Staining concrete floors can add a unique and stylish look to any interior space. With proper preparation and careful application, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting finish that is sure to impress.
Next, choose your stain carefully. There are several types of stains for concrete available, including acid-based stains and water-based stains. Each type of stain will produce a slightly different effect, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs and design preferences.
Once you've chosen your stain, you can begin the staining process.
1. Prepare the surface
Before anything else, you want to make sure you’re working with a clean slate. You can dye an existing concrete surface, so long as you make sure that oil stains and any other contaminants present on the floor are removed.
Once your floor is clean, you’re ready for the next step of grinding. If you know how to use a floor buffer and angle grinder, you can do this step easily. Rent a floor machine sander and fit it with a diamond pad. Single-pad machines are readily available and easy to use. Use an angle grinder fitted with a diamond grinder for the edges. Wet-grinding is preferable because it reduces dust generation, but a HEPA filter and safety glasses will protect your lungs and eyes.
2. Clean the surface for optimal results
Once the concrete is smooth and free of any previous coatings, vacuum or wash away dust. Then, use a mop to apply a concrete cleaning solution to the entire surface. Usually, this is done with a mop or soft brush. Then, let it dry.
3. Mask the design
Mask off any areas you don’t want colored, such as thresholds, baseboards, walls, or floor fixtures. This is where you can get creative, using masking tape and butcher paper, or tape and drape to lay out designs as intricate as you desire. If you want to use multiple colors to create a pattern, move on to Step 4 with one color and then mask again for additional colors.
4. Apply the color
Use a sprayer to apply the color in two or three coats, allowing time for it to set between. A brush can be used for detailed work and cutting edges. Concrete colors are available in many shades to mix and match according to the space and your design objectives.
Diama-Color is available in several basic colors that can be mixed or layered for unlimited color and design options.
5. Seal the color
Finally, apply concrete sealer. Depending on the sealer, there are several ways to apply it to your polished concrete floor, once it’s had time to cure. A sprayer and microfiber pads are the most common method for an exceptionally smooth and glossy finish.
Apply two coats of sealer with less than four hours of drying time between. Finally, wait three or four days before opening your floor to foot traffic and furniture placement.
After the concrete is dyed with Diama-Color, it can be sealed with DiamaPro Systems UV-HS Plus, a durable, chemical and stain resistant urethane coating that protects concrete floors from physical, chemical and microbial attack and wear.
The long life of a stained and polished concrete floor
Cleaning and maintaining your polished concrete floor is easy. Regular cleaning is best done with a duster. Wet messes and stains can be picked up with a soft rag and neutral cleaner. Tough stains can be tackled with a non-scratch pad.
Over time, especially in high-traffic areas, the concrete may exhibit an uneven sheen, a sign the sealer is wearing thin. To restore the seal, clean with mild floor cleaner and allow to dry. Apply two or three coats of sealer and allow to cure. High-traffic areas might last three months, while low-traffic areas should last over a year.
With so many colors and design options, you can be sure your interior, decoratively colored concrete floor, no matter the scale, will be entirely unique and beautiful.