Concrete is a versatile and well-accepted material...
Jorge Ramos
It is well known by now that concrete is a versatile and well-accepted material that homeowners and
designers are requesting and weaving into their homes, offices, retail outlets, restaurants, malls, etc., in the
most amazing ways. But leading the charge in the concrete craze is stained concrete flooring. If
applied correctly to a clean surface, acid based concrete stain colors will always be permanent.
Stained concrete combines the best of the best: beauty and functionality
Concrete staining imparts a royal look that can't be simply achieved by any other coloring medium.
Stained concrete flooring is becoming a mainstream every day. It is a way of giving the concrete
a permanent flake-proof color that won't dull, crack or peel. Nothing is more engaging than coming across a
beautiful floor that has stood the test of time.
Staining is no fleeting fad
Stained concrete enjoys an expanding array of exterior and interior applications. Unlike many designs
trends, it will remain in vogue for many long years and could even become as a mainstream for many techniques. It
can be used and applied everywhere from walkways and patios to family room floors and kitchen countertops. So why
leave concrete bare when you can personify and add creativity with a coating or two.
Pick the Right One Yourself
With concrete stained flooring, you don't have to confine yourself to one single color. You can go for
subtle earth tones such as browns, cottas, soft-blue greens and tans. Or else, you can mix any two or more stain
colors to achieve a different shade or even apply it over one another. Most stain manufacturers will also provide
color charts or even actual samples of stained concrete to help you gain the idea. Contractors may also be
able to provide samples of the various stain colors they work with.
Concrete is the perfect canvas for stains
One must watch out the condition of the surface. Concrete, is the perfect canvas for stains because it is
porous. But if the surface is rooted by dust, grime, glues, coatings, curing membranes, or sealers that inhibit the
stain from soaking in, the stain won't penetrate fully and do its thing. You can try on a simple test for porosity.
You can sprinkle the concrete surface with water. If the water beads up and can't penetrate, neither will
a stain.
Understanding the basic is crucial
Understanding the basics from surface preparation to final sealing is critical to achieving optimum results. Even
staining experts with years of experience can encounter problems from time to time. Using the right tools and
equipments is important too, especially with acid-based stains. One should keep in mind that once the
stain is done, the color is permanent and there is no going back. If you are not confident of performing
multiple colors and elaborate decorative effects, you can use a staining professional in your area.
If you want to stain a small area, you might tackle the job yourself, particularly if you're working with an
acrylic-based stain, which tends to be more user-friendly. However, the surface must be professionally cleaned and
washed over several times. The surface should also be freed of streak marks, footprints, and all residues. Most
stained concrete flooring manufacturers will provide color charts displaying multiple hues, or even actual
samples of stained concrete to help you experiment the options.
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