How To Stain Concrete Floors

Here’s a step by step guide that you can learn how to stain concrete floors. Take into account when applying acid stain to concrete any blemishes, cracks, staining, glue or impressions within the concrete will not be hidden. Acid stain creates translucent color effects and can highlight any surface defects similar to applying stain to a piece of wood, the stain highlights the grain and then for any knots in the wood. Have got cleaned the concrete, done all of the surface preparation and tested a small area your ready to start staining the concrete.  -stainedconcrete-

If you’ve never done this and you’re simply just learning how to stain concrete, think about remember is that you will probably be working with a low strength acid. It isn’t very hazardous, but you need to protect yourself. Wear a mask and safety goggles, cover your legs and arms, wear gloves and boots. The garments you wear may get ruined with any overspray. Applying the acid stain is definitely the easiest part of the job. That being said, there is a technique to doing the work right. Too little stain won’t present you with complete coverage also it won’t etch the counter properly to deposit large.

Too much stain may cause puddling and over react other places where the stain has pooled. On bigger jobs an acid resistant sprayer is useful, smaller jobs is possible with sponge brushes. Mix the stain based on the manufactures specs around the bucket. Fill the sprayer and spray the concrete which has a light but even coat of stain. It’s wise to have someone follow behind you and also scrub the stain in to the surface. Use a systematic approach, originate from the back and work at an area you can get up easily. The broom will leave brush strokes so once you get part of the way done go back and lightly mist more stain within the brushed area. This can get rid of any trailing brush strokes and provide you a natural and consistent look. Start one side of the room working the right path to the other keeping a wet edge. Spray a path about 3 or 4 feet wide returning and forth before the room is done. Once finished permit the area dry.

Some time will vary depending on the acid stain. Look at the directions on the bucket to get an approximate idea. Following the stain has dried you’ll want to neutralize the acid having a mixture of baking soda and water. This will likely stop the reaction between your acid stain and the concrete. Just mop it on and cleanup the residue which is left behind with water that is clean, the mop, and a wet vac. Try not to step on any un-nuetralized area, this might leave footprints on to the floor. Clean the floor 1-2 more times with water only, mop and vacuum, then let it dry. You’ll notice when the floor dries it is going to look kind of hazy or chalky. That is normal, it will look fantastic after you seal it. You’re prepared for today, let it dry overnight, once you come back tomorrow you’ll be able to apply the concrete sealer. Since you have learned how to stain a concrete floor you need to apply the sealer. This needs to be easy to put on if done right. It’s important to use a sealer that works well with the type of concrete stain you used. You can either roll it on or spray it on, fostering not to leave roller marks or higher spraying. A light coat is most effective as you will be applying a second coat tomorrow.

As soon as you apply the sealer you will find the colors of the stain learn to come alive. The concrete floor will probably be beautiful and all your hard work will have paid off. When the final coat of sealer is dry you’ll be able to move your furniture last and begin using your room again. If you want some added protection on your new floor and earn it easier to clean, Three to four coats of a floor wax is usually recommended. A floor wax adds another layer of protection for your acid stained concrete floor, while so that it is look great and enabling easy clean ups. The floor finish applies easily, just pour it on the floor and spread it around with an applicator. Let each coat dry for approximately an hour before you add another. Now that you know how to stain concrete floors you will have the confidence to tackle your plain gray concrete floor and turn it into something unique and beautiful. –stainedconcrete

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