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Five Methods for Creating Concrete Floor Graphics
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Dear Jim,
Creating visually dramatic graphics on concrete floors can make a huge impact, often leaving your clients at a loss for words. "When graphics are executed properly, with a dynamic design and the appropriate blend of colors, you will earn the respect you have worked an entire career to attain," says Bob Harris of The Decorative Concrete Institute. Even if you have little confidence in your artistic ability, you can still create stunning floor graphics using one of the five methods summarized below, says Harris. For more details about each technique, read Harris's article Creating Graphics on Concrete Floors.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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1. Overhead projection
Overhead projection is a fast way of creating dramatic graphics on c oncrete floors. The technique is simple yet very effective, and requires only a standard overhead projector, a photocopier and transparency paper.
2. Free-hand designs
Pigmented epoxies (see coatings for concrete) are a great medium to use in a free-form fashion. Other materials  you can use for free-hand designs include pigmented cement-based skim coats, tints and dyes. For design inspiration, find an image you like in art books, photo collections or magazines.
3. Grid plotting
This technique is an extremely effective way of creating graphics. You start by  making a copy of your artwork that you can draw a series of grids over, or you can photocopy the artwork directly onto grid paper. After plotting the art on graph paper, you can then replicate the design on a corresponding grid on the floor.
4. Adhesive-backed stencils
When using precut vinyl stencils with an adhesive backing,  all you need to do is accurately position the stencil on the floor and then apply the desired products (see Stenciling Concrete Floors). There are many mediums you can use in conjunction with stencils, including gelled stains, air-brushed dyes and pigmented skim coats.
5. Transfer pouncing
This method essentially involves connecting the dots. You start by taping a large  piece of clear plastic to a wall and projecting your artwork onto it so you can trace the design. Next, position the template on a piece of foam board and use a soldering gun to burn small holes through the plastic, following your traced outline. Position your template on the floor and "pounce" a sock filled with chalk over the burned holes. After connecting the dots, fill in your design with color.
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