How to Mix Concrete Stain & Waterproofer
- 1). Combine waterproofing powder with water. There are different types of concrete waterproofers available. Each one of them is combined with water to make it a spreadable substance. The amount of powder and water that should be used depends upon the size of the surface you are planning to waterproof. There will be directions on the waterproofing powder bucket or bag that will tell you specific amounts.
- 2). Make one of the least toxic types of concrete stain with copper sulfate. You will be able to find copper sulfate in bags at hardware or plant stores. It will be a light blue powder or blue crystals. Use ¼ cup of copper sulfate with 1 cup of warm water, and allow the copper sulfate to dissolve. If it doesn't dissolve completely, you can heat the substance on very low heat while constantly stirring. This is best done outside to avoid fumes. When mixed, the copper sulfate will appear bright blue, and will create a bluish-greenish hue when spread over a concrete surface.
- 3). Add potassium dichromate to create an orangish color. Combine ¼ cup of the copper sulfate, ¼ cup table salt, 1 cup hot water, 1 teaspoon of hydrochloric acid and 1 tablespoon of potassium dichromate. The mixture should be left to sit until all of the ingredients are completely dissolved. Again, it can be heated slowly if necessary, but avoid heating if you can, as it will release more toxins. This combination will appear yellow as it is painted onto a concrete surface, but will turn orange as it dries.
- 4). Mimic dark "wood" with manganese. Manganese carbonate can be bought at pottery stores, and should be handled very carefully. To create a dark "wood" stain, use ¼ cup manganese carbonate, 1 tablespoon potassium dichromate, and ½ cup + 2 teaspoons muriatic acid. Mix all of the ingredients except the acid together in a non-metal container. Once dissolved, the acid should be added slowly or it will foam out of the container. When the mix is painted onto the concrete floor, it will make a very dark walnut stain that is close to black in color.
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