Update: Tools for Applying Concrete Stains

When choosing your concrete flooring for your business or facility there are a lot of different finishes you can choose from. One popular finish is stained concrete. The reason that a lot of people choose this is because it gives you a wide variety of colors to choose from, which can help you match whatever design aesthetic you are going for. 

Stained concrete is created by laying down your concrete base like normal, then going over the top with a concrete stain sprayer. Once that has dried, the sealant will be placed on top, locking in the stain and making your flooring nice and shiny. 

Typically, the best way to apply stain to concrete is with the use of a pressurized sprayer. The garden type pump-up sprayers are commonly used and ideal because they will provide even coverage when sprayed over the concrete and will prevent pooling of stain on the surface of the concrete. It is also recommended to spray in a cone pattern instead of a fan to get the most even coverage. 

A small handheld spray bottle can be used for small jobs or small areas. Various sizes of brushes, sponges, and rags also work well for smaller jobs. Some contractors like to apply the stain with a brush directly out of the stain bucket. Something to keep in mind if you are considering using this method is to be sure that the stain does not run down the sides of the bucket or it will leave an unsightly permanent ring on the surface. You can place the bucket inside of a larger plastic container to prevent any excess stain from running onto the concrete. When painting on a concrete stain, be sure to use a figure 8 shape.

Basic tools needed to apply stains:

  • Various sizes of brushes (they can be either bristle or foam and can range from small for detail work, to large to cover a big area).
  • Various sizes of sponges.
  • Brushes specifically for scrubbing the stain into the concrete surface.
  • Plastic containers or buckets to hold the stain.
  • A concrete stain sprayer of various sizes (anywhere from a hand spray bottle to a 1 to 2 gallon pump sprayer).

Something else to keep in mind is that when you are working with acid-based stains that you want to avoid metal components. Use only non-metal sprayers, containers, and application tools. All parts of the concrete stain sprayer should be made out of acid-resistant plastic. 

For the brushes, make sure to use uncolored and acid-resistant nylon bristles, having any color in the bristles can cause discoloration on the surface. If you are using water-based stain then you don’t have to worry about avoiding metal components. Water-based stains don’t require neutralization and the tools used for the application can be cleaned with mild soap and water and be just fine. When using an acid-based stain, be sure to neutralize the surface after application.

There are so many creative and custom options for finishing concrete, but a good concrete base should come first. At Custom Concrete Creations we have state of the art equipment and a properly trained team with years of experience. Custom Concrete Creations is a premier contractor serving the Omaha area as well in the Midwest. Give us a call or send us an email for your custom concrete finishing needs today. We can help you decide what colors, finishes and other design aspects best fit your space. 

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