire world, using 6 solid color stains from Salt Lake City-based NewLook International.

The city hopes to work with the local VFW for the placement of the brass markers. "It was a lot of work and a lot of fun. We are just excited to take a personal role in paying tribute to our city's soldiers," Hutchison said.

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Concrete Construction Article

"Cool Concrete; Stain Lowers Concrete Surface Temperature While Adding Color"

By Tom Bagsarian on Aug 31, 2011

Much of the nation has baked in heat and humidity this summer. That's not news to anyone living in the Midwest and Southern Plains.

The Dallas/Fort Worth area had 40 consecutive days higher than 100 degrees F at one point and a total of 50 days higher than 100 degrees F for all of 2011, and counting. The hot temperatures have not occurred just in the U.S. The combined global land and ocean average surface temperature in July was the seventh warmest on record for that month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Debate the causes all you want, but one fact is as clear as an egg frying on a Texas sidewalk: It;s getting warmer out there.

In light of this, the concrete construction industry is not standing idly by. Keeping surfaces cool not only keeps the public more comfortable, it also lessens the urban heat island effect. Cooler surfaces can earn a U.S. Green Building Council LEED credit for New Construction and Major Renovation through Sustainable Sites Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof. Finally, developing products and technologies that lowers a concrete surface's temperature not only is environmentally responsible, it's good business.

Mark Tretter, president of Excel Surfaces in Escondido, Calif., uses a special concrete stain as a selling point. Last summer, the contractor stained 12,000 square feet of concrete sidewalks, courtyard, and common areas surrounding the Norco Assembly Hall, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles and away from the Pacific Ocean's cool breezes. But there was something unique about this particular job.

Around lunchtime in the middle of the day, Tretter went to the jobsite. "It was the hottest week of the year, and I went to check the surface temperature," he says. "I put my hand on the concrete that had not been stained yet and I could barely touch it. Next to it where I had the stain, I could lay my hand right on it and it was 20 degrees F to 25 degrees F cooler in the direct sun."

The coating Tretter's crew applied, CoolStain, manufactured by NewLook International, Salt Lake City, is a polymer-modified, water-based stain. It can be applied to concrete flatwork, vertical surfaces, concrete blocks, pavers, imprinted concrete, exposed aggregate, and many other cementitious surfaces. The product cools the surface by using specialty infrared pigments that result in high solar reflectance, the manufacturer says.

The Application Process

Tretter, who is a certified installer for CoolStain, says despite the unusual results, there is very little different in the product's installation. Like all stains, the surface must be open and porous without any sealers or contaminants. The Excel Surfaces crew pressure-washed the surface with a 3000-psi pressure washer and masked off areas in case of overspray.

A worker applied the Spanish Red (245) CoolStain with an airless paint sprayer, followed by others who worked the stain in with split-hair brooms. Because the church had little idle time, the project was planned three months in advance, leaving the contractor no choice but to proceed with the project through the hottest week of the summer. Workers only had to broom the stain for 10 minutes before it dried, or about one-half to one-third of the time it would have taken on a cooler day.

The next step was a wet test, where a worker rubbed the surface with a wet rag. If no color rubs off onto the rag, the surface is ready for the second coating, which involved the same process. "If you have a really porous slab, you might have to go with three coats," Tretter says. "I've only done that once or twice."

After a second wet test, the crew applied an enhancer, or contrast color. In this case, they used a gray smoke color. "It drains off the high spots and settles in the low spots, and it darkens as it cures," he says. "The base is still dominant, but you get your accent color in the recesses and grout lines."

Pedestrians can walk on the surface 24 hours after work is complete. Tretter suggests standard maintenance for the surface. Thousands of people walk on this concrete surface every weekend, so the contractor applied a polyurethane sealer to protect the stained surface. This will be repeated every three to five years.

Tretter uses CoolStain on 10% to 15% of his jobs, and it would be more if more of his business involved staining. Areas surrounding swimming pools is a popular application. Most people think a light color should surround a pool, but this product proves them wrong. "It’s very durable," Tretter says. "I haven’t had any issues with it peeling around pools."

Visit http://excelsurfaces.com for more on the contractor in this story.

Visit http://www.concreteconstruction.net/concrete-surfaces/cool-concrete.aspx to read the original article.

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RestoraCrete restored 7000 square feet of old stamped concrete in Coto De Caza (Orange County). Mr. and Mrs. Ellison researched many companies and actually took the time to visit with previous clients throughout the area of Orange County. After extensive due diligence, they informed us that RestoraCrete was the preferred choice because we use NewLook stains. Our ability to competently manage our efficiencies was critical to the success of this restoration. We first had to strip the entire 7000 sf area while simultaneously applying NewLook's Solid Color Stain, Enhancer and then a sealer. It took four crew members approximately seven days to complete the job. The process of stripping enough to begin staining and not step over each process was challenging, but the job was completed with precision. RestoraCrete used NewLook's Creamed Coffee (288) Solid Color Stain with Buffalo Brown (237) Enhancer, Buffalo Brown (237) Solid Color Stain for the trim and sealed the entire job with the NewLook Concrete Maintenance Sealer.  For more information on this job or others feel free to check out www.restoracrete.com.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR NEWLOOK SUCCESS STORY, CONTACT JACOB WEBB AT (801) 886-9495 OR JACOB@GETNEWLOOK.COM

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In this industry we've all seen our share of old and faded colored concrete that has been bleached out by the elements and is in need of some type of color fix or restoration. That was the condition of the existing stamped concrete at Diablo Grande Golf Course & Country Club, near Patterson, Calif. The owners wanted to improve the facility by updating the existing hardscape and adding a new covered concrete patio and outdoor bar, along with some new walkways and stairs to expand access from the clubhouse to the course.

