how hard is it to stain an existing concrete floor and what is the best product to use.?

Answer 1

What is Concrete Acid Stain?
Concrete Acid Stain is not a paint or coating agent, rather, it's a coloring process involving a chemical reaction on a cementitious material. A solution made with water, acid and inorganic salts reacts with minerals already present in the concrete, the result of this reaction is color. It works very well on new or old concrete, and we've seen impressive results over decorative polymer overlays as well as self-leveling products. Acid Stain is a very durable product if properly protected with sealer or wax, and it can be applied to both interiors and exteriors.

What makes Acid Stain so attractive? Acid Stain gives concrete a mottled, variegated, marble like look. It creates beautiful colors on concrete, mostly earth tone browns, reddish browns and greens, although now more vibrant colors are becoming available for a variety of taste and effects blues, violet and pink tints. You can also create your own shades by mixing and matching your available colors, or applying them at different rates. Never expect Acid Stain to be uniform or have an even tone, you'll get different reactions from slab to slab, and even on the same job you may see different coloration patterns but this adds to the rich look of the staining process. Using different methods with staining process, such as multi-color, different ways to apply the stain , scoring patterns, texture and sealing, a wide variety of effects can be achieved.

Acid Stain can be applied to walks, entrances, driveways, living rooms, bathrooms, patios, floors, high traffic areas and even vertically to any cementitious surface.

Not every concrete floor is eligible for Acid Stain, though age is not an issue, the shape it's in is. A smooth concrete surface will yield more attractive results than an old worn one, but the older floors add lots of character with imperfections that become part of the over all look. If the concrete is spalled, the aggregate is exposed or has previously been acid etched, the stain may not "take in" and will not look as desired because the aggregate does not react with the stain, only materials in the concrete paste do. On some applications where the surface is textured, as in stamped concrete or stamped overlays, Acid Stain provides even more depth of color, larger selection and realistic look to the surface.

Preparations for Acid Staining will depend on the condition of the slab, on new concrete the only thing needed is to allow time for curing, (at least three weeks after poured) and some rinsing and scrubbing to remove laitance. For old concrete, a thorough cleaning is necessary; any dirt, grease, paint, sealer or curing agent will prevent the stain from penetrating and reacting. It is always a good idea to do a small test area first. So before applying, preparation and thorough planning the job is a good starting point.

Acid Stain application involves very few tools, all you need is assorted sprayers, brushes and a saw with a diamond blade in it for scoring the surface. You can go from a simple design to a very sophisticated project. The more complicated your design, the more labor intensive it will become, but the end results are simply stunning. After the Acid Stain is applied, the floor should be sealed and or waxed to protect the stain and add shine and depth.

The Decorative Concrete Business has been growing very rapidly for the last few years, and Acid Stain has been a big part of this growth. More and more contractors are learning to apply it, and more homeowners, architects and designers are asking for it. The Acid Stain market is miles away from being well known and developed, but it has a very bright and shiny future, and our goal is to help you learn more about this incredible product.

Concrete - Stain . com is a collection of information about concrete acid stain obtained over the internet, from suppliers, web sites, Questions ask, installers advice, articles written and comments received through e-mail. We post this information as a collection rather than the author although we reserve the right to change, correct or alter this information to reflect the stain industry as a whole.
And as such should only be used as an opinion , suggestion and guide, you should always get advice from your supplier, installer, or manufacture of the products, methods and tools used in your acid stain project. http://www.concrete-stain.com/

Kemiko Concrete Acid Stain

Kemiko Concrete Acid Stain transforms concrete into an elegant floor that resembles marble or glazed stone. The concrete can be stained and scored and creates the appearance of expensive flooring. It is the perfect finish to turn concrete into a luxurious floor that is very affordable.

Kemiko Concrete Acid Stain is the perfect choice for both interior and exterior concrete surfaces. Often used in commercial settings, concrete stain gives a clean, attractive look. Use it on driveways, patios, walkways and entrances as well as concrete decorative items such as statues and urns.

Stained concrete floors are tops in terms of permanence and durability. They will not chip, fade, or peel, and they last the lifetime of the surface to which it is applied. The floor is virtually maintenance free for a carefree lifestyle. You simply damp mop as needed. Wax or sealer can be applied to further enhance depth of color and provide surface protection.

Kemiko Concrete Acid Stain reacts with the minerals present in the concrete giving it the look of natural stone. The concrete accepts the stain in varying degrees of intensity creating multi-hue colors and an uneven surface that looks aged. Stained concrete enhances the setting with any decor.

You can purchase Kemiko Concrete Acid Stain and we can ship it to you.
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Answer 2

Staining Existing Concrete

Answer 3

Dear dancehallgirl,

I am not sure that you CAN stain an existing concrete floor. You can, however, find paint for concrete floors. I have painted concrete floor before with good results. There are many colors. By your name, I am thinking maybe this is for a dance studio possibly- that could be a problem, as some painted surfaces are slippery-especially when wet. You can get concrete paint which has some sand in it to prevent this problem. The best advice I could give you, since I do not know your specific situation, is to go to a reputable paint store, or a home improvement store and ask the paint expert what you should use. You might want to try the product on a small section to see the results before you do the entire floor. Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Staining Old Concrete

Answer 5

There are several products to stain or color your concrete floor, depending on the effect you are looking for. The easiest would be the epoxy coatings you can buy at most hardware stores. The hard part may be preparing the floor, especially if you are looking at a garage floor. You need to get any spills off the floor and may require an acid washing.

Answer 6

There are concrete stains available, I would suggest cleaning the concrete good with muratic acid, then check your Local Lowes or Home Deopt store for their recommendations, the concrete stain can be applied in several colors to get the mottled look, and you can apply it with a regular hand held sprayer like you use in the garden......any of these stores should be able to help you accomplish the job. Good Luck

Answer 7

It's fairly easy. Make sure the surface is clean and undamaged, then simply apply with a brush or roller. Typically stains are used on wood surface, but concrete will absorb and hold the stain. If waterproofing is an issue, use a waterproofing "paint." Also, masonry paints exist if you're looking for something more specifically designed for your surface.

Answer 8

Carla S has the best answer. I have used Kemiko stain on about 6000 sq. ft. of 70 year old concrete with great results. The concrete must be as clean as possible, and the mottling just adds character. I suggest an epoxy sealer.

Answer 9

hard stain existing concrete floor product

Answer 10

Stain? You have to use concrete paint. Stain needs something to absorb into .. concrete is not pourus.

Answer 11

Concrete is not porus?

You are crazy and know nothing of what u speak!

Why do u think oil "Stains" concrete and it takes years for it to come out or a heck of a lot of scrubbing.

Dont answer things if your knowledge is that limited.... Jeesh