The durability of stained concrete
This applies to both interior floors as well as outdoor surfaces, so any concrete floor will benefit from a stained concrete finish that beautifies, seals, and protects against cracking, peeling, chipping, and fading.
Few materials have the longevity of concrete. And because stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with permanent color, a stained concrete floor or pavement should last a lifetime when properly maintained (see How to Protect and Maintain Stained Concrete .
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.
Compared to dyes, stains tend to last longer and hold up better. They have a less saturated color than a dye but are more durable and show less wear. For this reason, stained concrete is favored for outdoor surfaces that are exposed to foot traffic, weather, and sunlight.
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.
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.
Although concrete stain is permanent and won't flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure. You can prevent this wear and prolong the life of your stained concrete by protecting the surface with a clear sealer.
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.
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.
Unlike paint, stains don't chip or peel. Give your dull and worn-out concrete a lustrous look by applying a concrete stain that will both complement the look of your house and protect the integrity of the surface.
Epoxy covering is an excellent choice if you need to cover up damage; thus, many commercial work environments opt for epoxy. If you want to improve the look and texture of a concrete surface, stain it to look like natural stone, and achieve a solid, long-lasting color.
Because of this, acid stain is the best concrete stain to use on an outdoor surface. Other styles of concrete stain may fade or discolor as they're exposed to sunlight. Acid stains are so durable that they can be utilized in high-traffic areas without the risk of chipping or peeling.
Concrete Acid Stains are the only true stains with permanent results.
Brown concrete stains impart rich, earth-toned color variations that fit easily into any interior design style. Traffic statistics from ConcreteNetwork.com indicate that out of hundreds of photos featuring stained concrete floors, those stained in brown tones are viewed the most by consumers visiting the site.
When properly designed and installed, acid-stained concrete and decorative concrete overlays are almost completely unaffected by water. Moisture may and does pass through the concrete and sealer used in acid stained concrete flooring, but as it evaporates, it leaves no lingering effect.
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.
In average conditions, your paint or stain will be dry to the touch within 1-2 hours, but you should not walk on it for probably 4-6 hours. In cooler weather or during periods of high humidity, you will need to wait even longer than this.
After discussing the factors you need to look for and the regional location of the project, in broad terms, Spring is in fact the best time of year to seal concrete. With its moderate temperatures and humidity levels, it tends to provide ideal conditions for the application and curing of sealers.
One of the very best sealers on the market today for acid-stained concrete and other types of decorative concrete flooring is the "polyurea". Polyurea is extremely durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Most clear sealers for concrete come in water and solvent-based versions.
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.
Clean the concrete with a solution of Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser and water. Observe after cleaning whether water is beading up over any oil spill area. If there is no indication of a spill that needs attention, rinse the concrete thoroughly, allow it to dry, and proceed with staining.
Cost of Stained Concrete
The larger the square-foot area, the lower the price per square foot with most contractors. However, the price for staining concrete would be less than ceramic tile, carpet or hardwood floors because the cost of the staining chemicals is less than those other products.
This is especially true when sealing or staining dark surfaces in direct sunlight. In direct summer sun a dark colored concrete surface can reach in excess of 130-140 degrees F while the air temperature is in the 90s.
No, the vibrancy and color tone in acid stains do not fade. However, the physical top layer of concrete which contains the stain can be worn away through use, which can give the appearance of fading. Stone Surface Specialists can apply a special sealer on your newly-stained concrete to prevent this.