Garage Floor Coating of Boston

Stained Concrete Floors in Boston: The Do’s and Don’ts from Local Experts

Staining has become one of the most popular options for decorative concrete floors, and its designs have evolved from being confined to earthy tones to multiple hues, blending of colors, and even intricate patterns. There are a lot of things to consider before hiring someone to install stained concrete floors in your Boston home or business. Here are some recommendations on what your contractor should and should not to do to avoid problems with the final look of the floor.

Do:

Adequate Surface Preparation

To ensure proper and even penetration of the stain, the concrete should be free of dirt, grime, grease, and other compounds that may interfere with the reaction of the stain to the floor, which can lead to uneven staining and areas with splotchy color spots.

Sealer Check

The sealer applied after staining should be compatible with the stain to avoid bonding problems. After staining your floors, Garage Floor Coatings of Boston’s experts can seal them with a Polyhybrid Clear Coat.

Don’t:

 Forget to Neutralize

Your contractor shouldn’t underestimate the chemical reaction that takes place on the floor by not neutralizing the surface properly, especially when working with acid stains. After several layers of the stain have been applied and let dry, the surface should be neutralized with a thorough scrubbing using an alkaline soap solution or by adding a teaspoon of baking soda per gallon of water. Water will not be enough to neutralize the surface. Not neutralizing the floor adequately will lead to problems with sealing and can affect the final appearance of the floor.

Attempt Acid-Staining Without Proper Equipment

Acid stains can produce strong odors and are corrosive elements that can damage the skin. Precautionary measures are always advised when working with acid stains, and hiring a professional is the best option to ensure safety.