The challenge was how to make roughly 20,000 square feet of new concrete and faded, outdated old concrete blend together seamlessly so no one could tell where one ended and the other began. Removing the old concrete was not an option due to cost and because it would have shut down access to the clubhouse.

That's when my company, Staintec, received a call from Chad Pometta, who owns CP Landscape and Design, the Patterson, Calif., company in charge of the concrete renovation and landscaping at Diablo Grande. (He's also a resident of Diablo Grande.)

After we talked on the phone about the specifics of the project, Chad arranged for me to come up to Diablo for a job walk. We also consulted with the principal owners on the best process to give them the new color and design they wanted for all the concrete, new and old.

For me the answer was simple. I realized this was the perfect project for the NewLook Solid Color Stain system. I utilize this system a lot in my business, for several reasons. It's a very cost-effective color application that allows me any color combination required for almost any concrete concept. It was capable of making the new and old concrete match perfectly. What's more, over time, the product breaks down to a natural appearance without flaking or peeling and holds up very well to routine cleaning. This makes for hassle-free color and sealing maintenance, which in turn means no headaches down the road for the owners.

After deciding to move forward, the first step, as with any high-profile project like this, was mock-ups. We were able to demo different base and antique color combinations, along with the color for the borders, on the actual area of concrete we planned to stain - we colored back over that area when we did the job. This allowed the clients to see first-hand how the sample colors would actually look next to the palette of golden browns and earthy tans of the new pillars and stonework. These colors were a huge contrast to the original, drab salmon-colored integrally colored concrete they were so used to looking at every day.

Next, CP Landscape and Design placed 20 yards of new concrete. After a curing time of 30 days, both the new and old concrete were ready for their color makeover.

For this type of product, I use a standard method of surface preparation: a strong 5-to-1 acid wash that is amply applied by brush in a wet "soaking method" and left to "cook" for anywhere from five to 12 hours depending on the integrity of the concrete. When the acid is done working it completely "exfoliates" the surface of the concrete and you are left with what looks like a brownish chalky haze. This method assures me that all the potentially deleterious material on the surface has been chemically etched and loosened.

We then prepare a high-volume pressure-washer (3,500-plus psi at 4 gallons per minute). Using a 15-degree tip we methodically water-jet the concrete foot by foot in a 4-inch swath pattern to assure the entire surface is aggressively cleaned in the exact same manner. This completely removes the impacted silt layer of organics, loose silica and concrete salts. After this type of rigorous etching and cleaning, what's left is a brand new pristine surface of very porous, open concrete that readily accepts and wicks in the very watery, fluid NewLook polymer stain. This makes an ideal foundation for the initial mechanical bond and is critical for the overall integrity of the product.

The application of the solid color stain system is really user-friendly and straightforward. No covering or masking is required, which means less costly prep time and labor. With only some minor cut-in on any detail areas, the rest of the process is all about production.

Using a unique NewLook applicator brush designed to hold wet material in the fibers, we basically flood the stain over the surface of the concrete, brushing it into joints and texture, allowing the concrete to soak in the stain for uniform coverage. Then we back-brush, almost buffing the stain in with the brush until it is dry. It is so forgiving you can actually walk on it and through it while brushing with no fear of making any footprints, just buffing out any wet areas as you go. A two-coat process is required with only a one-hour wait time in between coats. When done, everything dries equally and very opaque, giving us a new solid base color to antique.

There are a couple of precautions to take when working with NewLook stain. One, avoid working with it on very hot days. If the concrete is too hot, the material can essentially cook before it can be broomed in and dry naturally. If your shoes start to stick when walking on the stain, it's too hot! Hot conditions will also drastically affect your cover rate and workability.

Two, control mixing and agitation for consistency of color. On large-scale projects, uniform appearance is paramount and consistent mixing and applications methods must be followed.

For this exterior stamp texture application, the NewLook Enhancer series "antique" system was applied wet but evenly over the surface using the same NewLook brush. We were careful to not overapply. Unlike with the base coat, we just let the fluid settle in all the texture and sit undisturbed until it completely evaporated, leaving only a light color film of the antique color.

We paid special attention to maintaining a wet edge to avoid any application marks. To do this, we applied material in the shade of the morning or at dusk. We were then able to lay down large areas of the antiquing fluid without rapid drying or fear of brush marks.

The obvious choice to finish this project was a quality water-based gloss sealer applied in two thin coats and blown dry with a leaf blower. We chose a Concrete Coatings water-based sealer, SuperSeal 20WB Water-Based Acrylic, to go over the NewLook because it breaks down and oxidizes with the product over time, and after just a light power washing, you can reseal or apply a fresh touch-up color coat.

Chad Pometta describes the end result: "You can't even tell what we went over. It all matches like everything was one continuous pour. There was a huge cost savings, too, with the concrete we were able to leave in place."

As Seen in Concrete Decor Magazine: Full article and photos

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