Concrete Flooring Ideas - Comments

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I just had my concrete floors stained, some areas where concrete was very rough are dull looking (wax did not take very well); what can I do or use to shine this area up?

catalina at September 19, 2007 08:11 AM

Posted by: catalina at September 19, 2007 08:11 AM

It sounds as if you are saying the concrete surface is an uneven smoothness. If that is indeed true, it will always have different looks between the smooth and rougher surfaces -- kind of like velvet that has been brushed against the grain.

You could try stripping the wax off the concrete and applying a concrete polyurethane. My thought is the viscosity of the urethane would fill in the texture of the concrete and give you a more even reflective surface.

The Flooring Lady at September 19, 2007 09:56 AM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at September 19, 2007 09:56 AM

What is the best thing to use to mop concrete floors? I like to use ammonia, because I feel it cleans it better, but there is not much shine.

Thanks!

Lynn at December 12, 2007 07:10 AM

Posted by: Lynn at December 12, 2007 07:10 AM

Ammonia is pretty harsh. I personally try to not use it for my cleaning because it can be harmful to your health. Have you tried a 10:1 water:white vinegar solution for your cleaning? And be sure the water and mop stay clean -- ie, change the water frequently. See what happens with that and let us know, please.

The Flooring Lady at December 14, 2007 09:27 AM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at December 14, 2007 09:27 AM

I need to paint the cement floor in our children's playroom. It sees a lot of activity. What do you think would be a good color? If it is glossy, would it be too slippery?

Susie at January 24, 2008 11:06 AM

Posted by: Susie at January 24, 2008 11:06 AM

Be sure to use a low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint; Sherwin Williams has one that I like a lot. I personally love bright, vibrant primary colors for kids. I think a bright pattern would be good. It could be geometric patterns, trains/cars, flowers, or even a race track. And then, especially since it sees lots of activity, be sure to seal it with several coats of a water-based polyurethane (water-based has lower VOCs so won't pollute the air the kids breathe). I think the paint won't make the floor slippery, but I don't have experience with a glossy floor so can't be positive.

The Flooring Lady at January 25, 2008 02:11 AM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at January 25, 2008 02:11 AM

We planned to lay hardwood flooring and used several bags of leveling compound over the cement floor, but didn't cover the entire thing so it is blotchy. Can it be stained or painted?

Also, what kind of mop works best to clean cement floors? It's really stained and dirty, and it seems like a sponge mop would shred.

Cindy at January 29, 2008 01:19 PM

Posted by: Cindy at January 29, 2008 01:19 PM

I'm not understanding: you gave up on using the hardwood flooring and are going to use concrete instead? Yes, concrete can be stained and painted. and the kind of mop really depends on your surface smoothness. A string mop may be your best bet, though I can't be sure at this point.

The Flooring Lady at January 30, 2008 01:32 AM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at January 30, 2008 01:32 AM

That's right. Husband didn't know how to do it, but wouldn't admit it, then moved out. I can't afford to hire someone and don't want to do it myself, so am considering what I can do with the concrete floor. Unfortunately, it's partially covered with leveler, so I assume I can't stain it?

Cindy at January 31, 2008 10:59 AM

Posted by: Cindy at January 31, 2008 10:59 AM

Since I can't see it I have to just shoot in the dark about your options. I don't know if you can stain leveler or not, nor do I know how durable leveler is as a flooring surface. Given all of that, my thoughts about your options include: 1. stain and seal the floor you presently have, getting a faux-painted look -- could be very cool 2. have linoleum installed 3. install carpet and padding 4. go with a bamboo floor installation

The first choice is probably the fastest and cheapest, but may be the least durable.

Let me know what you decide to do and how it comes out.

The Flooring Lady at January 31, 2008 11:54 AM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at January 31, 2008 11:54 AM

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