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Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently, while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. Concrete stains go on quicker, dry faster and take less work than concrete paint, but they offer no significant protection.
Is stained concrete outdated?
How long does concrete stain last? Because stains penetrate into the concrete surface, their color is durable and long-lasting. When applied to properly prepared concrete, the color will not fade, chip, or peel away.
Does stained concrete floors add value to your home?
Getting concrete floor coatings or a decorative concrete overlay is not a luxury – it’s an investment that can pay off over time. Not only will the investment improve your enjoyment of the home and reduce your maintenance, but it will also improve the value of your home.
How long do stained concrete floors last?
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.
Should you paint a concrete floor?
Priming before you paint concrete floors helps ensure that your new look will stick. (Epoxy paint is the best choice for floors, which take a lot of abuse. You’ll get the most durable results from epoxy, and it will hold up better over time than latex paint.).
How often does stained concrete need to be sealed?
By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
Can you stain old concrete floors?
Your existing old concrete should be fine to stain, so long as it is not contaminated with glue, paint, oil, grease, sealers, waxes, or anything else that would prevent the stain from soaking into the pores of the concrete.
Is stained concrete flooring a good option?
Concrete floors are a great alternative to linoleum, carpet, wood, tile, stone or marble flooring. Concrete can be stained nearly any color, resurfaced in a variety of textures and finishes, or polished for a smooth, shiny look. Plus, concrete flooring is durable, long-lasting and easy to clean and maintain.
Are stained concrete floors cheaper than tile?
Staining a concrete floor typically costs less than tiling. Installing ceramic or porcelain tile costs on average between $15 and $20 per square foot.
Which is better epoxy or stained concrete?
Both stained concrete and Nature Stone flooring will last for years with proper care, but stone epoxy tends to be slightly more durable than stained concrete. The reason for this is because the sealant used on top of stained concrete wears down faster than stone epoxy.
How do you maintain stained concrete floors?
HOW TO CLEAN STAINED CONCRETE FLOORS Dry dust mop or damp mop regularly to keep away dirt and grime, cutting down on abrasion. Damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner and water for an occasional deeper cleaning. Protect with a good film-forming sealer and a coat of wax or floor finish.
Are stained concrete floors slippery?
Like any hard, smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet, especially if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer. For concrete floors or walkways exposed to moisture or in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there are ways you can increase the slip resistance without affecting the color.
Do stained concrete floors crack?
Cracking is part of concrete’s natural tendency When it’s first poured, concrete is a liquid. Over the course of a couple of days, it hardens into a solid, shrinking as it does so. This initial shrinking often results in hairline cracking within the first few days of installation.
How do you paint over a concrete floor?
How to Repaint Concrete Floors Remove all flaking, peeling paint using a scraper and wire brush. Fill all holes and cracks with mortar. Thin the paint to be used for the first coat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply paint to the outer edge of the floor using a 3-inch, angled paintbrush.
How can I cover a concrete floor cheaply?
Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas Epoxy and Concrete Paint. Paint is generally your cheapest basement floor option. Concrete Stain and Sealer. Concrete stain is another inexpensive option. Linoleum or Vinyl. Ceramic Tile Flooring. Rubber and Foam Mats. Traditional Carpet Flooring. Laminate or Engineered Hardwood.
Can you use regular paint on concrete floors?
Ordinary latex paint is well-suited for interior concrete walls. Use an eggshell or satin latex paint on concrete walls that aren’t exposed to much duress. If you plan to paint exterior concrete walls and fences, use an exterior acrylic paint that will hold up to ultraviolet light and harsh weather conditions.
What happens if you don’t seal stamped concrete?
An unsealed, decorative stained concrete surface will show faded colors in a matter of a few months. You could advise your customer that’s what happens with an unsealed project and let them make the decision about sealing, but rest assured that an “I told you so,” from you when the fading happens will not comfort them.
Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?
For large scale applications sprayers are faster and more efficient; whereas paint rollers are less expensive and are more readily available. If you are going to be applying a decorative acrylic sealer or an epoxy floor coating it is best to use a 1/4″ or 3/8 nap roller.
What happens if I don’t seal my concrete?
What happens if I don’t seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.
Do you have to sand concrete floors before staining?
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.
Is there a stain for concrete?
Concrete stain is a water-based product that coats the concrete and becomes a permanent part of the surface. The stains can fade and wear over time, but sealer helps protect them. Concrete stains are different from acid (or etching) stains, which chemically react with minerals in the concrete to change the color.
How do you prepare old concrete for staining?
Apply Concrete Cleaner and Degreaser: The vast majority of concrete slabs only require minimum cleaning using an organic degreaser diluted at a medium concentration with water. Scrub Surface: Clean the surface with a soft nylon bristle brush or power wash on a low setting to prepare most floors for staining.
