See How Pros Acid Stain Concrete In 9 Simple Steps

Staining concrete has actually been around for many yeas, but is just now gaining popularity. Business owners, homeowners, and designers are attracted to acid-stained concrete because of the unique look that can be created when different colors of stain are combined.

It’s also possible to achieve an expensive-looking marble, stone, or granite look on a tight budget, and acid staining is much more affordable than actually purchasing those materials.

If you want a basic design that does the job, this is something you can do yourself. However, by hiring a professional contractor, you may receive a much more attractive final product without getting your knees and elbows dirty.

If you prefer to do the job yourself, or if you simply are curious how the process works, here are the steps to follow during the process:

1. Make sure the surface where you will be staining is clean. If you’re doing this job inside, remove all trim. Clean the concrete surface to the best of your ability so that no unwanted markings, glue, or other sticky substances and discolorations are visible.
2. Test your stain in a small and hard-to-notice location. Acid stains react differently on different surfaces, and you never really know what the final result will be until you see it yourself. Test out your acid stain until you receive the look you desire.
   Make sure the process you use to apply this little bit of stain resembles the process you will use to cover the whole floor. Differences in technique can lead to different results.
3. If working inside, cover the bottom 3 feet of your walls with masking paper. If you accidentally splash the acid stain on your walls, you’ll cause damage that takes time and money to repair.It’s best just to be cautious and prepared for the worst possible scenario.
4. Mix your stain. Ensure you are wearing all necessary protective gear and mix
   your acid stain as directed by the product label.

   In general, you’ll want to mix your stain in a well-ventilated area – outdoors if possible. Also, test out your mixture before applying a coat.

5. Apply your acid stain. When applying your stain, spray randomly around the floor, but be sure to apply an event amount of the product to the entire floor.

   Be sure not to apply too much, as this can cause puddles that will ruin the final look of your job. Continue applying coats until you have the look you desire and let the floor dry.

6. Neutralize the surface by applying a solution of four parts water and one part ammonia to the floor. Allow the floor to dry.
7. While the floor is drying, mop it and vacuum any remaining water.
8. Seal the floor. Applying several thin coats of sealant helps to protect your floor from the every day wear and tear it can take. It also improves the look.
9. If this job was done inside, remove your masking paper and reinstall your trim.

As you can see, doing a concrete acid stain job requires a fair amount of work and a little know-how. If you’re brave, go ahead and try it yourself. But, if you’re not feeling up to the task, certainly feel free to let a professional help you!