It doesn’t have to be hard or expensive to bring a dull concrete floor back to life. Imagine giving that ugly, cold, gray garage floor or any other surface creative appeal that would make friends, family, or customers admire you.
Epoxy flooring is one way to cover garage floors, but concrete coloring is a better option because it will last longer than paint or epoxy.
Putting the stain on your own is also a very cheap option, costing less than $.50 per square foot on average. Within this guide, we’ll show you a simple and inexpensive way to turn an eyesore into a stunning work of art. You can enjoy the durability and low upkeep of concrete with concrete stain, while still giving the impression of fine stone or marble.
The phrase “stained concrete” might give the wrong idea about how it’s done. Instead of coloring the floor directly, this method uses a mix of acid, metallic salts, and other chemicals to cause a chemical reaction that changes the color and make-up of the concrete. Watch out for fake goods that say they are acid-based stains but really just make a film that looks like epoxy flooring. Not only do these fakes not last as long as real marks, they also don’t look as good.
Step-by-step instructions for changing concrete
Step 1: Get your tools and materials together
Gather all the materials and tools you’ll need to start. This is a very important first step. Since a weak acid is being used, protective clothing for the eyes, mouth, feet, arms, and legs is required. For safety reasons, you must wear goggles, a face mask, gloves, and the right clothes. To get the surface ready for the best absorption, you need to get tools like a scraper, quick-drying concrete, and a wire brush. For accurate application, you need painter’s tape, a sprayer, and a paint box. Acid concrete paint, sealer, and acrylic floor wax are the most important things for coloring and finishing.
Step 2: Choose a color and test it
Before painting, the color choice needs to be carefully thought through. Because the chemical reaction has different results each time, it is smart to test the chosen colors. Color charts from the manufacturer can help, but you must also test the product in a hidden area. This lets you see for yourself how the skin will look after color. After that, a choice is made to move forward based on the results of the tests.
Step 3: Get the concrete surface ready
The first step in preparing a surface is to carefully clean along the edges of the walls and tape off any nearby areas that need to be protected. If there are cracks or other flaws on the surface, they need to be fixed before they can be cleaned. Hairline cracks can add charm, but big holes need to be filled immediately. Finally, a thorough washing is done by scrubbing the surface with a TSP and water mixture to make sure it is spotless. Before moving on to the staining step, the right amount of drying time is taken.
Step 4: Apply the concrete stain in a creative way
Because it contains low-strength acid, applying the color needs to be done carefully and with the right safety gear. It is recommended that the liquid be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1 for best results. A two-person method using a sprayer and broom makes sure that the solution is spread out evenly and scrubbed into the concrete well. Careful, typewriter-like movements keep the application even and blend brush strokes together smoothly, giving the painting a natural, united look. Any brush marks are smoothed out with a second coat, which gives the finish a uniform look.
Step 5:How to Clean a Surface That Is Stained with Acid
It is very important to neutralize the acid after treatment with a baking soda and water mix. This stops the chemical process and makes it easier to get rid of the residue. A planned process of mopping and sweeping makes sure that the surface is clean and free of any residue, ready for the next step of sealing. Paying close attention to the little things is key to getting the desired chalky look before finishing.
Step 6: Sealing for Longevity and Shine
It is very important to choose a finish that works with the final step. The sealer is applied by rolling it onto the dyed surface. This brings out the colors and makes the surface look richer. The desired dyed concrete look is achieved by letting the concrete dry and then adding more coats. Three to four coats of a finish followed by an acrylic floor wax create a beautiful, easy-to-clean surface that protects well and requires less upkeep.
Now that you know how to stain concrete floors, there’s no reason to wait. Starting this easy and inexpensive trip will help you turn dull surfaces into interesting rooms. If this method doesn’t work out as planned, you can try other decorations like paint, stamps, or mats that are just as appealing. No matter what kind of artistic path is chosen, the concrete surface must be protected at all times to make sure it looks good and lasts a long time. Look into and talk to real experts to get more help and personalized advice.
