Step 1 - Check For Absorption

To make sure your masonry will absorb water, try to wet it. You can     
use a hose or a spray bottle or just throw some water from a cup. If     
the water beads up and the masonry doesn't change color then it         
cannot be effectively stained by our product. If the water soaks in         
and darkens the masonry temporarily until it dries, then our stain         
will work well for you.                                                                                    

Step 2 - Buy a Proven-Masonry-Stain Kit

The Colorant Kit: is designed for the home-owner/one-time-user.
This kit will cover 150 to 200 sqft depending on the mix used and     
the work being done. All five colors can be easily reordered. 20+      
additional colors available if needed.                                                   

The Brickman Stain Kit: is designed for contractors and multiple  
uses. This kit will cover 300 to 400 sqft depending on the mix used   
and the work being done. All ten colors can be easily reordered.        
20+ additional colors available if needed.                                               

Step 3 - Identify The Area That Needs To Be Stained

Step 4 - Choose A Test Area

-Test can be done on loose brick                                                       
-On a field panel                                                                                   
-Directly on the masonry wall in a hard to notice area                   

Step 5 - Developing a Recipe
The Colorant Kit: is designed for the home-owner/one-time-user.

- Choose the colors that will combine with the existing masonry      
   to create the look you want (think of color theory-green+red=       
    brown, white + black = grey, etc.)                                                         

- Always use leveled measurements to keep future batches             
   consistent                                                                                              

 - Write detailed notes on how much materials you are using             
    to assure the same look every time                                                    

 - Start with the smallest amount of materials, you can always          
    add more but cannot take away                                                             

   - For a slight color change, use as little as ½ to 1 leveled                     
    teaspoon of color.                                                                                

  - For a major color change, start with 2 to 3 leveled                              
     teaspoons of color.                                                                                    

   - To lighten or darken, add as little as ¼ leveled teaspoon.                   

- Allow mixture to dry for a least 30 minutes before deciding if        
   adjustments are needed.                                                                      

Step 6 - Staining Brick

Applying Stain to brick that can be stained in one stroke

1. Place brush on the left edge of the brick. While applying mild pressure, pull across the brick from the left edge to the right edge. (If left-handed pull brush right to left)
   After staining, lift brush from brick in one motion.  Use the corner of brush to stain any areas that need touched up. 3 to 4 brick can be stained before re-dipping brush into cup.  If stain gets into mortar, dab with wet cloth immediately.
   (For a King Size or Utility Size brick we recommend using a 3-Inch brush. )
    

2. Repeat steps until all the brick that need colored have been colored.