How to Use Concrete Dyes
How much does it cost to stain concrete floors yourself? DIY concrete staining costs between $0.30 per square foot and $0.40 per square foot.
Six ways to achieve a coloured concrete floor
A stained concrete floor is a great and durable flooring option, and – good news! – staining one yourself is a surprisingly easy task (although you'll want to avoid one major pitfall we fell into below).
You can color concrete with acrylic paint by mixing it into the wet mix. Acrylic paint can be a cheap way to color concrete crafts. The same goes for using latex paint for coloring concrete. These DIY Concrete Pillar Candleholders were made using white cement mix and the green was acrylic paint.
Dyes aren't UV stable, so most manufacturer labels warn that concrete dyes are recommended for use on indoor concrete surfaces only. Acid and water-based concrete stains typically have excellent UV stability and resist wear and fading, so they're useful both indoors and outdoors.
Schmidt also warns against acid etching of floors before staining. A lot of people think they need to acid etch the concrete like they do before applying a paint or coating, to get the paint to adhere. But acid washing depletes the lime content, which is what the minerals in the acid stain react with.
If the concrete floors are particularly smooth or have been polished, you should sand them before staining. The best concrete surface for staining is rough and porous to allow good color penetration. Smooth, glossy surfaces will prevent all types of stains, even acid stains, from properly sticking to the floor.
With stained concrete, the concrete itself will last for many years, potentially over 100 years. However, in order for the stain to last, the floors will need to be sealed or waxed once or twice per year.
Ivory – If you're looking for classy and clean, we recommend painting the concrete floors in a soft ivory color. Such a color instantly makes the basement look nice and clean. And white reflects light very well, helping to make the space look more well-lit. Gray – Gray is still the most popular color for concrete.
How long does concrete paint last? Latex paints can last around two years before needing a fresh coat. Epoxies can last much longer, especially if you go the extra mile and maintain them with regular waxing and buffing.
After brown, gray is the most popular color for concrete floors. Like brown, gray is a neutral tone that blends in with many design schemes, especially modern interiors. For a look that's more subdued, you can leave the floor in its natural state and simply polish it or apply a sealer for more luster.
Yet No Comments