How to Marbleize a Cement Floor

Determine which acid stain colors you want to use for the marble effect on your concrete. A lighter color should be used as a base coat to cover the entire area. Then, use one or two additional colors to add streaks and swirls to give a marbled effect.

Clean the concrete floor thoroughly. At a minimum -- for new concrete -- the floor should be swept free of dust and rinsed with a dilute mixture of degreaser and water. If the floor has marks or stains, those should be removed using the appropriate products such as scrub brushes, direct degreaser application or paint thinner. A final rinse will leave the floor slightly wet for the application of the stain.

Spray a cover coat of acid wash using a pump sprayer as the base color for your marble pattern. Hold the sprayer wand so that it sprays directly downward, to get even coverage across the floor. A second coat of the base color will result is a slightly darker shade if that is desired.

Spray the accent colors in the desired patterns immediately after putting down the base color coat or coats. For a marble-like pattern, use the colors in streaks and swirls. Allow the stain colors to react with the concrete for the amount of time recommended by the stain manufacturer.

Neutralize the acid in the stain with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of baking soda per gallon of water. Spread the solution liberally over the stained area to stop the acid stain from continuing to react with the concrete. Mop or rinse the concrete with clean water until all residue is removed and the water remains clear.

Apply a coat of a clear concrete sealer after the neutralized concrete is completely dry. Apply the sealer using an applicator designed for the task. The sealer will give the concrete a glossy look, making the result look like polished marble.