Most people think of concrete floors as being cold, boring, and esthetically unpleasing. Although in some cases this might be true, concrete floors can be stained, giving them a warm and rich appearance.

Decorative floor stains can produce stunning results. This is a cost-efficient method of transforming boring floors, and the process of staining can be done as a do-it-yourself project. In addition to top-rated products, Moon Decorative offers ideas, as well as how-to information and videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods of Concrete Staining

• Water-Based – As a mixture of pigments and acrylic polymers, this stain fills concrete pores while coating the entire surface. Because this method does not chemically react with concrete, it is referred to as “non-reactive,” which creates more control and color consistency. Any of Moon Decorative’s water-based stains are great, whether choosing something bright like Glacier Blu or something more subtle, like Texas Sand.
• Acid-Based – Acid stain does not coat the floor with color but rather penetrates and chemically reacts with various materials in concrete, such as lime and then develops color over time with a chemical reaction, almost like an instant rusting of the floor. The outcome is color oxides with a more translucent appearance as opposed to opaque. While there are limitations to color, acid stain is still gorgeous, as evident with our Malay Tan and Golden Wheat acid stains that are very popular choices.

                                             

Important Considerations

Before starting a concrete stain project, first determine if your floors are a good candidate. If the concrete has never been covered with laminate, hardwood, carpeting, or even paint, staining will be easier. While a floor that has been covered can still be stained, the top material must be removed to reveal a bare, porous concrete floor.

With a bare floor, carefully inspect the concrete for the overall condition. Based on the findings, you would choose the appropriate concrete stain method and product. Some specific things to look for include:

• Prior Acid Cleaning – Concrete floors that have been cleaned with acid cannot be stained with an Acid based stain.
• Sealed Floor – Floors that were sealed during the installation process need to have the sealer removed and then can be stained with most products, however a test area should always be done before any type of stain is applied.
• Glued-Down Surface Material – Whether covered with carpet, laminate, hardwood, or something else, if the material was glued down, only the water-based method will work, understanding that an opaque finish should be chosen to hide surface imperfections and blemishes from the glues.

If your floor is not a great candidate for concrete stains, you can purchase an overlay product from Moon Decorative. After being applied, this product creates a new and thin surface on which any other staining can be done. If you have your heart set on an acid-stained floors but the surface is poor there are a variety of concrete resurfacing materials that accept concrete stain very well.

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