I've read the archives on staining concrete floors; but is there a stain or process by which you can make the concrete floor colorful and shiny?
By LINDA ROLINSKI from Eustis, FL
Difficulty: Moderately EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:
Wire brush
Scrub brush
Degreaser
Paint roller and handle
Trim brush
Concrete sealer/high gloss
Step 1 Prepare the concrete floor for finishing. Remove any loose paint by scrubbing with the wire brush. Retouch the area with new paint and allow it to dry. If the concrete hasn't been painted, make sure there are no loose pieces of concrete. Remove any grease spots with a degreaser. Allow the degreaser to soak for 15 minutes and then scrub with a scrub brush. Sweep and clean the entire floor area before applying the concrete sealer.
Step 2 Determine the square footage of the concrete floor by measuring the length and width and then multiplying them together to get the square footage. When purchasing high-gloss concrete floor sealer, pay attention to the coverage information labeled on the side of the can. This information will tell you how many square feet that can will cover. Using your calculated square footage, select the amount of cans you will need.
Step 3 Shake the sealer so that all ingredients are mixed inside the can. Pour a little onto the floor and check for consistency. If it has a thin consistency, then it hasn't mixed properly. Shake the can again to mix the sealer and recheck.
Step 4 Trim all concrete areas against the wall and around other permanent areas that can't be moved. Trim the entire floor before rolling the floor with the sealer. Trim in a 2-inch-wide band around the entire parameter of the floor.
Step 5 Pour a small amount of sealer onto the floor---no more than you can apply in 10 minutes. Using the paint roller and handle, roll the sealer onto the concrete like as if you were rolling on paint. Work the sealer around until it is no longer pooled up. The floor should be coated in a thin layer. Follow the directions on the can for drying. Once the sealer is dry, you may apply the second coat.good luck.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do I stain a concrete floor?
By joann
There are many, many answers in the archives below ;-)
We have a 70s house and are wanting to stain the concrete slab for a unique, modern look. We ripped up the carpet to find a long, deep, and wide crack (8ft by a half inch maybe?). Everything I've read online says either go with the crack because it adds character or fill it.
The rest of the concrete is in great shape, just needing some sanding to clear away carpet glue and stains. Filling the crack would probably not match the concrete and look obvious. Thoughts? Ideas?
By Chantal from Phoenix, AZ
