Dunwoody Concrete Company

Staining Concrete

A basic concrete floor can be transformed into a high-end natural stone floor using acid staining. It's not just a better deal, but it's also a boon for people who are allergic to carpeting fibers. Another excellent application is homes with radiant floor heating. Radiant heating is most efficient when insulating floor coverings like tile or carpet are limited.

While the process of coloring a concrete floor is not overly complex, achieving the right results may be tricky. Most folks would be better served by hiring a professional contractor. It's a dangerous project for the do-it-yourselfer.

In case you didn't know, concrete stain isn't a paint or a final coat. It's a chemical reaction that occurs on cement materials. Coloration occurs when the stain combines with minerals and lime in the concrete aggregate. It's usually a hydrochloric acid and inorganic salts solution in water. It works on both new and old concrete, and because it doesn't discolor or chip, it lasts a long time if sealed or waxed. It's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. All spaces are fair game, including walks, bathrooms, entrances, driveways, living rooms, and patios.

When stained concrete is finished, it looks like marble, but it's more mottled and inconsistent. The concrete will be dominated by earthy brown tones with red and green highlights. By blending colors or applying them at varying speeds, you can create your own tint stain. When staining a concrete floor, however, don't expect the stain to be uniform or even toned. Because even a seasoned pro will have a hard time forecasting what the end effect will be because different sections of the concrete will react differently, plan your room dcor and color scheme accordingly.

The status of the slab determines the surface preparation for acid staining concrete. All that is required of freshly poured concrete is three weeks of curing time before scouring and rinsing. With older concrete, it's a different story. A thorough cleaning is required since any dirt, grease, paint, sealer, or even curing agent will prevent the stain from entering and responding as it should. To make sure it's ready, make a small test area.

Although newer poured concrete floors will need less stain than older floors, a gallon of water mixed with one gallon of stain will cover about 400 square feet. Apply the stain with a non-metallic brush or broom in the cooler morning or evening hours rather than in the heat of the day. Protect yourself from acid stain spills, drips, and fumes by following the manufacturer's instructions.

After you've applied the stain, clean away any leftover stain and residue with a broom. Applying a sealer agent and then waxing the floor once it's completely dry is an excellent idea.

Staining concrete is a terrific alternative to explore whether you're looking for natural stone flooring, a new design for your basement or patio, or just new renovation ideas.

Dunwoody Concrete Company is dedicated to providing outstanding educational and research materials as you consider your concrete-related projects. The possibilities are endless! Explore the articles and resources here, and contact our team with any questions. We look forward to working with you, and helping turn your vision into reality.