Spread The Love! Concrete floors that are stained and sealed don't just look beautiful but are also very durable. But this does not mean they are invincible. If you don't take good care of them, they can develop scratch marks, become dull, and wear out over time.
Cons of Outdoor Concrete Staining
Transparent: The semi-transparency of most stains will fail to hide the existing imperfections in the concrete surface. DIY is not easy: Staining concrete is the not the easiest job for the amateur weekend warrior. Using a professional contractor ensure best results.
Most traditional building materials are not very durable. However, acid-stained concrete floors are extremely durable, and you could very well find one completely intact under all of this debris caused by a recent tornado.
Scratching/Scuffing: Scratching and scuffing are common problems. In order to prevent scratching on an interior application, use a floor wax for an additional wear layer of protection. In order to fix existing scratching, wipe Xylene on the area and reapply an extremely light new coat of concrete sealer.
Stains are effective in restoring glaze to dull, shabby concrete surfaces. Slabs with none to minimal cracks, blemishes, and other flaws are ideal for staining. Stains enhance the appearance of the surface; they don't conceal defects.
Stained concrete can be an excellent choice for your residential house. Due to light foot traffic experienced in residential stained floors, a simple cleaning may renew their fresh look for many years.
In most cases, residential stained concrete floors experience light foot traffic and this simple cleaning regimen will keep them looking like new for many years: Dry dust mop or damp mop regularly to keep away dirt and grime, cutting down on abrasion.
Answer: Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to make the scratches disappear entirely. Scratching changes the surface texture of the concrete and repairing the texture so that the scratches are not visible is not possible.
If the floor has a true polished concrete finish, many times buffing the floor will take out any imperfections in your concrete floor. If the scratch is deep, you might have to resand a coat the concrete again.
While it is possible to chip or scratch a concrete surface, you have to work pretty hard to do so. Keeping a concrete floor looking its best is fairly easy. It needs to be sealed or waxed every one to three years, depending on the level of traffic, in order to maintain the protective layer.
An attractive and expertly finished garage floor can greatly improve the aesthetics of your home's interior and add to the overall appeal. It not only increases the functionality of your property but also maximizes the resale value when you decide to sell your home someday down the road.
For almost all exterior applications, concrete stain is the superior solution.
Coloring your concrete can increase the aesthetic value of your property. It does not impact the durability of your concrete and if used on interior concrete, it can always be covered by an alternative flooring option. Cons: Every concrete floor takes the acid stain differently.
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.
In fact, stained concrete floors cost less than most traditional flooring types and come with numerous bonus benefits. For example, concrete stained floors are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and extremely durable.
A basic cleaning routine for concrete should include: Dry mopping to remove debris and dirt and prevent abrasion. Cleaning spills as soon as possible to prevent stains. Damp mopping as necessary with water and a mild detergent.
Stains penetrate the concrete's surface by creating long-lasting color that won't chip, peel, or fade. Usually, they come in earth tones and impart rich, translucent, variegated colors to indoor and outdoor concrete. They offer a rustic charm that is unique and beautiful, and very durable.
To change the color, we're covering the two most common solutions here: You can re-stain the floors (by applying a new penetrating sealant) or paint them (by applying an industrial coating).
In fact, a properly painted concrete floor will also withstand scratching, high foot traffic, heat from the tires of your car, and even water.
It will protect your concrete from UV degradation, stains and scratches that can plague countertops. The Concrete Countertop Sealer 660 is easy to apply, simply mix the concentrated solution with equal parts water and spread the solution over the countertop with a rag for five minutes.
Answer: You would want to remove these deep, fork like, scratches from your floor before sealing it or applying a stain as most all sealers will not be able to cover it and hide it from the eye.
In most applications, resurfaced concrete should last 10-15 years. However, it is always best to consult with a professional before making any decisions about resurfacing.
Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. 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.
Concrete Acid Stains are the only true stains with permanent results.
While epoxy covers concrete, a stain simply changes its appearance. Staining is best when you want to give your concrete a new look, but preserve its natural appearance. Keep in mind there may be more maintenance involved with concrete staining, as the surface is still porous.