Mason's Select Transparent Concrete Stain 

Frequently Asked Questions

| surface prep | where to use  | product prep | performance |

Surface Preparation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

• Why is it necessary to etch my concrete surface before I apply Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes.

It is necessary to etch hard-troweled or very dense concrete surfaces, such as garage floors, in order to open up the surface and allow the Mason's Select Product to penetrate.  If you are not sure whether to etch or not, it is always best to etch the surface. Sometimes, very dense surfaces require etching twice to make the surface porous enough to stain. The surface should feel like 120 grit sandpaper. Etching can easily be achieved using Mason's Select Safe Solution, a non-corrosive and biodegradable concrete etching and cleaning solution. This is the method we recommend for safety and ease of use. Safe Solution will not harm plants or other vegetation, is easily applied and rinses with water. Safe Solution was created specifically for roughening smooth and slippery concrete, and to prepare concrete surfaces for paints and stains. Make sure to neutralize the concrete surface after etching by using Mason's Select Concrete Cleaner.

• Is etching recommended on new concrete surfaces?

Yes.  All concrete with a smooth surface or that does not allow water to penetrate should be etched prior to applying Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes.  Read our important tips for surface preparation for best results.

• What should the pH of my concrete be prior to applying Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes?

The pH of concrete is never neutral or completely balanced.  The pH should be between 7-9.  Allowing new concrete to cure for a minimum of 30 days in moderate weather and longer in wet/moist climates will allow the pH to be at an acceptable level prior to application of Mason's Select products.

• Can I apply Mason's Select Concrete Stains or Mason's Select Clear Finishes to damp or wet concrete, or immediately after I clean it? 

No, the concrete must be completely dry prior to application.  We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours to allow the concrete surface to dry.

• Will Mason's Select Concrete Cleaner remove rust stains?

For best results use a rust remover product.  Concrete Cleaner is not designed to remove rust stains.

• Will Mason's Select Concrete Cleaner harm or kill my plants and grass if I get it on them?

It can if the plants are soaked in the material.  Follow label directions and cover all nearby vegetation.  Be sure to hose down plant beds, flower beds and lawn areas before and after application of this product.

• Will Mason's Select Concrete Cleaner remove black mildew?

For best results, use household bleach to kill mildew growth.  Then use the Concrete Cleaner to remove the mildew stains.

• Is Mason's Select Concrete Cleaner adequate for removing old finishes and sealers?

No.  It is not a stripper.  Mason's Select Concrete Cleaner is appropriate for use to remove grease, dirt, oil, grime and mildew stains.

• What is the best way to prepare a concrete surface that has a clear finish or solid color concrete stain or patio paint on it?

To remove coatings from concrete, use Methylene Chloride based strippers for the quickest and most desirable results.  Muriatic Acid and Phosphoric Acid are not designed for stripping concrete coatings.

• What is the preparation and reapplication process for a weathered surface previously stained with Mason's Select Concrete Stain?

Use Mason's Select Concrete Cleaner to remove foreign matter, dirt and grime.  Allow surface to dry for 24 hours and recoat with Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes.

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Where to Use .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

• Can I use Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes on Stucco?

No. Mason's Select is designed for use on concrete, not stucco.

• Can I use Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes to waterproof my basement walls and keep them from leaking water?

No.  Mason's Select will only offer a decorative finish to basement walls.  It is not intended to waterproof concrete on below ground applications.

• Can I use Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes on my bird bath?

Yes, on the outer surface.  Test for penetration and adhesion as release agents used in molding the birdbath may have been used and can prevent Mason's Select from penetrating.

• Can I use Mason's Select products on wood surfaces?

No.  Wood is too flexible for the resin base in Mason's Select.  Mason's Select products are designed for use only on concrete.

• Can I stain my terra cotta flowerpot with Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes?

Yes, you can coat the inside and outside, but keep in mind that the color of the flowerpot may hide the transparent color of the stain.

• Can I mix Mason's Select Concrete Stain into wet concrete?

No. It will change the composition of concrete if mixed into wet concrete.

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Product Preparation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

• Can I tint Mason's Select?

Yes, Up to 2oz. per gallon.

• Can I intermix colors among the Mason's Select Concrete Stain product line?

Yes, get as creative as you like.  Remember that the stains need to be thinned with one quart of water per gallon of stain.

• The instructions say to thin Mason's Select Concrete Stains with one quart of water per gallon of product.  What if I don't?  What if I thin with two quarts?

In order to achieve proper penetration and adhesion Mason's Select Concrete Stain must be thinned with one quart of water per gallon of stain.  If it is not thinned or thinned too much, it will not build a proper, durable film.  In either case, the product warranty is void.

• I'm afraid that my Mason's Select product may have frozen in the can during the winter.  How do I know if it is still okay to use?

A cottage cheese consistency will indicate that the product is not useable.  We recommend storing the Mason's Select Products in a place where they can be kept from freezing.

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Product Performance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

• How long will Mason's Select Concrete Stain and Mason's Select Clear Finishes last?

3-5 years.

• Will Mason's Select Concrete Stain and Mason's Select Clear Finishes make my concrete surface slippery?

All concrete stains, paints and sealers may become slippery when wet. For areas that may become slippery use a paint additive that is designed to create "grip" such as Shark Grip. 

• The label states that Mason's Select Concrete Stain will cover 100-200 square feet per gallon.  Is that before or after diluting with one quart of water?

After diluting.

• Will Mason's Select Concrete Stain or Mason's Select Clear Finishes stop dusting? (Dusting is the wearing of the top layer of concrete)

Yes, it will protect against dusting.

• The label states that Mason's Select Concrete Stain and Mason's Select Clear Finishes protect against water damage, but when it rains my concrete darkens.  How is it protecting?

The Mason's Select products allow some water transmission in the form of a vapor.  It provides protection by regulating the amount of water that can pass through.  For added protection against water absorption, apply 2 - 3 coats of Mason's Select Clear Satin Finish or Mason's Select Clear Gloss Finish on top of the stained surface.

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Do you have more questions?  E-mail us!

PRODUCT DATA GUIDES

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