Can You Stain An Existing Concrete Floor

Below we will walk you through how to stain old concrete and the differences from how to stain new concrete.

Can you stain an existing concrete floor.

You can restain concrete if it s already been stained but it won t be as rich of a color as it may not take in all areas of the concrete. The stain will turn a darker color wherever the concrete is pitted. Surface preparation is an important part of how to stain concrete. The process for acid staining old concrete is not all that different from staining new concrete with a few exceptions.

Water based stains are generally easier to apply and cleanup is minimal. For water based stains spray the area in circular motions to avoid pooling on concrete flooring. Keep in mind that application of the stain can be hazardous to your health. An existing concrete slab with major cracks or spalling is usually not a good candidate for staining because any patchwork is likely to show right through the stain.

Remove any existing concrete sealer before applying a new stain color. Staining is by far the most popular method for enhancing both commercial and residential concrete floors. Stains can be applied to both new or existing concrete floors and work equally well with concrete overlays. The only true type of concrete staining is acid staining which seeps into the concrete s pores to actually become a part of the concrete surface.

Yes you can acid stain old concrete. Concrete stains can mimic any type of stone or tile floor without the high cost making staining an economical choice. On existing concrete keep in mind that stains are intended to enhance rather than disguise the surface. Stained concrete floor benefits.

Do not be discouraged if you fell acid stain is not going to work on your current discolored floor. They will not mask cracks blemishes discoloration or other flaws. You can apply the stain over worn concrete but don t expect a miracle. You can achieve nearly any color with water based stains.

Staining concrete can bring new life to a basement floor or outdoor concrete. And avoid staining spalling concrete. When the concrete floor is very old porous or rough acid stain may not be the ideal solution.