CREATING EXCITEMENT WITH COLOR

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2018/8/30 Read:367

New polymer stain for concrete comes in a palette of bold, vibrant huesBy Anne Balogh, The ConcreteNetwork

For decades, designers and decorative concrete contractors have been using acid-etch chemical stains to dress up plain concrete floor and slab surfaces. Concrete stain is easy to use and the rich, earthy tones produce a variegated look that resemblesnatural stone, marble, wood, or even leather. The luxurious effects possible with this coloring technique are truly remarkable. But what if subtle drama isnt what youre after? What if you want to energize a drab concrete surface with colors that are bright, bold, and lively?

Now you can with Rembrandt, a new acrylic-urethane polymer stain available in a full palette of pigments. The product, which is manufactured by Epmar Corp. of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., was demonstrated for contractors earlier this year at World of Concrete 2003 through distributor Kemiko Concrete Products, Leonard, Texas. And its already winning fans.

The interest and excitement about Rembrandt is overwhelming. I think its going to find its niche quickly, says Kemikos Barbara Sargent, who is also one of the Concrete Network's industry leaders. Barbara has been selling Kemiko Stone Tone acid stains for more than 30 years, but she says that Rembrandt is something totally different and unique. It comes in colors that arent available in the acid line, such as vibrant red, orange, and cobalt blue. The only limit to the color palette is your imagination. People who like to be creative and do faux finishes are going to have a blast with this product.

She also says that Rembrandt is very user-friendly. The system consists of a gallon container of resin into which you squeeze tubes of pigment. Just shake, and its ready to apply. One coat dries to the touch in less than an hour, and you can apply a clear finish coat after 2 to 3 hours.

Another benefit: Rembrandt is void of any objectionable odor because of an ultra-low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. The environmentally friendly formulation also complies with Californias stringent South Coast Air Quality Management District rules for VOC content of architectural coatings, which dont go into effect until 2008. We are trying to stay ahead of the curve for VOC regulations, says Barbara.

Who is using Rembrandt? Barbara says its appeal is extending to residential, commercial, and institutional markets for a variety of interior and exterior applications. Were seeing people use it for childcare centers, theme parks, hospitals, childrens bedrooms, shopping malls, restaurants, and schoolsany place where you want to create excitement with color.