Whether you are restoring old concrete floors or constructing a brand new floor, applying staining to your new concrete is an excellent way to add beauty and style while not sacrificing longevity. Stained concrete stains work very well with authentic concrete overlay and overlays and can be applied over either new or old concrete floors. Stained concrete will add the color and texture that you desire to your concrete floor project and create a project that will last a long time. Stained concrete is a cost-effective way to give your concrete floor another great color.
Stained Concrete Floors: Stain provides a durable and beautiful look for your home, business, or office. It can add years of wear and tear but are also durable enough to resist most stains. Stained Concrete Floors come in many different shades to meet any decorating taste.
Concrete Staining: Before you begin staining, you should make sure you have all your supplies ready. You will need old paver stones, trowels, concrete sealers, and flooring options such as wood, carpet, or linoleum. If you do not have these materials, do not worry because you can still create beautiful stained concrete floors. Concrete sealers can help the staining process stays strong for many years and are great for protecting the floor from future spills and stains. Wood flooring options should be cleaned regularly to prevent damage. After the flooring has been cleaned, it should be allowed to dry completely before beginning any staining projects.
Before you begin staining, you should prepare the area that will be stained. Clear the area of all debris and dust by vacuuming. It is also important to sweep or vacuum the floor completely to ensure that no dirt particles will be caught in the stain. After the area is cleaned, a penetrating sealer should be applied. The following are common colors for stained concrete floors:
A high traffic area such as an entrance or garage can become very dirty very quickly. In order to avoid staining the area, it is important to use a penetrating wax that will seal out moisture and protect the floor. A high traffic area does not have to be dull. There are a variety of waxes available, including oil-based and water-based. Some stains can be completed with a water-based wax; however, oil-based waxes are preferred for areas that will be exposed to high traffic from both tenants and passersby. Most stains should be completed with an oil-based wax.
If not removed immediately, many stains can form a residue that will make the area look worse than it did previously. Removing the residue can prevent the stain from setting in and creating a permanent mark on the floor. Some stains can also cause chipping, peeling, or cracking of the flooring. Sealing the area from moisture will help prevent discoloration from occurring.
In addition to sealing the area, another way to prevent moisture from seeping into a concrete floor stain is to use a humidifier. Using a humidifier will add extra moisture to the air, which will prevent the stain from soaking into the material. Using a humidifier in conjunction with a high quality sealer will prevent damage to the flooring caused by moisture or stains. Another solution that can help prevent staining is to use a dehumidifier to lower the level of moisture in the area. This will help prevent the stain from setting in and causing discoloration.
There are many options when it comes to staining your concrete floors, but if you have questions about the process, don’t be afraid to ask. The specialists at your local home improvement store are happy to answer any questions you may have and can usually recommend a product that will work best for you. Just don’t wait until a stain occurs before consulting a specialist about removing it.