Soy-Based Stain Provides Performance, Green Benefits

Get Real Surfaces’ SoyCrete is a bio-based, semi-transparent penetrating concrete stain that suits decorative concrete floors, masonry walls, natural

Get Real Surfaces’ SoyCrete is a bio-based, semi-transparent penetrating concrete stain that suits decorative concrete floors, masonry walls, natural stone, pool decks, patios, garage floors, tilt-up walls, plaster walls, stucco, drywall, and concrete art. Green building-compliant, nonhazardous, ultra-low VOC, and acid-free, the product provides the variegated look of acid stain, the manufacturer asserts, while offering consistency, control, flexibility, ease of use, and faster installation.

SoyCrete is derived from rapidly renewable natural plant oils. Its soy-dispersion technology and 100 percent solids soy-ester pigment chemistry ensure penetration, permanent staining, and natural semi-transparent color variations unique to each substrate surface, product developers affirm. The formulation also inherently provides UV, water, mold, mildew, and efflorescence resistance, the manufacturer adds. Within USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, SoyCrete qualifies for credit in two primary classes and several subcategories, i.e., Materials & Resources: Building Reuse Û MR Credit 1, Local/Regional Materials Û MR Credit 5, Rapidly Renewable Materials Û MR Credit 6; and, Indoor Environmental Quality: Low-Emitting Materials Û EQ Credit 4.

By contrast to conventional water-based stains, dyes, or floor paint, Soycrete is not a topical coating. Its penetration and recolorization within the concrete surface reportedly eliminate flaking, peeling or chipping. Once it has cured Û within 24 hours Û the stain can be removed only by sanding, blasting, or chemically etching the surface. Following full system curing in five to seven days, signs of discoloration will occur only when the concrete surface is worn or damaged.

While optimum performance of any decorative flooring system requires proper surface preparation and quality installation, the company emphasizes, SoyCrete is easy to use and apply without multiple rinsing or neutralizing steps. Û www.getrealsurfaces.com