Can You Paint or Stain Cement Floors?

Concrete Stains

• Although many commercially available concrete stains contain acid, which reacts with the lime in the cement to permanently etch a new color into it, it is possible to create an effective stain using only mineral salts and water. Water-soluble salts include those of copper, which turn concrete green, and iron and manganese, which turn it brown. A wider range of salts dissolve in hydrochloric acid, however, giving you a broader color palette, although one still restricted to earth tones. It is possible, however, to combine acid stains with concrete dye to produce a full range of vibrant colors.

Concrete Paint

• Latex porch and floor enamels adhere well to concrete and produce a weatherproof, mildew-resistant surface. They are available in a range of pre-mixed colors or as a tint-base so you can choose your own, and can be applied by brushing, rolling or spraying. The most durable finish for concrete, however, is two-part epoxy. It cures to form an almost indestructible surface that is as hard, if not harder, than the concrete itself. Epoxy paint won't flake or chip like regular enamel and is recommended for industrial floors, but creative designers can use it to advantage interior and exterior residential applications.

Floor Preparation

• A concrete floor must be dry before you stain or paint it, and if it is newly installed, it should have a minimum of 30 days to cure. Paint won't adhere well to wet cement, and stain will absorb unevenly and create a blotchy pattern if there are patches of moisture. Clean the floor thoroughly with a strong detergent solution to remove grime and include a mildew treatment to remove mildew stains if necessary. If you are staining new concrete, etch the surface with a concrete etching solution to increase porosity so the stain will penetrate.

Precautions

• Even if your floor appears dry, it's prudent to test it for moisture prior to painting. Place a small square of clear plastic on the floor and tape it on all sides. If the underside has droplets of condensation after a period or 24 hours, give it more time to dry, then repeat the test. If the condensation recurs, there may be moisture rising from the ground. It will cause paint to bubble and flake off, so you should consider staining or leaving the concrete unfinished. Always prime new concrete before you paint it. Primer seals the surface and provides better adhesion for the top coat.