Concrete Stain Keeps Surfaces Cooler

NewLook’s CoolStain PRO comes in a three-part kit that’s easily mixed and applied on the jobsite.

Under the blistering sun, concrete and other paving surfaces can get super-hot, maybe not enough so to fry an egg, but certainly to the point of being uncomfortable to walk on in bare feet. Another negative side effect is the heat-island effect, as the concrete emits the absorbed heat back into the atmosphere. Now there’s a stain that can reduce the surface temperature of concrete by up to 50 degrees F by reflecting the solar radiation that generates heat. Unlike most concrete stains that are actually semi-transparent, CoolStain PRO from NewLook is a penetrating water-based stain that is completely opaque and leaves a natural-looking finish on the concrete. It’s available in 20 standard colors (both light and dark shades) and can also be used to restore previously colored concrete surfaces or rejuvenate old concrete by completely covering discolorations or stains.

“CoolStain PRO's infrared-reflective pigmentation minimizes the amount of heat that's absorbed by the substrate. It's challenging, if not impossible, to get the same benefit from a translucent stain. Even the dark colors offer this benefit,” says Jacob Webb of NewLook.

How much the stain reduces the concrete temperature depends on a number of variables, including the stain color, ambient temperature, and surface texture of the concrete. A chart on the NewLook website provides total solar reflectivity and heat emissivity ratings for CoolStain PRO's various colors.

Before & after photos of a driveway treated with CoolStain PRO. The installer, Kevin Brown of KB Concrete Staining, Mira Loma, Calif., says he has been using the product for about 18 months. “As soon as I heard about it, I knew it would be a hit, especially in heat-sensitive areas. With 20 colors to choose from, clients are happy that they have options,” he says.

In addition to its heat-reflective qualities, CoolStain PRO forms an extremely tenacious mechanical bond with the substrate and does not need to be sealed, according to Webb. “This makes the stain a very forgivable and maintainable solution and allows customers to easily revitalize their existing concrete.”

Typical applications
Concrete pool decks are the ideal and most common application for CoolStain PRO. However, it’s also recommended for other exterior concrete surfaces that need to be made cooler and more comfortable during the hot summer months, including patios, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, theme parks and courtyards.

CoolStain PRO can reduce surface temperatures by as much as 50°F, making it ideal for concrete pool decks. Even the darker stain colors will reflect radiant heat.

The use of CoolStain PRO also qualifies projects for LEED points because its solar reflectivity reduces the heat-island effect. The stain is also free of VOCs and environmentally friendly.

How to apply
CoolStain PRO is available in a large (32 ounce) three-part kit that covers approximately 350 square feet and a smaller (4 ounce) three-part kit that covers 45 square feet. The three components are mixed onsite in a bucket then applied using NewLook's flag-tipped, applicator brush. “It has frayed, exploded bristle tips that do the best job of saturating the stain material and pushing it into the pores of concrete,” says Webb.

The application of two coats of stain are recommended to achieve consistent, uniform color. The newly stained surface can be exposed to foot traffic after at least 8 hours and vehicle traffic after 48 hours. However, it should not be parked on for 30 days because heat from the tires can cause delamination.

Also, “Concrete surfaces can earn a LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation (LEED-NC version 2.2) credit through Sustainable Sites Credit 7.1: “Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof.” Visit the their web page for more information.

For more information:
NewLook International - Salt Lake City, Utah
877-765-9566
801-886-9495 Direct Line

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