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Acid straining can make ordinary concrete floor appear like expensive natural stone floor. Not only is it much cheaper but it is also wonderful for people who are allergic to carpeting materials. One more use is in homes with radiant floor heating. Radiant heating is most efficient when insulating floor coverings like tile or carpet are minimized.

The procedure involved in concrete floor staining isn't particularly complicated, yet it may be hard to achieve the outcome you desire. The majority of people are likely to have better results if they employ an expert contractor, since it may be a tricky project for someone to do themselves.

Concrete stain is not a paint or a finish coat, it is actually a chemical reaction with the cement. Usually a water-based solution of hydrochloric acid and inorganic salts, the stain will react with the minerals and lime in the concrete aggregate, and the staining reaction results. This will work on old or new concrete, and is quite durable if you complete it with finisher or wax, since it will not flake or chip. This can also be used for interior or exterior floors. It is possible for walkways, bathrooms, entrances, driveways, patios, and living rooms.

When it's finished, stained concrete looks something like marble, but less uniform and more more dappled. The concrete will mostly be earthy brown tones, with a suggestion of red and green. It's possible to make your own custom stain by mixing colors, or applying at dissimilar rates. When you stain a concrete floor, though, don't expect the stain to be an even tone so plan your room decor and color scheme accordingly. Because you'll get varied reactions from different areas of the concrete, even an experienced professional will be hard pressed to predict the exact result.

Good surface preparation is the most important key to success when staining a concrete floor. The condition of your concrete slab will dictate what you need to do. A new slab only needs three weeks to cure and then a good cleaning. Old floors generally need a lot of work to remove dirt and oil stains, or any sealers that have been used in the past. To be sure you have cleaned enough, try the stain on a small test area first.

As a rule of thumb, one gallon of water and one gallon of stain will cover approximately 400 square feet of area, but newer concrete will require less stain than older floors. It's best to apply the stain in the morning or evening, when the temperature is not too hot, and to use a non-metallic broom or brush. Follow all warnings and cautions on the label, and protect yourself from fumes, spilling, and dripping. Clean up afterwards by sweeping away the excess residue and stain with a broom. After the floor dries, apply a sealing agent and then wax the floor.

Anyone considering a natural stone floor for a basement or patio remodeling project should look into stained concrete floors as a practical and inexpensive alternative to stone.

When it's finished, Stained Concrete Floors look similar to marble, but less uniform and more more dappled. A great use for stained concrete floors is in homes with Radiant Floor Heating.