This is the most important step because the final result depends on this process. It is quite simple, both for old and for new concrete. After trying a sample on one area, proceed to stain larger areas.

First of all the surrounding areas must be divided up, outside walls for example. Cover the point where the walls touch the ground with a polythene sheet, and it might be necessary to put more plastic sheets on the interior walls. This is so as not to spoil the walls with the acid color which might be in the air when the stain is sprayed on. The acid colors contain some chemical elements that can cause damage to plants with which they come into contact. Cover the area from any outside interferences, for example pedestrian passing by, cars or animals.
 
In the second place, in creating a new paving (industrial paving) the estimated drying time is about 3-4 weeks for it to be thoroughly dry. No liquid substance should be used to help dry it.
Otherwise, it is possible to use our products DS-TIXCEM or DS-LIVCEM, which have been devised specifically for accelerating drying times, allowing for a StainColor paving finish on already existing paving, without having to demolish the old paving; only two days after these products have been applied it is possible to proceed with the StainColor treatment.
USE OF THE DS-TIXCEM OR DS-LIVCEM PRODUCTS: 
Scrape with a brush to close the pores and regularize the micro-stippling of the concrete or, in the case of old paving, such as tiles, fill in the joins.

Once the under-surface has been made smooth, proceed to a first application of DS-TIXCEM with a smooth wire brush. The hardening of the product varies according to the temperature and the ventilation of the space; at +20°C (average temperature) it hardens in 5/7 hours approximately. Sand the surface (with a monobrush), and carefully vacuum up the dust.
At this point, other coats of DS-TIXCEM or DS-LIVCEM (in total 2/4) must be put on; apply them using a plastic trowel when you desire the paving to have an even color.
A final sanding and careful vacuuming will then produce a flat surface and you can proceed as described below.
Thirdly, both old and new concrete should be thoroughly cleaned before staining. It should be clean and free of oil, sealants, waxes, fats, water repellents, dust, paint, etc. Natural accretions, such as dust and dirt, can be removed with warm water, a neutral detergent and a broom or mop. Make sure that the cleaning is carried out properly!
Rinse the area until the water running off is completely clean, containing no residue. Before proceeding to coloring, ensure that the surface is free.
Paints and sealants can be eliminated with paint stripper and a scraper, but if the surface is porous, some residues can hide in the pores. Hence a sander and/or monobrush may be necessary to remove synthetic substances such as concrete sealants, paints or oil smudges. If the concrete is too badly spoilt to receive the color that has been prepared, it may be necessary to sand or grind it.

Never wash the surface with acid because it will certainly kill and remove the reactive components necessary in the concrete, and it will probably not be possible to get the StainColor to work.
 
Finally, once all the cleaning procedures have been carried out correctly and the surface is free from any substance, the concrete should absorb water. When the water is poured on, the concrete absorbs it and becomes darker; it is then ready to be stained. If the water runs away over the surface and is not absorbed by the concrete, staining will not be possible. Further cleaning operations and preparation will be necessary.

TESTING:
It is important to clean the particular area for testing in the same way as the whole area that is to be colored, since it can influence the result. The test area should be stained just as the whole surface will be: use the same utensils, the same color solution, the same methods of preparation. Make sure that the area for the application test is, in the smallest details, just the same the larger area.

Once the test has been carried out and the color has taken, remember that application of the sealant will make it become darker by one or two gradations. It is a good idea to close off access to this area to see what the final result will be, although on this area no other solution can be applied. Note that it is always easier to make an area darker, but practically impossible to make it lighter. Therefore, if you think the stain is too dark, do the first test with a diluted solution. If it turns out too light, you can simply add some concentrated color. If however the area is too dark to begin with, it will be very difficult to cover it over with a lighter stain.