No, it cannot be rolled or sprayed on. The pigments are constantly settling. They do not have an additive, like in paint, which keeps the colored pigments suspended. Which is why you have to stir every time the brush is dipped.
No, RPC will not create slippery conditions.
If your paver has absorption, then yes, the color can be changed with RPC. Absorption is one of the keys to success. Concrete pavers typically have good absorption as long as a sealer has not been applied. Do the “water test” on your pavers. Does it darken when wet? Then yes, the RPC system is right for your project. If the water beads up and stays the same color, a sealer has been applied and must be completely removed before using the RPC kit.
A Standard kit will cover approximately 250 square feet for one application. We recommend applying one application to your entire project first before applying any additional pigment. Our sample size kit will cover approximately 20 square feet.
The pavers must be dry (no rain for 24 hours prior or after time of staining). They also are free from any acid or cleaning-solution residue. Our stains react poorly with acids, especially muriatic acid which can affect how well it bonds with the surface.
No, the paver temperature must be a minimum of 50 degrees F and no more than 100 degrees F. This means the air temperature needs to be in the 50s for a least a couple of weeks (if you are in a colder climate). If the air temperature is above 100 for a substantial amount of time, our stains could dry too quickly and leave brush stroke lines.
No, each project will be unique. Please keep in mind our stains are transparent, so the base color will play a part in the end results. Think of our stains as you would use the color wheel (Blue and Yellow mixed together to make Green or in the brick world, if you have an orange brick and want it to go red, yellow must be added and usually another color such as blue for a burgundy red or green for a browner red). Our stains bond with the surface of the paver to create a new look.
Yes, in a couple of ways. You can start with as little as 1 level teaspoon of pigment to 1/2 cup of RPC Solution for a subtle change of color. Or if you would like more vibrant color, you can put a second application on after the first one has completely dried. (The instructions say to add 2 & 1/2 level teaspoon of pigment to 1/2 cup of solution.) If you, stain 2 to 3 pavers per dip of the brush, a range of colors can also be created.
Or we do offer a Custom Restore Paver Color kit which comes with primary colors, black and white for you to create (or match something in particular) unique to your project. Just give us a call at (888) 698-8705 or (574) 234-1812 to order over the phone.
Within 30 minutes, the pavers will be completely dry and ready to be driven or walked on.
Yes, they can be lightened. Depending on how absorptive the pavers are, there might be limits to the degree of change. For example, our stains cannot change a black paver to a snowy white nor will it change a white paver to a dark blue.
Yes, as long as a sealer has not been used, RPC can change the color of mortar also.
We estimate 4 to 6 years. However, it does depend on how much wear (walking/driving) and weather the paver is exposed to. We do guarantee RPC will never peel, crack, blister or flake.
No, this process is breathable and does not create a layer, and will not seal the paver.
Yes, please email your pictures and questions to info@masonrycosmetics.com and we will be happy to assist you.
As soon as they are completely dry with the typical installation. If a mortar has been used to set the pavers, 2 weeks to a month should be enough for the mortar to cure, and then they can be stained.
General, most patio/sidewalks are ok to stain, as is. If there is excessive dirt, algae/moss or glue, oil, grease, asphalt, tar, paint, wax, rust, or any other foreign matter, then it must be cleaned prior to staining (follow your paver manufacturers recommended cleaning directions, be cautious with pressure washing).
Once they have dried completely (usually only a day or two). Be cautious with what is used to clean. Acids and bleaches can remove the Restore Paver Color. Power washing above 400 psi can etch your pavers and/or possibly take off the color also.
We don’t recommend sealing. Our process does not require it to make the color last longer. Also, if you wanted to change the color again in a few years, the sealer would prevent our stains from changing the color.
In our experience, it is difficult to remove all of a sealer. The best product to use would come from the same manufacturer of the sealer applied. If the sealer is removed, RPC should still be able to change the color.
No, RPC is environmentally friendly, contains no VOCs or acid. Our Proven Masonry Stain is a proprietary formula that will change the color of absorptive masonry.
Pigment, solution, measuring cups & spoons, mixing jar & a 2” brush along with written instructions.
Our stains are transparent, so the background color plays a part in the end results. If you have a light red colored paver and are trying to change it to charcoal, some of the red might show through. If you do one application, let it dry completely, and then apply a second time, you can “build” the color.
We can be contacted through our contact page, or through our email listed below! We'd love to answer any questions you have about our products, masonry staining, or with project advice.