Staining a concrete floor can add color to a bland space.
Stained concrete is a chic looking floor finish that also provides cost savings over any other flooring choice. You don't need a modern interior space for stained concrete floors. This floor finish looks striking with all manners of interior design styles, from cottage cozy to minimalist contemporary.
Instructions
1. Clean the floors until there are totally free of any dust, grit or dirt. They must be completely scrubbed clean. Start with a broom and then detail clean with a vacuum. Next, use a concrete cleaner according to package instructions. This product will also help remove stains, oil and grease from the concrete.
2. Tape and protect the baseboards and the lower portion of your walls with painter's tape. This entire process can easily ruin those surfaces.
3. Etch the concrete floor surface. The concrete cannot be smooth, as a smooth surface will not allow the stain to penetrate. Use concrete etching solution according to package instructions to safely etch the floors in preparation for staining. Apply the etching solution using a 5-gallon bucket and mop. You have to work it quickly. Once complete, run your hand over the surface. The concrete floor should feel like fine sandpaper. If not, repeat the process.
4. Clean the concrete one final time using a bucket of water and a squeegee. Dry the concrete floor surface completely. It's a good idea to put a space heater in the room for 24 hours or more after final cleaning of the concrete. There cannot be any moisture on concrete floors prior to staining, or the stain will develop bubbles and flake in the future.
5. Apply the concrete stain with a sprayer. This process provides a finish with a lot of dimension or mottling as it's called in the industry. If you want a uniform, monochrome finish then roll on the stain. Start in a far corner and work your way out of the room. Spray in long, even strokes, covering small areas at a time. Let the stain dry for several hours and then decide if you want to apply another coat. Let your final coat dry for 24 hours before walking on it.
6. Apply concrete sealer with a roller. The sealer will not look clear as it is applied, but it will dry clear. Wait at least four hours before applying the second coat of sealer, which is necessary. You can add anti-skid additives to the sealer to avoid slips and falls. This is a good idea for a kitchen or bathroom where the floor gets wet.
Tips Warnings
Most acid stains provide earth tone finishes, with hints of red and brown. If you would like a darker finish, you can mix stain colors.
There are acid stains, acrylic stains and epoxy floor coatings. Acid stains provide a richer texture and a more mottled look, a bit like marble. Acrylic and epoxy coatings provide for a painted floor look. Keep in mind that acid staining is a coloring process while epoxy coating is a painting process.
Be very careful with concrete cleaning and etching products. They have a light acid in them to do their job. It is not safe on your skin.
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