Introduction
The finished outcome of a concrete stained floor or concrete overlay floor is directly the result of the care and responsibility taken by the builder and subcontractor that work on the slab before the arrival of the concrete staining crews. As the staining crews cannot be onsite to ensure the care of the concrete floor, it should be covered during the entire construction process.
It’s recommended that the slab not be covered with plastic after the pour is made as this will leave some very interesting marks on the slab that are not very appealing for most that buy the staining.
Masonite or plywood can be used until the slab is “dried in” and then two layers of roofing (heavy gauge rosin paper) paper can be used for the duration of the construction process provided that the subcontractors are all informed not to spill adhesives, paints, solvents, oils, varnishes, or stains on the slab. That being said, it’s best to cover the floor thoroughly yourself as it’s truly important to only you.
New Construction Instructions for the Concrete to Be Poured
A quality batch of concrete should consist of at least a 5 sack mix with no fly ash, retarders, or chloride accelerators. The slab should be lightly power troweled to give a slick finish without creating too many “burns” on the concrete surface.
This will give you a beautiful look and, at the same time, ensure that the concrete is readily stainable. The concrete should be wet cured using curing blankets for at least 7 days while keeping the concrete at all times wet during those 7 days.
No curing compounds are to be used. The use of curing compounds will result in a slab that is either impossible or very difficult to stain and will be a very large additional cost to remove.
The paper should be taped together and the tape should not be applied to the concrete floor for any reason. This will act as a barrier (stain-resist) to the stain when applied.
The mistaken spilling of the contaminants will just add to the cost of the staining process because these are very hard, if not impossible, to remove and are not very attractive if exposed during the staining process.
The concrete floors are to be clean swept and removed of all building materials, furniture, equipment, and fixtures, and the paper covering the floor. It will cost you more if the people responsible for doing the staining start to clean and move obstacles.
Preparation Has a Direct Effect on the Outcome
If the above-listed procedures do not adhere to the stains, chips in the concrete floor and imperfections will all be readily apparent, but fear not; sometimes, but not always, these all add character to the slab and, of course, we are after an aged mottled “old world” look so this may just add to the character.
That being said, the owners, builders, and subcontractors are solely responsible for the condition of the concrete floor prior to stainers commencing work. They are not responsible for the condition of the floor before that and won’t take any.
Usually, when you contact the staining contractors, they will insist that the floor is ready for their work. They might want you to instruct the other contractors on how to prepare for the job.
In that case, they should give you instructions to be given to the general contractors and all the subs and make them sign off on having received them. That way, when you back charge them for possible additional charges from the floor stainers, the other contractors can’t deny responsibility.
The Use of Plastics and Tapes Can Harm the Walls and Paint
Extended-release tapes and plastics are usually used to mask the baseboards and the walls. Some concrete strainers don’t accept responsibility for paint peel off during the removal of the plastic and tape at the end of the process.
Staining is an extremely wet process, and as such, water and stained water can make their way under the tape and onto baseboards and trim. Builder’s grade paint is very often what would be considered below grade and often does not stand up to these conditions.
All the Resists Must Be Taken Care Of
Anything that will not allow the stain to come in contact with the concrete surface is what we refer to as a “resist”. All glues, adhesives, pipe dope, sealers including curing agents, etc. fall into this category.
For instance, if your painter has taped his plastic or drop cloth to the floor and when he pulls up the tape it leaves behind an adhesive residue, it’s important enough to repeat this here. This will cause the stain to show the tape spot on the floor and take the stain differently in that area.
If your plumber puts in a sprinkler system or regular plumbing and drips pipe dope on the floor, you will see those spots as well. If the painter doesn’t cover the floor well and the overspray of the paint gets on the floor, it may show as well even though it appears all the paint has been removed.
How to Protect the Wall with Paper and Cardboard
If you are going to cover your floors with paper, make sure to use at least builder’s grade paper and, at best, rosin paper that can be found in the roofing department. Tape the paper to itself and not to the floor (repeating again).
Overlap the paper approximately 4 inches, and that should give you good coverage. Most large rolls of paper come with about 432 sq. ft. of coverage; with overlap, you can figure around 350-375 sq. ft. coverage per roll.
I would also recommend you place cardboard or Masonite on top of the paper. Do not use plastic as this will not let the concrete “breath.” It will trap the moisture in, and it will need to dry longer to be stained then.
If you want a beautiful concrete floor, this is a small expense to consider when you live with these beautiful floors for at least a few years. Take the time to do this step, and it will pay dividends beyond the small amount of time and money it takes to do it.
Mistakes to Avoid
These are a few contractor mistakes that cannot be remedied in most cases, so be sure to make all of your contractors aware of these conditions.
- Contractors normally use Sharpies or Marks-a-Lot permanent ink markers.
- Electricians normally use spray paint to mark areas where outlets will go; this paint does not come off easily or sometimes at all.
- Sheetrock and drywall contractors are notorious for making the biggest mess, and for some unknown reason, they expect everyone else to clean up after them.
