Research Stained ConcreteCost, maintenance and more
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Common Questions
- Do it myself or hire a pro?
- Precautions when applying stain? Buyer's Guide to Concrete Stain Products
- Acid-based stains
- Water-based penetrating stains
- Questions to ask before buying stains Surface Preparation
- Cleaning concrete before staining
- Tips for removing existing flooring Applying Acid Stains
- Basic tools for applying stains
- Secrets to achieving great results
- Six unique looks with concrete stains
- Neutralizing concrete after staining Common Staining Issues
- Troubleshooting common acid staining problems
- Improving Slip Resistance
- Sealer application tips
- Six questions to ask before buying a sealer
Tips for Removing Three Common Existing Floor Materials from Concrete
Removing Carpet
Removing carpet from concrete is not an easy task, especially if it's tacked or glued to the subfloor. But the result of exposing your concrete floor and applying a decorative stain will be worth the time and effort. Once you pull up the carpet, roll it up for easier removal and be sure to dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner.
Removing Linoleum or Sheet Vinyl
As with carpet, removal of linoleum and sheet vinyl can be a major undertaking. The tile often must be scraped off the floor and properly disposed of. Mastics used to glue down the flooring must be removed, either by grinding or stripping. Before taking up the flooring, make sure the tile is indeed made of linoleum or vinyl, and does not contain asbestos. It is usually wiser to hire a concrete contractor to perform these tasks and check for related issues. It may be possible to go right over linoleum or vinyl with a concrete overlay, and then apply the stain.
Removing Ceramic Tile
With ceramic tile, you not only have remove the tile from the existing floor, but also all the grout and the backerboard layer. Once the tile comes up, you never know what you might find. Often you'll need to scrape or grind the surface to get it smooth and remove flaws before staining. It's possible to go over tile with an overlay, but only if the tile is in good condition. If the tile is glazed, it must be scuffed up first to ensure a good bond. You must also address the grout joints, which can absorb moisture from the overlay, resulting in differential curing and ghosting of the joints through the overly. To prevent moisture absorption, it's important to preseal the tile and grout joints before applying the overlay.
