Concrete Staining Tips
No matter if you have new or old floors, concrete staining is a great way to enhance the look of your home. This technique can dramatically improve the look of your home as well as increase the its overall value. Many people think that they need a professional to do the staining but you can do this as a DIY project and save yourself a ton of money. Below are some helpful concrete staining tips to get you started.
Avoid products that are only concrete “paints” of “films”. These only coat the surface and will quickly chip, giving your floor a very cheap look.
Acid based concrete stains are becoming more and more popular. These stains actually react with the minerals in your floor and change its composition. You can choose from 8 to 10 colors of acid stain, which consist of mainly reddish earth tones, greens, and brown tones. Acid based stains mimic the look of expensive stone.
There are also water-based stains, which are more user friendly. This can be a great choice for those that are new to the whole concept of concrete staining. These types of stains are a bit different from acid based stains, as they will not have a chemical reaction with the concrete. They act like a dye because they are absorbed into the pores of the concrete. Water based stains give you a wider selection of colors, but give an opaque and less rich look.
If you are and advanced DIYer you can try your hand at some scoring techniques. You can create some intricate patterns that make your concrete floors look like tile. This will allow you to draw the stain through to create new dimensions. It is all up to your imagination as to what you can create with the stain.
Staining your concrete can be a fun and exciting project to tackle on your own. Not only will you increase the value of your home you will also add flare and dimension to your home. Be sure to do your homework and listen to these concrete staining tips so you will go into the project with full knowledge of what to expect with each type of stain.
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