DIY Staining of Concrete Floors for an Industrial Workshop

Acid stain is clear, and any stains, cracks or abnormalities in a concrete floor will show up once it has dried. Industrial buildings suffer more wear and tear than residential floors and, for that reason, industrial buildings should be stained with industrial-strength product. An epoxy coating or stained overlay is more often recommended for industrial floors because, apart from improving the appearance, it makes the floor easier to keep clean because it prevents spilled substances from soaking into the pores of the concrete.

Scrubbing brushes
Pails
Trisodium phosphate
Water
Non-flammable degreasing chemicals
Masking tape
Industrial overlay
Spray gun or paint rollers/brushes

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the floor. Clear the entire area of fixtures and equipment. Scrub the floor with a trisodium phosphate solution and rinse with clean water.
- 2
  Treat all grease stains with nonflammable chemical cleaners. Check with your local building supply store to find out which products may be legally used in your area. Mastic and caulk must be removed first by scraping. A "poultice" of hydrated lime mixed with denatured alcohol to make a smooth paste should be spread over mastic stains and left to harden, then scrubbed off. Wash the entire floor again with trisodium phosphate and rinse with clean water. Allow to dry for 72 hours.
- 3
  Spray or paint the floor with the stain overlay. Mask off baseboards and door frames before commencing. Start at the corner farthest from the exit. If painting, use a roller or brush, or mop the product. Make certain it covers the entire floor and has a chance to wick into the concrete as much as possible. Allow to dry and repeat the process. Replace fixtures and equipment only once the stain is completely dry and non-tacky.

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