HOW TO STAIN CONCRETE BASEMENT FLOORS 101 BASICS

Concrete basement floor stained with  acetone-based, White and Black Concrete Dye sealed with a low VOC, water-based, satin acrylic sealer.

Concrete basement floor stained with acetone-based Charcoal Concrete Dye a water-based, Gray Tinted Sealer

Concrete basement floor stained with Black acid stain and sealed with a low VOC, water-based, satin acrylic sealer.

Concrete basement floor stained with Sea Grass acid stain and sealed with a low VOC, water-based, satin acrylic sealer.

Step 1 – Evaluate Your Concrete

Basements are often the smoothest rooms in a house. So smooth in fact that they cannot be successfully acid stained without pre-application of chemical or mechanical profiling that will help the stain take effect. Pour water on the concrete to see if it beads up for several seconds or instead readily absorbs into the concrete. Beading or poor absorption suggests the surface is too smooth to stain and will need profiling. Most slabs will be ready for acid staining after an application of Hard Troweled Floor Prep. Simply cut the product with water 1:1, spray from a garden sprayer and wash off with clear water after 15-20 minutes. Test again whether water beads on the surface. For excessively smooth concrete, apply the floor prep full strength for optimal results.

Prepare smooth concrete floors for acid staining or sealing with Hard Troweled Floor Prep

Step 2 – Check for Water Issues

Many basements experience water issues as a result of drainage changes, foundation cracks, and unexpectedly heavy rains. Moisture can seep into a basement or come up through the slab as hydrostatic pressure, and these factors ultimately dictate what sealer is best for your project. Inspect your basement thoroughly for seepage of any kind and address that before finishing the basement floor. If you believe you may have high humidity, test by affixing a small sheet of plastic directly to the floor using duct tape and leave for at least 48 hours. If condensation is present under the plastic, select a breathable sealer or cure and seal sealer that allows water vapor to pass through the coating.

Step 3 – Clean

Many basement floors have been covered with carpet or paint. All debris including glue, sealer, paint, and drywall mud must be completely removed before acid staining. Mastic Remover and Soy Gel Paint and Sealer Stripper are great low-order products suitable for basement use. Remember to clean the floor thoroughly of all cleanser residue using Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser and then to rinse well before staining.

Step 4 – Apply Concrete Stain

Concrete Dye Trial Kit

Concrete Pigment Trial Kit

Concrete Acid Stain Trial Kit

Deco Gel Stain Trial Kit

ACRYLIC SEALERS

Pros: No Primer Required & Easy Application

Cons: Wax Required

WAX & POLISH FOR ACRYLIC SEALED FLOORS

POLYURETHANE SEALERS

Pros: No-Wax Sealer

Cons: Primer Required ( Water-Based Acrylic Sealer)

PRIMER FOR POLYURETHANE SEALED FLOORS