What Tools Do Experts in Orlando Use When Applying Concrete Stains and Colorants?

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

Concrete stain in a restaurant

Concrete stain in a restaurant

Are you tired of looking at your boring floors in your Orlando home? If so, you can change the appearance by using concrete stains and topical colorants.  As this is one of the most popular decorative concrete solutions, you will find a wide range of products that vary in both quality and color options.

The outcome of the project depends on the color and tone desired, therefore, it is to your advantage to learn what you can about your various options, even talking to a reputable supplier is recommended. That way, you will choose the appropriate type of stain or dye, as well as the necessary surface preparation required.

 

Regarding the application of concrete stains and colorants, an installer can use a variety of tools based on the technique, desired outcome, and square footage of the space. Spraying is the easiest and most efficient method of applying liquid stains or dyes.  The preferred method consists of using a high-volume low-pressure sprayer or a pump-type airless sprayer. However, for restricted areas or when performing detailed work, experts also use rags, various sizes of brushes, sponges, and a hand spray bottle.

When spraying on concrete stains and colorants, a conical tip works best. This tip sprays the liquid in a cone pattern, which gets excellent results without leaving any noticeable spray lines or unnatural patterns. For an acid-based stain, experts sometimes use a medium stiff bristle brush immediately following the spray-on application to scrub the stain into the concrete surface. Experts also use a roller or brush when applying concrete stains and colorants.

Regardless of the preferred method and the tools used, the surface must first get tested to determine the color intensity and the degree of penetration. For optimal results on the floors in your Orlando home, the concrete surface must be clean and dry before the application process begins.

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