Man Cave Touches: Concrete Stain to Finish the Cave

Garages get left behind when it comes to renovations. Grey virgin concrete is just what men are relegated to. Finish off the man cave by staining the concrete under your rad ride. There are quite a few options and things to consider before finishing your man cave touches with concrete stain to finish the cave.

Why stain concrete?

Stained concrete is an affordable way to completely change the look of a room. It also makes a garage or basement look finished for as little as $2 per square foot. With a stain you can not only change the color, but add textures and effects. Some stains are thin and allow concrete imperfections to show through, giving the floor character. Others are more opaque and feature a mottled look.

Can I stain concrete myself?

Applying a concrete stain can be a diy-ers dream, but it also requires proper tools and techniques. If you have any doubt about putting down stain yourself, it’s best to consider a professional. Once concrete is stained, either properly or improperly, it’s permanent.

Because chemical stains are acid-based, it’s important to consider your safety as well. If you are uncomfortable working with corrosive components that could cause irritation to eyes and skin, or strong odors, consider your options.

Can all concrete be stained?

In short, yes. There are acid and water based stains that can be applied to concrete, new and old. The stains are appropriate for indoor and outdoor use, on floors and counters. Most importantly, if the concrete has many imperfections like glues, grime, sealers from projects past, the stain won’t be able to permeate the concrete, causing problems in the finish.

Are there color options with stained concrete?

Depending on the concrete stain, whether water or acid, there are options. Acid stains are more limited, while water have more hues most of which are based in natural colors like browns, blues and greens. Mixing colors can create some other colors or create a swirled pattern look.

How do I choose the right stain color?

Personal preference. Choose a color that you like or that matches with your home interior or room colors.

Regardless of what stain you choose, be aware of the following:

*Acid stains will have wide color variations. The floor will look mottled, and variations are to be expected. The differences in color will be even more evident after the sealer is applied.

*The concrete can change the look of an acid stain. You may choose a color and have it look several shades lighter or darker once it reacts with your concrete. It’s a good idea to apply your stain to a small, out of the way test area before you start. It can take several hours before the true color shows.

*Color effect will be more intense on newly poured concrete than on older.

*Most stain manufacturers can show you color charts or samples of their stains on both new and old concretes. This will help you get a good idea of what you are working with and what your outcome might be.

What special effects are possible with stained concrete?

Stained concrete, when done by a professional, can be made to look like anything from marble to wood. There have also been good results to make concrete look like leather or natural stone.

What is acid stains versus water-based stains?

Acid stains

• Inorganic metallic salts dissolved in an acid and water solution.
• Penetrates into the surface.
• Reacts chemically with the concrete
• Forms a permanent bond.
• Color is translucent.

Water stains

• Non-reactive.
• Fills the pores of the concrete.
• Produces a colored film or coating, ranging from translucent to opaque depending on the product.
• No chemical reaction.
• Color is more consistent.
• Low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and safer to apply.
• Free of solvents and acids.

How much does stained concrete cost?

Staining concrete can vary based on the size of the project, preparation requirements, and complexity of the stain. A most basic one coat application with little prep work will run from $2-$4 per square foot. More intricate projects can cost $15 or more due to time and skill required.

Will the color fade?

Since you are staining the concrete, this is one of the most durable floor coverings. It’s durable and will not fade, chip or peel. This is why so many people use concrete stain in garages, workrooms, and other high impact areas.

How do I maintain stained concrete?

Even though concrete stain is highly effective, and won’t flake or peel, it can fade. To prolong your stain, protect surfaces with a clear sealer. Clean it regularly with a dust mop or floor wax if insides.

Contact Us for Concrete Staining

If you’re interested in concrete staining, contact CertaPro Painters® of Charlotte-Matthews for a free estimate.