How to Faux Paint a Concrete Basement Floor

Prepare the floor by removing all dirt and stains, previous finishes or paints. You want the pores of the concrete open to receive the new paint. Power-clean the floor with a pressure nozzle and a scrub brush or a pressure washer. Let the floor dry overnight.

Etch the floor to prepare it for acrylic stain, using an acid etching solution. Take all precautions when working with acid, including adequate ventilation, safety goggles and gloves. Pump-spray the etching solution on the floor. Scrub it with a stiff brush as it foams. Next, rinse the floor and let it dry overnight

Working in small areas at a time, spray the first coat of acrylic stain on the prepared floor. Use a pump sprayer, and get the floor nice and wet. Spray the second color over the wet base color. You may spray the top color hit-or-miss so more of the base color shows through.

While both wet colors are blending, use the edge of a stiff piece of cardboard or another thin edge to trace marble patterns in the stain. A large, stiff feather creates interesting lines as well. Repeat this process across the entire floor, blending each section into the next until you have covered the whole basement.

Let the floor dry completely, and then apply concrete sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions.