Want a new look for a patio, sidewalk, or basement floor? Consider staining your existing concrete.
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You have probably seen stained concrete floors in restaurants, grocery stores, and other commercial businesses. They are durable, easy to clean, and there are many color choices available.
What you may not have realized – they are relatively easy to apply. Whether you choose acid stain or water base, the results can be amazing!
The difference between water base and acid stains is the chemical make -up, the application process is similar. Water based stains are available in more vibrant and metallic colors. Acid stains are more earth tones.
The application process for either requires a thorough cleaning of the surface, removal of any trim or hardware, and masking the walls where applicable. The most common way to apply the stain is with a sprayer. Apply multiple coats, allowing to dry between each coat, until you achieve the desired depth of color. After the last coat has dried, apply a clear sealer to protect the stain.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which will vary based on product and specific conditions. Staining concrete will not hide visible flaws such as cracks, chips, and stains. It will create a unique look and feel whether applied in a basement, on patio, or sidewalk.
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Ian from IB Flooring said, “This is a great money and time saver when it comes to decorating and the results can look really great as well, sometimes better than standard floors.”
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What do you want to know about DIY?
Do you have specific projects you would like to tackle? Not sure how to get started? Convinced that you won’t be able to get answers to your questions at the hardware store? Great! Tom wants to know.
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Photos/Flickr:Decorative Concrete Kingdom
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I’d agree with the other commenters that DIY stained concrete can cost way more than you save. Leaving it up to the experts is usually a good idea.
Great article!
Thanks for sharing this info! Now, I’m certain that I could protect my investments with concrete stains. I’ll let the expert do their job though! 🙂
I’ve been thinking if concrete staining is also applicable for outdoor concrete surfaces coz I really thought it’s only good for interior.
But thanks for posting this, now I know it is possible. I think I would hire a professional contractor to do it for me though. 🙂
Keep posting!
Yup, that’s right!
Hiring Pros for serious concrete projects is practically wiser than DIY. They can help you save more time and money.
Good luck to your concrete staining project! 🙂
Last summer, I had a concrete walkway put in front of my yard. However, now I think that I would like to stain it, but I haven’t been able to decide between a water base or an acid stain. Thank you for explaining the difference in how each would look, because I definitely think that I will be going with the acid stain for a more earth tone.
This is great info! Thanks!
i found more info on this website… http://www.mypolishedconcrete.com.au