a couple things to note before I get into this, most good stains are an
acid base, phosphoric, nitric, sulphuric, etc... they're potent, make sure
the clothes you wear are disposable, wear tyvek coveralls and good rubber
boots and ensure you have GOOD ventilation
any stain you decide to use needs to be tested in an inconspicuous spot,
if you have a slag concrete floor any stain product will turn the floor
black, slag is the waste product from steel production and will react to
the acids in the stains
now, after all the warnings, staining concrete is pretty easy, you'll most
likely get the mottled look if the floor has a smooth trowel finish any
floors with a sealer need to be stripped, you cant use any sort of acid
stripper to clean it, you may have to grind it off, home depot rents
concrete polishers which is the best way to go because it leaves a smooth
finish, if it's rough concrete you'll have to start with 60 grit and move
up 2 grit sizes for each stage in order to get the glossy look and for the
stain to be applied properly.
if there's no sealer and the floor is smooth you can use Trisodium
phosphate (TSP, paint section of home depot) or citrus strip to dewax and
clean the floor prior to application, wash it down well, wetvac and allow
it a couple days to dry then you can apply your stain according to the
manufacturers direction, typically it's 50/50 mix of acid and water. use
an all plastic pump type sprayer to apply it, the heavier it's applied the
darker the stain, seal the floor with a good concrete sealer after it's
dried and cleaned... or you can wax and buff it
most of the stains I use come from Kemico, they have a decent selection of
colors and are willing to provide a bit of support but of course you can
use any brand you want, just shop around to make sure you can get what you
want and that they'll provide you with loads of info
http://kemikogeorgia.com
if you want to try doing anything intricate, there's a number of companies
with galleries you can view, usually it's as easy as laying out and taping up
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