Many homes have large, unfinished basements and enclosed garages with standard concrete floors. Design trends have been incorporating fixing up existing concrete with acid stains, rather than trying to hide the floor with carpet or wood.
Basics of Acid Concrete Staining
Stained concrete floors are found in stores, restaurants, homes, patios, hotels, among other places, and is highly cost-effective.
Many homeowners have had their concrete patios stained, either with solid colors or a mottled look, but recently the trend has moved indoors to basements and garages. The versatility of concrete is the main reason for its popularity.
Concrete can be molded or shaped into any form or pattern, which means it isn’t limited to only basements, garages, and sidewalks. Kitchen remodeling projects might find a countertop of stained concrete a more durable, artful and cost-effective material than granite or laminate. Coffee tables and even dining room tables are now being made of concrete.
A concrete surface can be lightly smoothed or heavily brushed; swirled or scored; tinted or painted into artistic patterns. It is the new pallet for the modern home and garden. Concrete stains are the new paint.
Concrete is very porous, much like wood, and it often already has stains from vehicle oils and fluids, small spills, water, rust, and the like, all of which can be covered, or enhanced, with an acid stain. The best part is that with existing discoloration, the stain will give a patch of concrete that marbled, patina appearance. No matter how discolored the concrete, the current blemishes will only add to the character of the finished coat. Application hazards—like brush marks or uneven distribution—blend right in with the marbling effect of concrete floor stain.
The Advantages of Stained Concrete
- Stains can even cover up cracks in concrete.
- Materials and labor are cheaper than other coverings.
- It won’t fade or need replacement.
- It can’t be scratched or broken.
- It is easy for a second owner to cover if they do not like the stain.
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