One of the most popular articles concerning Do It Yourself Concrete Staining was written by Mr. Kirk Muhlhauser and has been viewed over 50,000 times. We felt it was important to include it here in case you have not read this well written article.

It gives a realistic viewpoint as to what concrete stains can do for your concrete surfaces and what are the realistic expectations that you can expect.

While we believe water based polymer bonded stains are superior to acrylic stains it nonetheless explains the difference between acid stains and water based stains

Cudos Mr. Muhlhauser

Do it yourself concrete staining is the cheapest and easiest way to enhance the appearance of your concrete surfaces. The alternatives, tearing out existing concrete and replacing with new or decorative overlays, are not recommended for do-it-yourselfers and can be very expensive. But before you begin your staining project there are a few things you need to know.

There are two types of concrete stains to choose from, acid stains and acrylic stains. Acid stains work by chemically reacting with free lime in the surface to produce a natural looking, translucent color. They create a mottled, variegated, multi-hued coloring. Every concrete surface reacts differently to acids stains making each job unique. Acrylic stains are waterborne and have pigments that seep into the pores and adhere to the concrete, therefore creating a more consistent, semi translucent color like that of a dye. Acrylic stains will help mask imperfections and discolorations whereas acid stains actually accentuate them.

For many surfaces, acid and acrylic stains will work equally as well, but which one you choose depends on the look you want. However, there are situations where one type will work better than the other. For older, exterior concrete (more than 15-20 yrs old) acid stains may not work because much of the free lime has leeched away. Acrylic stains are great for old concrete because of its increased porosity over time. Acid stains work well with newer concrete because of the availability of free lime. If repairs need to be made such as patching pop outs or scaling, then acrylics may be the better choice to help disguise the repairs. Any patching materials will stand out with acid stains. For smooth trowelled interior surfaces with less porosity, acid stains are usually better because they don’t require as much penetration to color the concrete.

Before beginning it’s also important to have realistic expectations. Staining can turn dull, gray concrete into a beautiful and colorful finish, but it’s impossible to know exactly how the finished product will look, especially with acid stains. Every concrete surface is different and so will accept stains differently. The exact same stain will have two different appearances with two different slabs. Even seasoned pros can’t predict the exact outcome of a staining job. For this reason, it’s not a good idea to try to exactly match the color of concrete to anything else such as brick or siding. There’s a very good chance you won’t be successful. Instead, choose a complimentary color or shade for your concrete. For instance, if you have light brown siding, then choose a dark brown stain.

The most critical part of staining is preparation. Take time in deciding how you want your concrete to look and getting the surface ready to apply the stain. You get one shot at getting it right unless you want to do a major overhaul to the surface. Do it yourself concrete staining is not a difficult process but does require an honest effort to be satisfied your finished product.

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Do It Yourself Concrete Staining: Things to Know Before You Begin is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

How long does it take to stain a concrete floor? is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

Staining concrete is one among the most well-liked applications for reworking concrete slabs. Often called colored concrete, homeowners, designers and builders are drawn to stained concrete because of the distinctive outcome that may be achieved combining colors, applications techniques, ect. Staining concrete is one among the foremost widespread applications for reworking concrete slabs. Often called colored concrete, owners, designers and builders are drawn to stained concrete as a result of of the unique outcome that may be achieved combining colours, application techniques, etc., on cement flooring and alternative substrates. Staining concrete is very reasonable if you are doing it yourself. You should be able to complete your project for less than $.50 per sq/ft.

Staining concrete could be a ancient method or technique of making your concrete or wooden surface look new and attractive. While it’s straightforward on the eye, it additionally protects your concrete surface from the harshness of the natural elements. Staining concrete is as a lot of an art as it is a transforming project. Staining concrete is finished using a special chemical pigment that reacts with the minerals within the concrete itself, permanently changing the concrete’s color. Since the chemical reacts differently relying on the age of the concrete and also the natural variations in mineral deposits on the surface of the ground, mottling and patchiness can occur that build a varied and distinctive effect.

Alexiss Useful Suggestions To Abide By When You Are Buying Staining Concrete is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

Looking to start up my first concrete floor acid staining DIY project, 965 sq feet for a beaty salon I am setting up. My first question for the moment, can you please identify the name for this acid stain? I am putting my order ready and can’t identify which is it? Your assistance will be greatly appreciated, I am ready to place an order so your prompt reply will be great.

