CONCRETE FINISHES CARE

Stains, patinas, finishes; what are they?

Hansen’s Garden Ornaments offers a selection of finishes/patinas using acid stains. Our custom finishes/patinas are always applied by hand, using various techniques and multiple steps. The acid stains penetrate a few millimetres into the surface of the concrete item, and will not flake off or peel away. All stained items are then sealed. All these steps ensure that each finish/patina-ed item is unique, and special for our customers.

To note: finishes/patinas are applied by hand and variations in colours or patterns will occur.

Colours may vary from the photos online. We do our best to ensure photos are taken in natural light and will update them accordingly.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR STAINED ORNAMENTS

Do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or bleach on any stained items. Even using abrasive cleaning tools may expose the grey concrete underneath the stain colour.

Keep items away from road salt or gardening chemicals, as these may damage the finish.

While stained items will not flake or peel, they will change in colour over time with exposure to weather and other elements. If you would like to maintain the vibrance and richness of colour, you may reapply a clear concrete sealer every few years.

If you cannot put away your stained ornament for the winter, then cover with weatherproof canvas or Tyvek and wrap to ensure that it stays in place. Using plastic is not recommended. The plastic can hold moisture in and will freeze and thaw causing stress on the cast stone/concrete.

AGED ITEMS

We love to see how concrete ages with time. Each item develops a unique character and patina. While we do have a (limited) collection of naturally aged and weathered items, we understand that customers may prefer to have new items poured.

If you would like to try to speed up the natural aging of your item, we suggest a “wash” created with buttermilk or yoghourt that can be "painted" on the to encourage the growth of moss.

A water based concrete sealer mixed with a small amount of paint will create an “antique wash” look on items with details and groves.
To note: applying a sealer will inhibit the natural aging of the item, but sealer will fade with exposure to the natural elements and usage.