Footprints in Stained Concrete

Question:
How do you get rid of footprints in a stained concrete floor?

Answer:
It depends on whether the prints are in the stain or in the sealer. Footprints created by someone walking across a stained floor before sealing will be more subtle, appearing like shadows on the floor. Someone walking across the sealer before it has fully cured actually leaves a physical imprint in the sealer surface.

The first type of footprint (in the stain) tends not to show up until after the sealer is applied. Membrane sealers, which are often used on stained floors, act as a magnifying glass and enhance the prints, making the problem more noticeable. In this case, you will need to remove the sealer, eliminate the footprints (by cleaning, sanding, or restaining), and reapply the sealer. If possible, treat the area around the prints as well to soften the patch.

Removing footprints in the sealer can be relatively easy, depending on the type of sealer used. Solvent-based sealers provide for the easiest fix. Simply apply a bit of solvent (xylene or acetone) or another thin coat of the same sealer and then back roll. That usually removes the imprint in the sealer surface. You can also try solvents to remove prints in water-based sealers and waxes, but usually you will need to strip or sand these sealers to remove the surface imperfection. With both methods, resealing and waxing is required to finish the repair. As with any repair procedure, test the effects in an inconspicuous spot before repairing the entire area.