Staining concrete is one of the most popular applications for transforming concrete slabs. Often referred to as colored concrete, homeowners, designers and builders are drawn to stained concrete because of the unique outcome that can be achieved combining colors and application techniques on cement flooring and other substrates. The results are limited only by the creativity of those involved in the stained concrete process. Stained concrete can be polished.
Polishing
Polished Concrete is a long term flooring solution providing similar reflectivity and clarity of a finely polished granite or marble. For nearly twenty years polished concrete has proven to be the most cost effective and aesthetically pleasing long term solution in the hard surface industry. Studies have found polished concrete to be 800% cheaper than VCT flooring including installation and annual maintenance over a twenty year period.
What makes a polished concrete floor so appealing?
During the process the concrete surface is systematically ground down then polished with the use of a series of diamond tooling. The concrete is densified, hardening the concrete up to 40%. The polishing process closes the pores on the surface then sealed, leaving the surface highly resistant to staining or scratching. A wide variety of water based stain can be added during the process as well as decorative saw cuts to display any desired effect imaginable.
Were would you find polished concrete?
• Auto showrooms, body shops, & dealership service areas
• Aircraft hangers
• Churches
• Factories / manufacturing
• Hardware stores
• Large warehouses and warehouse outlets
• Hotels and restaurants
• Office buildings
• Private residences – basements
• Retail stores
• Schools and universities
Staining
Acid stains are a great way to accent any concrete around hardscaped areas. The acid stain process is a relatively fast process and several colors are available. Producing the desired color involves a chemical reaction on a cementations material. The inorganic salts in the stain react with minerals present in the concrete resulting in one of several choices of earth tone colors. Decorative patterns are also available to give the surface depth and dimension.
The final step of an acid stained floor is to protect the color with a sealer, epoxy or wax. This coating must be properly maintained to protect the rich color of the floor and prevent fading or walk off.
Acid stain gives concrete an appearance of a natural stone slab. It creates a colorful rich environment in your facility, retail location or home. Never expect Acid Stain to be uniform or have an even tone, every floor reacts differently to the process. Not every concrete surface is a good candidate for acid stain. Slabs with excessive spalling, exposed aggregate or surfaces that have been previously acid stained may not be conducive to this process. Acid staining is the most cost effective way to transform your concrete slab from ordinary to extraordinary.
Acid staining requires little preparation prior to the process. Newly pored concrete usually does not require any prep where older floors may need to be cleaned or the surface may need to be ground down to remove old coatings or sealers. East Coast will evaluate and conduct a test area to provide a clear picture of the end result.
Acid staining is commonly found in:
• Walkways
• Entrances
• Driveways / Garages
• Living Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Patios
• Retail / Warehouse Facilities
• High Traffic Areas
