Concrete floors are a versatile installation for any property. It can be customized in a number of ways to achieve the desired look. A popular approach is concrete staining where you simply let the concrete soak in a dyeing solution. Due to its porous nature, the coloration sinks into the concrete quite readily and is then treated with additional coats and sealers. However, wear and tear can damage your floor and the overall look might not be as desirable as it once was. We’ll go over how you can approach restoring your stained concrete floor to its former glory. Also, you can prefer Floor Screeding that make your floor more durable and strong. If you are looking for best flooring work you can contact the WJD Flooring now.
About Concrete Staining
Concrete staining is often done to achieve a better look for your concrete flooring. It produces a more permanent color that is highly resistant to fading. This is because the coloration seeps deeply into the concrete surface. Painting or coating layers usually peel or flake off over time due to wear and tear. It is also highly flexible in terms of design with a variety of colors that can match your preferred room aesthetic.
There are two kinds of concrete stains. The first one is acid-based staining, which is usually applied to areas with high foot traffic. It often takes on a natural look similar to wood or stone that resists chipping, peeling, or fading. Often mixed in with the color of the concrete to produce earthy tones, it does require a bit of cleanup after installation to remove leftover traces of the acids used. The other kind is usually referred to as water-based staining, which is easier to clean up and safer to apply. It generally takes on a consistent color but it sticks fairly quickly so it’s best to avoid mistakes in using this type of concrete staining.
Unsure if your concrete was previously sealed? Pour a cup of water onto it and see if the water beads up. If it does bead up, there’s a sealer. If the water is absorbed into the floor, there isn’t any sealer.
Treatment After Staining
Depending on the flooring location, stained concrete floors are often sealed to prevent further water damage or unwanted discoloration from other liquids. This provides a level of water resistance that extends the durability of the concrete surface. You can check if the concrete floor is sealed by simply pouring or spilling water on it. As mentioned, the water will bead up if the floor was previously sealed, if not, it will simply get absorbed into the concrete.
The downside to these treatments is that they can unintentionally trap moisture and cause efflorescence within the concrete. Efflorescence refers to accumulated salts and alkali on the surface of the concrete caused by the trapped moisture. Combined with regular foot traffic, this can ruin the topcoat over time.
General Concrete Floor Cleaning
Concrete floor cleaning is generally simple. You don’t have to worry about tiling lines, dirty crevices, and sensitive fibers while you clean. It is also usually covered with a sealant that helps prevent scratches and stains. Regular cleaning can help maintain its durability and keep your staining vibrant. How frequently you will need to maintain your floor will depend on the foot traffic or wear and tear it experiences. This entails reapplying wax and sealers every now and then,
Outdoor flooring can generally be swept, scrubbed, or vacuumed before rinsing with a garden house. Stubborn dirt can be removed with soap or other mild cleaning solutions. Indoor flooring may take an approach that’s a bit more focused. You can regularly clean stained indoor floors with a combination of wet and dry dust mopping. Deeper cleaning can be done with stronger soap. Floor wax can be reapplied if the flooring is starting to lose its shine. Both areas may need a reapplication of sealer, which you may have to consult with the concrete contractor who applied the staining.
Worst-Case Scenarios
Sometimes regular cleaning methods are just not enough. At times, a spill isn’t addressed in time, a sealer wasn’t applied properly, or efflorescence buildup has ruined your flooring. It may be time to consider remodeling. This can be a more intensive process to achieve a restored look. In this case, you will most likely have to redo the staining. Depending on the damage that your flooring has sustained, this can be time-consuming and a bit costly.
In some cases it can be as simple as removing only the affected area, patching up the concrete, and staining it again. However, this might result in something that doesn’t match the rest of the floor. As such, you may have to remove a portion of the concrete entirely in order to reapply the staining. Some breaks or leaks can reach very deep into the concrete, affecting the amount of time and effort needed for restoration. After the previous or damaged surface has been removed, you will need to patch up the base concrete first. You can proceed with reapplying staining and sealants afterwards.
Restoring your concrete staining can be difficult without the right skills. While DIY approaches can be enough for smaller damages, you may still want to approach a professional for a more effective repair. Getting in touch with a concrete staining company for all your stained concrete floor restoration needs will surely be a great investment.
