Few things in a home look more boring than plain old concrete. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with naked concrete anymore. You can just stain it yourself!
Here’s how to use concrete floor stain yourself.
First Things First – Prepare Your Space
Before you begin, make sure to cover the walls and cabinets with some type of tarp, paper, or plastic. Using painter’s tape, adhere the material to protect your surfaces from discoloration. Also, know that you cannot stain over paint or sealer.
Creating the Concrete Floor Stain
Concrete floor stain needs to be mixed in a well-ventilated area. Outdoors is best. Many stores, however, like Rainbow Paint and Decorating sell easy read-to-go stain that requires no mixing! The main chemical in concrete floor stain is hydrochloric acid which can be quite damaging to skin as well as being dangerous to inhale. For this reason, it is important to wear long sleeves, gloves, and protective gear like glasses or even a surgical face mask.
Make sure that you have everything you need before you begin:
- The concrete floor stain
- Applicator/ sprayer
- Painter’s tape
- Cleaner
- Sealer
Begin by pouring the stain into the container. If you need to, you can dilute the stain with water. Rainbow Paint and Decorating sells four different colors, so you don’t need to add any water at all. Simply find the exact color you are looking for.
Make sure to consult a paint specialist before beginning. Then, before you get ready to spray your space, test the stain, preferably outside.
Applying the Concrete Floor Stain
To spray your space, use your sprayer about two feet above the ground. Be sure to cover the entire area thoroughly without creating puddles of stain. The more layers of stain, the darker your result. Continue this process until you get the color you are looking for. Once you have the right color, you will want to neutralize the stain by spraying over a layer of ammonia water.
Seal the Space
To protect the treated floor, use a concrete sealer. There are many types. Typically a urethane-based sealant will do the trick. You can use that inside and outside. You can also drive over it, so it’s great for garages. Apply the concrete sealer using a paint roller evenly across the space. More coats are better than one.
Consult the Experts
To get the best results, talk to an experienced designer. Rainbow Paint and Decorating has over 35 years of experience. We are here to help you create a beautiful space. Contact our in-house designer today for a free consultation, or stop by our store in Vestavia Hills.