How do you get stained concrete flooring?
Start with a concrete floor. It must be smooth and uniform for the stain to make the flooring look the best that it can, so a newer concrete floor that is not worn is the best option for staining. If it is a newly poured concrete floor, it is important to allow time (at least three weeks depending upon the manufacturer's directions) for it to cure before you stain it. Now you are ready to stain the flooring. A stain is not actually used on the concrete floor, rather it is a chemical reaction that occurs between the minerals in the concrete, acid, water, and inorganic salts. This chemical reaction makes color, which is why it is called stained concrete flooring.

What colors are available in stained concrete flooring?
Acid stained concrete flooring will give your floors a marble-like, variegated color pattern. The colors that are usually seen in stained concrete flooring are browns, reddish browns, and even green. You can make your own color variations by mixing and matching or applying the acids at different rates. You can control how mottled or marbled it is by the process that you choose to apply it. If you enjoy the marbled look, simply spray the acid on the concrete, because this will give it the most variegated design. If you want to downplay the mottled look, use a push broom or other brush to go over the wet acid in a figure-8 motion to make it smoother and more even. Don't expect it to be a smooth color, though, because this process is translucent, which will cause areas of darkness and lightness naturally.

What tools do you need for stained concrete flooring?
There are very few tools that you need to complete the process of staining your concrete floors. After the concrete is poured and cured or the old concrete is clean thoroughly, you will need to gather the following tools for your acid staining process.

• Assorted Sprayers


• Brushes


• Saw with Diamond Blade

The sprayers and the brushes will help you to create the masterpiece on your floor. You can choose to do the staining simply by just spraying the acid solution on, or you can use a more complicated process, such as spraying the surface and brushing it, to add even more texture to your floor. The saw with a diamond blade can help you to score the surface your concrete floor. After you have completed the staining process, the floors will need to be sealed and waxed to help them stay beautiful for many years to come.

One floor I saw had a sun pattern scored into the concrete. Someone had gone to a lot of effort to glue gold glitter into the scores before the stain was applied. After the final "varnish" coat was finished, the solar pattern was enhanced but subtle.

If you are looking for a way to make your floors look more visually appealing, then this may be just the thing for you. Stained concrete floors are easy to take care of, are durable, and have a beauty that is unmatched. If you are looking for something different for you home, then consider stained concrete flooring. You will be glad you did.