Although concrete is one of the most popular choices for both commercial and residential spaces due to its durability and low maintenance, many might find it uninspiring and too bland for their taste. So if you are looking for a simple yet game-changing way to add a touch of sophistication and style to your concrete floors, polishing and staining might be your answer.
This guide walks you through major tips and tricks to elevate your home or business using concrete staining and polishing.
The right stain makes all the difference
Not all stains are created equal. There is a wide range of concrete stains that yield different advantages and drawbacks, such as some are meant for heavy-use garage flooring while some are more targeted toward sleek finish and style.
With this in mind, choosing the right kind of stain is the first step in concrete floor polishing and staining. For instance, acid-based stains are widely used to create a mottled, marbled effect, while water-based stains give you a wider range of colors to choose from.
Just like any construction project, doing your research on which material works best for your vision makes the process easier and the result better. Using high-quality and purpose-meant stains lets you elevate not only the look of the surface but its durability as well.
Prepare the surface for best results
Although staining and polishing is a pretty straightforward task, concrete floor refinishing still requires surface preparation to achieve the aesthetics and function you are after.
Keep in mind that grease, dirt, oil, and other concrete stain inhibitors can literally change the end result of your polishing and staining project, so cleaning and preparing the surface is one of the keys to achieving your desired effect.
To prepare the concrete surface, you need to strip away any existing sealers or coatings, thoroughly clean the surface from contaminants, and carefully repair any damage or cracks in the surface. As cliché as it may sound, failing to prepare is preparing to fail, especially when it comes to concrete polishing and staining.
Stain it right
Once the surface is properly cleaned and prepared, most would probably jump in straight to finally apply the stain. However, it is best to first test the stain in an inconspicuous, small area to avoid any unpleasant surprise with the end result. Once the test area dries out and you are happy with how it looks, you can now proceed to work on the main area without worries.
Depending on the size of the surface you want to transform, applying the concrete stain can be done with a roller, sprayer, or brush. A sprayer is mainly used to apply the stain in two or three coats in a broad surface area, while a brush is ideally used for finer detail work and edges. For best results, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions throughout the application process and do the staining process in a well-ventilated area.
Although respirators help protect you from overwhelming and sometimes irritating stain fumes, applying the stain in a well-ventilated area is still the best form of precaution you can take. Turning the fan on or opening the windows help ensure the fumes can circulate out of the room much quicker, letting in fresh air to replace any hazardous solvent.
Level it up with final touches
When it comes to achieving a luxurious feel for your home, sealing and polishing your stained floor are simple yet game-changing steps to transform your concrete floor.
After the stain has dried, applying a high-quality sealer will protect the surface from scratches, stains, and other damage. Epoxy, urethane, and acrylic sealers are some of the most popular sealers you can use, each bringing unique advantages. In choosing the right kind of sealer for your floor, consider the area’s factors, such as foot traffic and exposure to moisture.
Polishing is also one way to elevate your concrete floor finish. Polishing helps give it a smooth, glossy finish that looks high-end and luxurious. Mechanical polisher and diamond polishing pads are used to gradually smooth out the concrete’s surface, bringing out its natural shine.
Final word of advice
Reading these tips, you might now be rearing to get started on this simple yet satisfying DIY project. Compared with most renovation projects, polishing and staining is one of the simplest ways to elevate any surface with relatively fewer materials needed.
Although leaving these types of renovation work to the experts will always be your safest bet, doing this DIY project with proper planning, knowledge, and tools can bring you closer to the aesthetic results you are after.
Whether you prefer to do it yourself or hire concrete specialists, polishing and staining can transform even the most basic concrete floor into a stylish yet durable surface that will give you years and years of use.
