5 Popular Stained Concrete Application Techniques

5POPULAR STAINED CONCRETE APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

Concrete staining is a great technique that you can offer as a concrete professional. With stained concrete fl oors, you can give your clients different options when it comes to their fl ooring needs. With its many benefi ts such as being costeffective, highly durable, and easy to maintain, your customers can’t say no to any of the concrete fl ooring techniques you can offer. Let’s look at fi ve popular concrete application techniques.

➊APPLICATION WITH PLAIN NAP ROLLER

Done by using a nap roller, the surface is covered with the chosen stain color with a nap roller. Before staining the surface, make sure to cover its bases and edge fi rst. A brush is used to completely cover the edges of the surface area. A simple staining technique must be done twice. Make sure that the fi rst coat is completely dry before applying the second application. Use a sealer to increase the shelf-life of your client’s newly stained concrete.

➋NAP ROLLER PLUS A PRE-MADE STENCIL

If your client wants simple yet not boring plain, stained concrete, you can still give them polished concrete with stenciled polishing. With this technique, you can stick the stenciled pattern or design your client wants to your nap roller. Once dry, run your nap roller again to give it a more vibrant color. ➌PLAIN NAP ROLLER PLUS MIST

This staining technique is also known as ‘misting’. You have to do the basic staining technique fi rst with the use of a nap roller. Once you are okay with the stained concrete fl oors’ result, you can use a sprayer to add a layer of a different color. Misting should be done lightly to avoid covering the base of the polished concrete. If you want to add another color of mist, do so once the fi rst misting is completely dry.

➍PLAIN NAP ROLLER PLUS SPONGE

Apply the base color fi rst with a nap roller. Once dried, you can apply the second stain with the use of a sponge or rag depending on your personal preference. You can do this if you want to create a special pattern and you need a steady hand to apply the color. Say you want to make a letter pattern; you can easily form it with a sponge.

BLENDING

If your client wants two or more colors on their stained concrete fl oors, you can use a blending technique to make it. With a sprayer, you can apply different colors one after the other. This is used if you want to give your client’s fl oor a marble-like look. It works by spraying one color fi rst, then spraying the second color next to it. Do it alternately while allowing each color to overlap a little. Once dry, apply a sealant to improve longevity. BEFORE & AFTER

Regardless if it is a reapplication or a new project, you have to clean the surface fi rst before applying any of the application techniques above. Use a mechanical grind to ensure that the surface is even and smooth. An uneven surface becomes visible after staining. There are commercially formulated chemicals that can be used to ensure that the surface is totally smooth.

Before applying any dye or stain, make sure to cover the walls, frames, doors, and other parts of the place that’s not supposed to get stained. After each staining, wait for it to dry completely before applying the second layer or before adding another application technique (e.g. with a sponge or mist sprayer).

Rinse your stained concrete fl oors after staining. Wash it with clean water. Wait until the water runs clear. Use baking ammonia or baking soda to neutralize the stain. Remove or loosen any deposit to keep the surface smooth and even.

Once you are satisfi ed with your newly polished concrete, add sealant or protective coat. It will give your stained concrete fl oors longer shelf life. With a protective sealer, minimal maintenance like sweeping is needed to keep the polished concrete shiny and looking new.

Adrian Cruz is the owner of Columbus Concrete Co. and an expert in the industry with decades of experience.

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