Concrete stains have risen to popularity among its competitors because of the perks that come with it. If you’ve done enough research, you will find that it lasts the longest because basically, it’s not a coating that chips away with daily use. It’s a permanent color for your floors, driveways, patios, and other surfaces. No more peeling and cracking problems from using paint! We’ve broken down the method for you into five simple steps to get you through the process and, hopefully, help you decide if you’re up for the job.
5 Steps to staining your concrete floors:
1. Choosing your concrete stain
Concrete stains are divided into two types: water-based and acid-based stains. Here’s what makes them different:
WATER-BASED | ACID BASED | |
VARIETY | more color choices | Limited to earthly hues |
APPLICATION | Less tricky because it doesn’t deal with chemicals, takes less time to finish | Requires neutralization and constant cleaning, will require more time to finish |
CHEMICAL EXPOSURE (VOCs) | Zero to none | Toxic fumes from chemical reactions require the use of safety equipment |
AREA (considering the ventilation and cleaning process) | Good for indoor and outdoor areas | Good for outdoor areas, areas with good ventilation |
COLOR PAYOFF | Color is more consistent | Colors may differ because of chemical reactions |
LONGEVITY | Fades much faster | Resistant to fade |
In choosing which one would work best for you, consider choosing the areas you plan to refurnish ahead of time. Check your availability for the project to make sure it fits your schedule or if you would need some help from professionals who can do it for you.
2. Preparation
You’ve chosen the perfect color for your cement floors, but preparation is key to any ideal floor installation. Check these three before you start pouring your product everywhere.
Cement age
Is the cement new, or has it been there since time immemorial? New concrete has to cure for at least four weeks before subjecting it to treatment. Old concrete tends to be worn out, especially if you’ll be treating outside surfaces. Make sure to check for cracks and holes and apply a cement sealant to fill in the spaces. If there are signs of spalling, get your floors repaired before anything else.
Cement porosity
Acid-based stains require a porous surface for the chemicals to be absorbed. For water-based stains, this won’t be a problem since no chemical reaction is involved.
Past treatments
If your floor has been sealed, waxed, or another treatment has been done, you’ll have to srub the surface to remove it. Make sure it is bare before staining.
If you’re done analyzing the area’s condition, you can proceed with the usual floor preparation like cleaning and removing any obstructions.
3. Application
Add painters tape on the walls to get clean borders. Choose between non-metal spray equipment and brushes or rollers. You will get different results since spays won’t give you harsh strokes. Dampen the ground and work your way through until you’ve covered the area. You can opt to add a second coat after leaving it to dry from 6 to 24 hours, depending on the weather condition.
4. Cleaning
Acid stains will need some cleaning after the process. Wash out the residue and continue until the water is clear. You can use a white cloth to detect if there is still some residue left. For water-based stains, your floors are good to go.
Remember to research and practice safety precautions when dealing with these products. Wear your masks, gloves, and boots and follow product guidelines if there are any.