A.  Malay Tan diluted 2 water parts to one part stain

I would suggest you use a solvent based sealer for your floors as the will stain up to dripping of hair dye and other chemicals a little better.

You will need to call me to order for that as it has to be shipped directly from our factory

You will need 4 gallons of stain one bucket of sealer and 2 gallons of Ex Glo floor finish for the project to do it properly

Hope this helps

John

WHAT IS THE NAME FOR THIS ACID STAIN? is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

My husband and I are writing to you with hopes that you can answer a few questions about the concrete staining. We would like to do this to our basement floors, a last minute change as we were going to put carpet in… and because of this, we were not clean painters as we painted our walls. We now have primer and acrylic paint on our floors… what do you suggest we use to get that off before we do the stain? Also… is there a difference between concrete staining and concrete acid staining? And. I am 7 months pregnant, would you recommend that I do not assist in the treatment of the floors?

A.  If you were my wife I would not involve you in the staining process, that being said, I think it would be perfectly fine for you to assist in the cleaning of the floors if you are using a product such as Soy Gel, available at franmar.com, to remove the paint on the floors.

To actually scrub the floors for the prep stage I would just use the floor buffer with a black pad and a sandscreen under the black, this will clean the floor as good as anything. You could use a citrus degreaser such Citra Pro diluted in water and scrub the floors wet.

Make sure to shop vac the water to remove all the crud from the floor and up and out of the pores of the concrete.

I really don’t think it would be a good idea to be around when the acid stain is sprayed down and it definitely wouldn’t be a good ides to be present if you are planning to use a solvent sealer, if you are in fact using a water based sealer it would be no more harmful than painting your walls so you be the judge.

Hope this helps

John

Can I Stain My Floors While I’m Pregnant? is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

Polished concrete is quick changing into the ultimate no-wax flooring material. Due to recent advances in polishing equipment and techniques, contractors are now grinding concrete floor surfaces, whether or not new or recent to a high-gloss finish that never needs waxes or coatings. Polished concrete floor appearance like polished stone floor and it’s highly durable. Additionally, polished concrete is ornamental, practical an . Polished concrete could be a mechanical grinding and sprucing process that utilizes industrial diamonds and hardeners to level, densify, polish and finally seal the ground from within the inside of the floor surface.

Coat well, however do not create puddles. The colour can deepen with the second coat. Coatings are the materials which is use to hide up the surface to preserve from rust and to reinforce the attractiveness. Made from paint and extra additives, coatings are tremendously used for inner and outer beautification of house.

Clean any glue, grease, tape or different objects off the concrete. Apply solvent or a stripping agent if needed; use a stripping agent that mixes with water. Clean the surface employing a soap and water, followed by a pressure washer rinse. This can give a superior concrete surface that is ideal for staining. Cleaning and re-sealing of all concrete surfaces should be done on a daily basis. The frequency will depend on the number of, traffic from cars, foot-ware, water exposure, UV rays and any chemicals the concrete surface may be exposed to.

Painting concrete floors is not a permanent solution, and it will touch upon and chip over time. The other is true with stained concrete floors, once you apply the stain whatever result you get is permanent. Painting, home or industrial building has now become a piece of art. The stress isn’t simply to color the walls however to make a stunning ambience.

Abide By These Tips When Buying Unique Staining Concrete is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

Artistic Concrete Staining Techniques

There are quite a few different and amazing methods available for creating amazing effects you just have to think outside the box. These methods will enhance, antique and generally improve the appearance of concrete walls, counter-tops and floors. One of the reasons that concrete staining has gained in popularity is that each project will always have some type of difference from subtle to extreme.

Translucent effects are created with concrete acid stain as opposed to more opaque results that would be created using paints or pigments. This can make the surfaces look much more natural but the varieties in looks and shades are quite remarkable. You can experiment with the stains and techniques in different ways to obtain the results that you find most appealing.

If you use a sandscreen underneath a common floor buffer, preferably a 60 grit, you can seriously improve the overall look of the floor The sandscreen removes much of the dark carbonation and highlights the natural patterns in the concrete.

