How to Stain a Concrete Floor

Determine your Stain Color -
Get a Concrete Stain Color Chart and samples if possible and finalize the floor color you want to mimic. Results can vary depending on the stain concentration, age of concrete, and application methods so be open to a spectrum of results. Dyes are neutral and non-reactive with concrete. The addition of a dye can amplify the stain, especially if the staining is applied immediately after new concrete has cured. Find a sample area to apply the stain to and determine if it is truly the color you want!

Prepare the Surface -
Determine if the floor has any gloss or coats that may prevent the staining process. Clean any glue, grease, tape or other objects off the concrete. Apply solvent or a stripping agent if needed, use a stripping agent that mixes with water.

If you need to repair any portions of the concrete, make sure the patch material is acrylic based with a low-shrinkage material, and ENSURE that it will accept stain. Be aware that the patch will definitely show after the floors are stained, cleaned and sealed, so either live with the blemish or create planned variations by using the same patching substance throughout ... be creative.

Use a floor buffing machines with 60, 80, or 100 weight paper. This will enhance the staining process and also create the depth that will influence the highs and lows of the color.

Wash the surface with a mild detergent and water, use the buffing machine with dark colored strip pads and a wet-vacuum to remove all the wet waste. The surface must be clean and free of all residues before staining.

Stain the Surface -
Explore the various ways to apply the stain and determine if you want to apply it by sprayer or brush. Your pocketbook may make the final decision. Color consistency depends on the moisture content of the concrete. If the concrete slabs are older you may get variations in staining, so do your best to create the same conditions and stain concentration. If the slabs are new, stain each at the same "age" to ensure continuity of color. Allow at least 5 hours of "dwell" or stain time, and repeat a second time if you want a darker color.

Clean-up the Surface -
When staining is complete, a layer of mildly acidic residue will remain as a result of the chemical reaction. Do not minimize this step, give the floor a good cleaning and scrubbing with an alkaline soap that can break down any stain residue and neutralize the surface. This layer must be thoroughly cleaned off - use a scrub brush, or scrubbing or buffing machine and water mixed with detergent. Add a tablespoon of baking soda per gallon of detergent/water to neutralize any remaining acid. Rinse the floor well and pick up residue with a wet vacuum. The floor should dry for 1 or 2 days before sealing.