How to Restore Terrazzo Flooring by Changing the Color or Staining the Floor

Painting Vs. Staining

• Because the surface of a terrazzo floor is a mixture of cement and marble, painting over these floors can be problematic. The paint is likely to adhere to the marble better than the cement surface. The result is likely to be chipping and peeling. A stain, on the other hand, soaks into the materials. Since cement is much more porous than marble, it will absorb a stain much better. That means that the marble in your floor will look different in color than the cement. Thus, while staining is the best option from a durability standpoint, you will need to choose a stain that will complement the existing color of the marble in your floor for best results.

Product Choice

• It’s important to note that, regardless of whether you choose to paint or stain your terrazzo floors, you’ll need a product made to work with concrete. Concrete stains come in a wide variety of colors, as do concrete paints. You can also purchase concrete floor paint with flakes or chips mixed in to give your floor added dimension. Lastly, you can choose colored epoxy, which goes on like paint but tends to last longer.

Preparation

• Before you begin applying a stain to your floors, you’ll need to ensure they are completely clean and ready to receive the stain. Start by cleaning your terrazzo floor’s surface thoroughly by first sweeping then mopping with a solution of soap and water. You’ll then need to strip any wax from the floor surface. You can purchase a wax stripper at your local hardware store.

Application

• If you're painting your terrazzo floors, you’ll first want to apply a primer, just as if you were painting your walls. This will ensure maximum adhesion. Use a primer made specifically for concrete. Then apply the paint with a roller on a long handle. Staining your terrazzo floors is exactly like staining wood. However, regardless of whether you decide to paint or stain the floor, make sure to read the application instructions that come with your product for the best results.