We're remodeling a 1940's ranch and were planning on using the awesome maroon integral coloured concrete for our flooring.  Unfortunately, they ended up having to do extensive saw cutting  - so that option went out the window.  Right now we're planning on doing a concrete overlay thoroughout the house - but cannot decide about colour/finishing options.

I'm not a fan of much of the acid staining I have seen, and the guy who is going to do the job said that integral colour can sometimes be so uniform that it just looks like painted concrete.  He recommended using a waterbased stain.  Just wondering if anyone has any experiences with this, or any photos to share.

We're also not sure of colour.  I really like just a dark gray concrete - but we're using a combination of gray's and whites of various shades on the walls and popping colour with artwork and furniture.  I'm not sure if putting gray on the floor will be soothing and zen, or boring and monotone.

I'd love any input or suggestions

Thanks

Jeanette

Previously Jeanette LeBlanc wrote:

We're remodeling a 1940's ranch and were planning on using the awesome maroon integral coloured concrete for our flooring.  Unfortunately, they ended up having to do extensive saw cutting  - so that option went out the window.  Right now we're planning on doing a concrete overlay thoroughout the house - but cannot decide about colour/finishing options.

I'm not a fan of much of the acid staining I have seen, and the guy who is going to do the job said that integral colour can sometimes be so uniform that it just looks like painted concrete.  He recommended using a waterbased stain.  Just wondering if anyone has any experiences with this, or any photos to share.

We're also not sure of colour.  I really like just a dark gray concrete - but we're using a combination of gray's and whites of various shades on the walls and popping colour with artwork and furniture.  I'm not sure if putting gray on the floor will be soothing and zen, or boring and monotone.

I'd love any input or suggestions

Thanks

Jeanette

Good day,

There many options for your floor.

Integral coloring can add a monochromatic color to the floor with variegation showing through troweling techniques or even burnishing the floor (dark almost black marks).

Acid washing can add great drama to a floor if applied correctly or with certain techniques. You can also use multiple colors to create greater color depth. Water based stains tend to be more translucent than standard acid stains, but are less toxic to work with and have a few more colors to choose from. But with most stains you must rinse between coats and always have to neutralized the acid prior to sealing. This process can take several days.

You also have concrete dyes which we have used on a few projects. Largest color selection and if applied correctly can add a nice molted and modeled look. They are solvent based, but fast drying and no rinsing or neutralizing required. Can be applied and sealed the same day.

One of the most important parts of a great floor is protecting it. The floor should be sealed with high quality sealer that will protect it from stains caused by wild cocktail parties to scratches from pets. Request from your contractor the type and manufacturer of sealer that will be used. Stripping a large floor is messy and very expensive. Make sure you have a reputable contractor applying any materials to the floor.

Best of luck,

Chris Klipfel

CK Designs

chris@ckdesigns.cc

www.ckdesigns.cc

314.239.1666

Hey Chris ~  When we did our last concrete floor it was a comedy of errors with the staining process (we did it all wrong) and a disaster to clean up /fix (think many many gallons of highly toxic acetone). 

What sealers do you recommend?  I personally like the mottled look of acid staining, but it sounds like one can get this with a water based stain or concrete dyes.  I did not know that a dye can give the mottled look.  And, what stains do you recommend?

Thanks,

eddie