May 2018
Brick Staining News
by Masonry Cosmetics: "The Brick Matching Experts"
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Here is something I get asked all the time: "Are all the stain companies the same? Do they use the same products?" Not all stain companies are the same and here is why:
In our case, the answer to both questions is "no". We are not alike. Masonry Cosmetics uses different products, different processes, and applies our product differently than the other "stain" companies (we cannot roll or spray our product like the others do/can).
We have been told that some of the "competing stain companies" out there used to be franchises of another "stain" company. Franchises that have broken off to be their own company. Which could be a reason why a few of the other "stain" companies out there say they are very similar to each other.
Here at Masonry Cosmetics, we use a "Proven-Masonry-Stain".
The next question I get asked is: "How is a "Proven-Masonry-Stain" different than what the other "stain" companies use?"
My answer is:
1.) A Proven-Masonry-Stain will never hurt the brick or masonry it is applied to.
2.) A Proven-Masonry-Stain can be natural looking, does not have a paint-like appearance.
3.) A Proven-Masonry-Stain is long lasting. It will never peel, crack, flake, or blister. It does not create a layer like a paint-like "stain" does.
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There are a few easy tests that you can try before using a masonry "stain".
The first test is the "Smell Test". The smell test is performed before the product is applied. Some may try to dodge the "Smell Test" by suggesting you smell their "low voc" product after it is applied and after it is dry.
The second test is the "Water Test". The "Water Test" is performed after the product is applied and dried. Reference this test with adjacent (if possible) brick, block, mortar that have not been "stained".
Here is an example of our product performing on some architectural block:
You can see that both the block we stained and the unstained block get wet naturally.
Here is what our "competition" has to deal with:
- In our honest opinion, they are not good at surgery or selective staining
(only staining a percentage of the wall).
- Does not look natural close up when dry.
(especially bad when wet).
Often, they may recommend sealing the wall after they stain it. The sealer not only waves their warranty (in some cases), but the sealer will help hide the deficiency in the appearance of their product when wet. Masonry should be a maintence free product, the sealer will only last so long.
In the above pictures, you can see what one of our "competitors" walls look like "wet".