Concrete staining is a form of decorative flooring that imparts character to any room it’s applied in because it can virtually wholly change the appearance of even a drab, grey concrete floor. A colored concrete stain produces a beautiful opaque impact and adds vibrancy to an otherwise bland room. It’s a popular choice for people looking for a quick and easy way to give their concrete floor a makeover. A concrete staining product like concrete sealer will protect your floor from the elements, prolonging its life. If you have any concerns about how the color will appear over time or if you’re looking for a cheaper option, a colored concrete staining product might be just what you’re looking for.
Concrete staining should only be carried out by people experienced with it, or by trained professionals. The procedure involves using a water-based solution to coat the concrete surfaces to create a coloured layer. This is usually a fairly loose application, so care should be taken to avoid getting any water on the surface while staining. Once the concrete staining has been completed, the surface can then be washed with water to remove the final finish. Most products have excellent water-retention properties, meaning the end result can be left relatively untouched after being cleaned.
Before embarking on a concrete staining project, be sure to find out exactly what is available. There are plenty of acid stained, glossy and matte finishes available, so it’s likely you’ll be able to find something suitable to suit your budget and your taste. Another important factor is the durability of the finished surface. It’s not really worth investing in a concrete floor if it’s not likely to last. A few simple tests will help ensure the durability of the finished surface:
If you’re looking at acid stained concrete staining, one option is to purchase a ‘ceramic tile’ option, especially if you have an old concrete floor that’s starting to look a little tired. These tiles come in a wide range of colours and patterns, and they also repel dust like crazy. This means that you won’t need to keep cleaning up the old concrete!
Stained concrete floors are very popular in many industrial areas due to their high visibility and quick restoration. For this reason, the surfaces can be highly suited to DIY projects. One quick, easy way to restore non-reactive staining on concrete floors is to use a wet/dry shop vac for quick, even coverage of the surface, followed up by a high-pressure washer for thorough cleaning.
Non-reactive staining can also be applied to indoor surfaces, especially those in a food preparation area. Some people might say that applying concrete stain to an indoor surface isn’t hygienic, but the reality is that the stains really don’t stick to surfaces any more than they would if they were naturally occurring. In fact, these days many people prefer to apply them indoors because the surfaces don’t get contaminated as often, especially with food. Another advantage is that most people will just brush their teeth or apply makeup inside instead of touching the surface that needs cleaning, so spills are more likely to be cleaned up. Another nice thing about this type of staining is that it’s very easy to remove, which means you won’t spend hours trying to bleach a stained area of concrete.
Stained concrete can have bright, vivid colors that make it great for a variety of applications, but there are some downsides to this option. Because of the chemical nature of the coloring agent, there are times that the colors won’t come out as strongly as they should. The best way to deal with this is to wait the stain several hours before using a ladder to reach the top or working on it with a power tool, especially if the stains have caused chipping or cracking. Some stains will fade over time, and depending on the original color, you may have to replace the stain altogether. Other than these downsides, concrete staining is probably one of the best options for creating interesting patterns on surfaces.
There are several different types of concrete stains, including those that use acid to stain and those that use a metal halide solution. Most of the acid stains are used for industrial applications, but there are some types of acid-based concrete stains that work well on residential surfaces as well. They can be used on surfaces like porches and patios as well as around sinks, tubs, showers, and any other place where a lighter color would be more appealing. Whether you’re applying the stain as a final touch or simply trying to make a new pattern in the room, a concrete staining product can bring a wide array of interesting effects.