Acid Stained Concrete Is Peeling

Acid Stain Cannot Peel

• First, keep in mind that the acid stain itself cannot peel. The acid is a chemical composition that sinks down into the concrete. When properly applied, there is nothing that can peel. This does not mean that the project cannot lead to peeling issues, but you should not blame the stain itself. Rather, peeling is an indication of subsequent problems or improper application.

Sealant Peeling

• Acid stain needs to be sealed with a clear sealant in order to protect it from the air. Without the sealant, the acid stain would fade or blur with time. However, sealants are coatings that cover the top of the concrete and they can peel. Sealants may be especially apt to peel if they were applied over a dirty concrete floor.

Acid Residue

• When the acid stain sinks into the concrete, it may leave some particles on the concrete surface, residue that was not small enough to be absorbed by the porous concrete. This is a common issue, but it must be dealt with through a thorough cleaning procedure. If there is any remaining residue on top of the concrete, it can create peeling problems, especially if a sealant layer is painted on top of particles. Sealant cannot adhere properly to the residue and will peel away from it.

Fixing the Problem

• If your acid stained concrete is already peeling, you will need to replace the sealant coating entirely. This means using solvents to remove the sealant and then carefully cleaning the concrete surface before re-applying a new coating. In order to preserve the acid stain color, you may want to hire a contractor that specializes in concrete staining projects.