A different look can be achieved by diluting the stain. Whether you want a lighter or darker look will determine how much you will dilute your stain. Liquid soaps such a laundry detergent can be added to wet stain with amazing crazy results.

These simple concrete staining techniques will create some really unique contrasts.

A while back you used to be able to use some of the powdered plant fertilizers to create dramatic effects but most of those products don’t work anymore but you surely can try with your favorite brand. You can also toss some corn flakes on top of areas of the concrete after your spray the stain on to intensify the color underneath the flakes.

You can get a tie dye type effect by saturating cloths in different colored stains and putting them on the surface. Pieces of yarn and strings can be used to create unique effects and patterns.

Organic materials such as leaves and ferns can be soaked or dipped into stain and used in wet or dry areas of the floor for artistic effects.

A cool effect can be created by spraying a second color of concrete stain to certain areas of the floor. This can create accents in the floor and give the real stone look.

Artistic Concrete Staining Techniques is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

In homes around the country, the foundation of these homes is comprised of poured concrete. This concrete is usually covered with carpet or tile for decorative purposes. With that said, covering is not necessary; you can transform the concrete yourself.

Home improvement stores sell kits that include stains and finishes for concrete surfaces, which can take a dull slab of concrete and turn it into decorative concrete. When the stains make their way into a concrete, it is transformed into any color or any color combination. Imagine it now:  a beautiful blue marble floor; it looks real but you just have decorated concrete for a fraction of the price!

Instead of simply staining and sealing a concrete floor, another option is to apply an engineered concrete overlay to the existing floor. A decorative concrete overlay is always an option, but it is ideal for concrete surfaces that are cracked or uneven. Overlays give homeowners more flexibility in getting that perfect, beautiful fit; you can achieve the look of true marble or even tile by utilizing stencils.

The question that many ask at this point though is why go through the time and expense to put a layer of concrete down rather than the real surface? The answer to this question comes in two parts. First, consider the costs because concrete overlays and staining kits are more affordable than your other flooring options.

Most importantly, concrete is known for its strength and durability; it holds up incredibly well to wear and tear. For instance, a title kitchen floor is likely to suffer some damage when it falls victim to a large, heavy pot dropped. To repair that tile, you must spend time and money.

On the other hand, that large pot wouldn’t phase a concrete surface; it would have just absorbed the blow. No repair needed. Even in the rare event the concrete did chip, the concrete is still cheaper and easier to repair.

What Is Decorative Concrete And What Applications Are There For It? is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

There simply are two types of concrete staining namely, acid staining and acrylic staining. Acid stains are caused by the chemical reaction with free lime on the surface and give a translucent floor with natural looks.They create a mottled, variegated, multi-hued coloring.Every concrete surface reacts differently to acids stains making each job unique. The outcome of acrylic stains is more consistent and imparts semi translucent color comparable to that of a dye because they are water borne pigments that seep thru pores and remain stuck to the surface of the floor. Acrylic stains help you to camouflage defects or discolorations of the floor, but acid stains may make them somewhat conspicuous.

For many surfaces, acid and acrylic stains will work equally as well, but which one you choose depends on the look you want.

However, there are situations where one type will work better than the other. For instance, exterior concrete older than ten to fifteen years may not be to hold acid stains as it has already lost most of the free lime on its surface. Such a concrete would give excellent results with acrylic stains because of its increased porosity over time. You can’t get this with epoxy paint. Acid stains work well with newer concrete because of the availability of free lime. If the concrete is already in need of repairs and requires a bit of patch work or scaling, it will be good to use acrylic stains as it helps to disguise repairs. Such patches would begin to look apparent on being treated with acid stains. Smooth trowel led interior surfaces with less porosity give better results on being treated with acid stains that do not require so much penetration for coloring the concrete.

Rick Maselli, Editor of LevelAdvice.com, has been a home builder and remodeler for over 40 years. He is also Founder and Editor of Showroom411.com, The #1 Home Improvement Resource on the web. LevelAdvice.com offers advice and information related to all aspects of home building and home improvement.
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Learn How to Stain Concrete Floor is a post from: How To Stain Concrete

If you have ever wondered how to use concrete stain on a concrete driveway this video will walk you through the steps and show you just how easy it is.

Concrete Driveway Staining is a post from: How To Stain Concrete