How to Fix Your Stained Concrete Floors?

If you want economical, unparalleled strength, durability, and longevity all in one material, then concrete is what you’re looking for. Concrete is known as the most widely used building material. You can use it for many applications like foundation, indoor surfaces, floor construction, and exterior structures. 

For homes and commercial spaces with concrete floors, staining is a very popular method. This involves applying stains to the concrete surface to enhance its appearance. Most stained concrete floors look nice and versatile. Glossy concrete stains give off a unique effect in a way that the concrete can mimic wood or marble. They work well in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.

Floor Stain Types and Options

There are several types of stains that come in a variety of colors, tints, and shades. This is why concrete is a versatile material because it can be stained and polished in various ways. With its many options for textures and finishes, you can create distinct decorative looks and unleash your creative side. Here are the most common types of concrete stain:

Acid-Based Stains

Known as the oldest style of concrete stain, an acid-based stain is mostly seen in decorative concrete floors. The mixture of water, muriatic acid, and metallic salts react chemically to the concrete’s composition. It modifies the color of the concrete and creates a brown marbled appearance. This colored surface is usually resistant to UV light, which makes acid stain ideal for outdoor concrete projects.

An acid-stained flooring must be sealed with a coating or sealant for protection from foot traffic. The sealant will help in preventing it from chipping or peeling.

Water-Based Stains

This type of stain fills the pores of the concrete’s surface without any chemical reaction. Available in a wide spectrum of colors, the fine pigments are applied to the surface. Unlike acid stains, water-based concrete stains produce a more consistent and uniform appearance. This is perfect for adding logos and other intricate designs on concrete flooring. After the staining process, the concrete floor must also be coated with a high-quality sealer. 

Concrete Dyes

Usually made of water or solvent-based formulations, concrete dyes are much smaller in particle size. This allows easier penetration, color saturation, and uniform appearance compared to other stain types. Moreover, the ultra-fine pigments are not chemically reactive to the concrete surface. Concrete dyes are commonly applied in tinting polished concrete surfaces indoors. 

Steps in Fixing Stained Concrete Floors and Surfaces

No construction material is completely maintenance-free, not even concrete. Since concrete is porous, it can soak up spills and dirt that may result in staining and fading. Fortunately, you can adjust or touch up its color.

• Clean the Concrete Surface

First, you need to clean and prepare the concrete floor. Use a concrete cleaner to remove all the residues from the surface. You may also use a power wash to thoroughly clean the area.

• Apply a Primer and Concrete Sealer

The pretreatment process includes applying primer to prepare the surface. Once the surface dries, you may add one coat of acrylic concrete sealer before applying the dye.

• Spread the Concrete Stain Solution

Use a paint brush or roller to spread the concrete stain evenly on the entire surface. As an alternative, spraying the stain solution is also helpful and easier. Spray the dye going right to left, then north to south. As a general rule of thumb, 3-4 coats of stain solution are already enough. If you want to make the surface darker, add more concrete stain or dye mixture.

Don’t forget to wear safety goggles and gloves while doing the task. Let the concrete dry completely before you go on to the next step.

• Wipe Off Residue

Avoid adding too much dye to the surface. For excess concrete stains, carefully use a cloth or disposable rug to remove them.

• Apply Sealant

Once the surface is completely dry, apply the concrete sealer with a sprayer or paintbrush. In this step, you may follow how you applied the concrete stain solution. Always wear a mask during the application process and open the windows for ventilation.

Reach Out to the Concrete Professionals

Different kinds of concrete work, repair, and maintenance should be left to the experts. A concrete professional like Midstate Concrete will save you time and money. We will assist you in achieving your concrete project goals!