Puyallup Concrete Pros

Staining Concrete

Acid staining can turn a plain concrete floor into a luxurious natural stone surface. Additionally to being a better value, it's a blessing for those who are allergic to carpet fibers. Homes with radiant floor heating are a great example of this use. When insulating floor coverings like tile or carpet are scarce, radiant heating is most effective.

While dyeing a concrete floor is a straightforward operation, getting the desired effects can be challenging. Most people would benefit more from hiring a qualified contractor. For the do-it-yourselfer, it's a risky project.

In case you were unaware, concrete stain is not a final coat or paint. On cement materials, a chemical reaction takes place. When the stain interacts with the minerals and lime in the concrete aggregate, color is produced. Typically, it is a water-based solution of inorganic salts and hydrochloric acid. It works on both fresh and old concrete, and if sealed or waxed, it lasts for a very long time because it doesn't discolor or chip. Both indoor and outdoor use are appropriate for it. Walks, restrooms, entrances, driveways, living rooms, and patios are all acceptable targets.

When stained concrete is complete, it resembles marble but is more erratic and mottled. Earthy brown hues with red and green accents will predominate in the concrete. You can make your own tint stain by combining colors or applying them at different rates. However, don't anticipate a stained concrete floor to be even remotely consistent or toned. Plan your room's décor and color scheme carefully because even a seasoned pro will struggle to predict what the outcome will be because different portions of the concrete will react differently.

The surface preparation for acid-staining concrete is determined by the slab's condition. Freshly poured concrete only needs three weeks to cure before it can be scrubbed and rinsed. It's a different situation with older concrete. Since any dirt, grease, paint, sealer, or even curing agent will prevent the stain from penetrating and acting as it should, a complete cleaning is necessary. Create a small test area to ensure it is prepared.

A gallon of water combined with one gallon of stain will cover around 400 square feet, though newer poured concrete floors will require less stain than older floors. Use a non-metallic brush or broom to apply the stain during the cooler morning or evening hours as opposed to during the hottest part of the day. By adhering to the manufacturer's directions, you can protect yourself from acid stain spills, drips, and fumes.

Use a broom to remove any remaining stain and residue after you've applied the stain. It's a great idea to seal the floor with a sealer and then wax it after it has dried completely.

If you're seeking for natural stone flooring, a fresh look for your patio or basement, or even just new restoration ideas, staining concrete is a fantastic solution to consider.

A basic concrete floor can be transformed into a high-end natural stone floor using acid staining.

Puyallup Concrete Pros is dedicated to providing outstanding educational and research materials as you consider your concrete-related projects. The possibilities are endless! Explore the articles and resources here, and contact our team with any questions. We look forward to working with you, and helping turn your vision into reality. 

Puyallup Concrete proudly installs concrete for residential and commercial customers. We build concrete foundations, concrete slabs, concrete driveways, stamped concrete, patios, and more. Our team of experienced concrete professionals is local to the Tacoma area, and knows what it takes to build quality, lasting concrete work. We proudly serve Tacoma, Puyallup, and surrounding areas including Auburn, South Hill, Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Federal Way, Spanaway, and everything in between. Give us a call today!