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The Concrete Source - Floors

A Monthly Newsletter about Concrete Floors                      June  2009
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What to Watch: Videos on Acid Stained Floors

Stained floor videos

In this 3-part video series, decorative concrete expert Bob Harris introduces you to the myriad ways you can dress up concrete
floors with chemical stains and dyes, explains his tools and techniques for achieving special effects, and discusses some of the limitations of acid stains.

Ideas for Concrete Stains

Stained Concrete Design Versatilty

Limitations of Acid Stains


Q&A: Best Sprayer for Applying Acid Stains

Q: I plan to apply acid stain to a floor using a sprayer. What type of equipment do you recommend?

A: Selecting the proper type of sprayer is critical to ensuring the best results when applying acid stains, says Bob Harris. You'll need a unit that's equipped with  acid-resistant seals and sprayer tips that won't corrode when in contact with hydrochloric or muriatic acid.


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Five Great Looks with Acid Stains

Hi  ,
 
Red, brown stained floorAcid-stained concrete floors give your clients the best of both worlds: beauty and
functionality. Concrete staining imparts a luxurious richness that can't be achieved by any other coloring medium while leaving behind permanent, flake-proof color. What's more, stain can be applied to existing concrete, making it ideal for revitalizing lackluster surfaces. Although acid staining is not a new technique, this classic decorative effect remains one of the most popular and versatile ways to color concrete floors. Wow your customers with these 5 fabulous looks, all of which are easy to achieve with a bit of creativity and a coat or two of stain.

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

1. Marbelizing
Marbelized floorChemical stains do more than simply add color. Rather than produce a solid, opaque effect like paint or colored coatings, stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with rich, deep, translucent tones. Depending on the color and application techniques you use, the results can mimic everything from polished marble to natural stone. See how it's done: Getting Concrete to Look Natural Marble.

2. Old World charm
Creative Concrete SolutionsWhat many people love most about stains are the "antiqued" or variegated tones they can produce. Rather than uniformity, stains give concrete floors an aged, Old World look that enhances concrete's natural characteristics. See how one contractor gave his clients stained floors fit for a king: Stained Concrete Floors Fit Old-World Castle Home.

3. Faux finishes
Faux finish floorThe same techniques and tools used by painters to faux finish walls can also be used to apply stains to concrete floors. Experiment with "tools" such as rags, torn paper, crumpled plastic and sea sponges to create unique effects. See Faux Concrete Streams, Rocks and Sand on Home's Interior Floor.

4. Multicolored creations
Image-N-Concrete DesignsApplying multiple colors of stain can produce dramatic looks that take a basic stain job to the next level. Options include layering different colors of stain (see Blending Acid Stain Colors) or creating graphic designs
using decorative sawcuts (see Decorative Concrete Floors Provide Harmony).

5. Decorative stenciling
Stenciled borderAny pattern you can imagine is possible by using adhesive-backed decorative stencils.
After stencil removal, you can stain or dye the previously covered areas with a contrasting color. See how: Stenciled Concrete Adds Irish Charm.

Or: