Do it Yourself Concrete Staining
- 1). Sweep the concrete floor thoroughly and use a metal scraper to remove unwanted blemishes from the surface. Vacuum around the wall edges to remove all traces of dust. Apply strips of 2-inch-wide masking tape along the lower edge of the floor where the wall meets the floor. Attach continuous polythene sheeting up the walls to a height of 4 feet from the ground, taping it securely at the top and bottom. Mop the floor to leave a completely dust-free surface; allow the floor to air dry.
- 2). Activate the acid concrete stain in a clean bucket at a ratio of 1:1 with cold water. Stir the products together thoroughly. Transfer the contents of the bucket to a portable sprayer and push the pump-action handle up and down several times to create pressure. Apply one coat of the mixed concrete stain to the entire floor, making sure you finish in a doorway so you are not pinned into the corner of the room. Leave the first coat to dry thoroughly before adding a second coat. Leave the concrete floor to dry overnight once the second coat has been applied.
- 3). Mop the floor using a mixture of baking soda and cold water in the mop bucket; this will neutralize the active ingredients in the acid concrete stain. Use a ratio of 3 to 4 cups of baking soda for every gallon of water. Mop the floor several times with fresh water to remove residue from the baking soda. Allow the floor to air dry. Remove the masking tape and polythene sheeting from the walls.
- 4). Apply two coats of transparent concrete floor sealer over the stained surface with a brush or roller, leaving enough drying time between coats to allow the sealer to turn matte. Leave the sealer to dry overnight after the second coat to complete the project.
- 5). Buff the floor with a commercial floor-polishing machine and floor wax to enhance color and produce shine.