does anyone know how to stain concrete floors and what products are needed? I am going to remove the carpet from living room, hall way and bedrooms, and I was planning to tile, but that's not in my budget anytime soon, but i'm fed up with the carpet...ideas, suggestions?
They make paints for concrete that basically stain the floor. Some even coat it for protection. Especially good for outdoor porches etc. Just ask for it at any Home Depot or Lowe's store. It comes in most colors.
There are concrete paints. Go to your painting supply department or store and look around. I'm sure they can give you some suggestions. Have you thought of having Stanley Carpet Steamers clean the carpeting? Concrete floors are very harsh.
So, you're looking for some hard work, huh? Tear up all of the tile and remove all of the adhesive. Now if this is ceramic tile, you'll really have fun removing all of that thinset mortar. If it's vinyl, it'll still be plenty of hard work with floor scrapers/grinders. All the old adhesive has to come up -- all of it! Then you'll have to start with the staining and polishing process, which costs $3 per foot on a new construction job in Texas. Smaller jobs cost a whole lot more. Good luck!
Stain concrete floors is a fair amount of work. If there is any carpet glue or anything you must remove all of that first. Then the floor needs to be prepped so that then stain will adhere. Etching the floor with a solution of acid works but inside you home this may me messy, as it need to be cleaned with water. I would go to a pro paint store for details on how to apply , usually you stain at least once depending on the effect/color you want. Then seal the floor with a clear sealer. With any floor coating you will always have maintenance issues.