- Painters are kind of like drywallers; they spray their paint pretty much wherever they want, and when they roll, they’re not much better. You need to tell them to cover the floor, or they won’t. If they are spraying the cabinets with urethane or varnish, it will get on the floor also.
- Carpenters like to use red caulk for their caulk lines—ask them to use orange.
- Plumbers that are installing a sprinkler system in commercial spaces will use oil to cut the pipes, and when they install them, they drip that oily water on the concrete which will leave a stain. They’ll tell you it won’t, but still, it will. Also, the pipe solvent they use is clear and won’t show until the floor is stained, and then there is nothing that can be done about it.
- Concrete contractors use curing agents on the concrete to hold in moisture during the hydration process (curing process); these curing agents block the stain’s penetration into the concrete. Wet cure, don’t use curing agents.
- Remodeling projects. Many folks want to rip up their carpets and tile and linoleum and think they can just stain the concrete. It’s just not that easy. Under your carpet, tile, or whatever are a bunch of potential problems that just might not let you stain the concrete. This is sometimes when an overlay might be the answer to the question.
After the Work Is Done, It’s Up to Others to Respect the Surface
After completion and inspection of the concrete stained floor, it is the responsibility of the homeowner, business owner, general contractor, and/or builder to protect the stained concrete or concrete overlay floor.
Beware Leaving Marks from Furniture
Heavy furniture can scratch the surface, especially if you might have nails where your pads might have previously been located on the bottom of the legs, so be sure to check. I recommend felt pads, magic movers, or similar items that are durable and relatively inexpensive.
Maintenance
Your concrete stained floor needs to be vacuumed or dust mopped periodically, and an occasional damp mop using a neutral cleaner, which can be purchased at Home Depot. That is all that is required to maintain your floor. You will need to apply a floor finish 1-2 times a year, which will take 15 minutes and 30 minutes to dry.
Additional Considerations for Staining Concrete
While the preparation of the concrete is vital, there are additional considerations that can significantly influence the final outcome of your stained concrete floor. Understanding these can help you achieve the best possible results and ensure that your concrete not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
Choosing the Right Stain
There are primarily two types of stains for concrete: acid-based and water-based stains. Acid stains react chemically with the concrete to produce a permanent, translucent color; however, they can be unpredictable and yield a variegated effect. Water-based stains, on the other hand, are easier to work with and offer a wider range of colors but may not penetrate as deeply.
When selecting a stain, consider the environment and the aesthetic you wish to achieve. For example, acid stains are ideal for creating an earthy, natural look and are often used for outdoor projects, while water-based stains can provide vibrant colors and are suitable for indoor spaces.
Testing the Stain
Before applying the stain to the entire floor, it’s essential to test it on a small inconspicuous area. This test will allow you to see how the concrete reacts to the stain and how the color looks once applied. Different sections of concrete may react differently due to variations in the mixture and curing processes.
Always perform a patch test, especially if using a new product or if the concrete has been previously treated with sealers or coatings. This step can save you from potential disappointment and costly mistakes.
Sealing Your Stained Concrete
After staining, sealing the concrete is crucial to protect it from stains, moisture, and wear. There are various types of sealers available, including acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your needs.
Acrylic sealers are easy to apply and provide a glossy finish but may require more frequent reapplication. Epoxy sealers are more durable and resistant to chemicals but can be more challenging to apply. Polyurethane sealers combine the best of both worlds, offering durability and a beautiful finish.
Understanding the Curing Process
After pouring the concrete, allow it to cure properly before applying any stains. Curing is a critical process that enhances the concrete’s strength and durability. It involves maintaining adequate moisture and temperature conditions for a specified period, typically 28 days.
During this time, avoid exposing the concrete to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as this can lead to cracking and surface damage. Utilize curing blankets or wet curing methods to maintain moisture levels effectively.
Long-Term Maintenance and Care
To maintain the beauty and longevity of your stained concrete floor, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Daily sweeping or vacuuming will help prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface. Periodic damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner will keep the floor looking fresh without damaging the stain.
In addition to cleaning, consider reapplying a sealer every couple of years or as needed based on the wear and tear of the surface. This will help protect the stained finish and keep your concrete looking vibrant for years to come.
Conclusion
Achieving a beautiful stained concrete floor requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and ongoing maintenance. By following best practices and being proactive in protecting your investment, you can enjoy stunning, durable flooring that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space. Be sure to consult with professionals and do thorough research to ensure the best results for your project.
Nobody likes to prepare the field for another, so it’s good to present these things in the proper way to avoid unnecessary trouble. To read more about this subject, move on here to know what affects the cost of concrete staining.
Whether you are staining a new concrete slab, refreshing an existing floor, or looking to incorporate stained concrete into your design, understanding the nuances of the process can lead to successful outcomes. With the right approach, your concrete floors can become a focal point of your home or business, offering both beauty and functionality.