Stained concrete flooring is one of the most durable, long-lasting floors. It doesn’t require much maintenance to look bright and new for years. However, you’ll want to maintain its luster and durability for as long as possible. Our concrete staining Houston service has years of experience in floor maintenance and protection.
If your floor is severely damaged, we can help you repair it. For everyday maintenance, we suggest these guidelines.
Photo Credit: Concrete Camouflage
Protecting Stained Concrete Floors
The best way to preserve the color of stained concrete is to apply a sealant after staining. There are several types of sealants, such as acrylic, epoxy, and urethane. The sealant you choose will protect the stain’s coloring and reduce wear on the surface.
Consult a professional floor service before applying any sealant yourself, and make sure that the type of sealant you choose is compatible with the stain. Some sealants are meant for outdoor use only, and others work best indoors.
Staining is permanent, and the wrong type of sealer could damage or degrade the surface of your floor to a state that could be difficult to repair. Indoor floor sealant should not need replacing for several years if it is properly cared for and in a low-traffic area. A good floor wax on top of the sealant will protect your floor and keep it pristine for years. The surface should not need to be re-waxed more than once a year.
Any exterior floor should be re-sealed approximately once per year. A good sign that the floor needs to be re-sealed is when liquid spills appear to dissipate rather than puddle on the surface. A high-traffic area may require more frequent re-application of both sealant and wax.
Interior Cleaning
Interior concrete floors generally last for years and require very little upkeep, even in busy, active areas such as offices, public buildings, and industrial workplaces. To keep your stained concrete floor looking shiny and new, regularly remove dirt and grime from the surface by sweeping it off with a clean, dry dust mop or soft broom. This prevents harsh, dirty bristles dragging across the floor, which can scratch through the sealant and corrode the surface.
Spot-clean any liquid spills or noticeably dirty areas as soon as possible with a clean mop and warm, clean water mixed with a pH neutral cleaner. Mopping with dirty water or with a dirty mop head will only spread dirt around the floor, which could potentially corrode the surface. Some cleaners may react to the sealant, so don’t mix cleaners and follow your floorer’s instructions for best results. When the floor begins to feel or look grimy, or when sweeping no longer removes the dirt, mop the entire surface.
Interior Floor Protection
There are several ways to preserve the durability of your stained concrete floor apart from cleanliness.
Consider placing a rug on the floor if dirt is a persistent problem in specific areas, such as doorway entrances or frequently used walkways. The rug will catch the majority of the dirt and keep it off of the floor.
Some rugs, especially those with suction or rubber backing, can trap grime and moisture and hold it against the surface of the floor, causing staining or abrasions. To prevent this, place a breathable, non-slip rug pad underneath your rug.
Furniture with wheels, such as rolling chairs or tables, may cause noticeable damage to your floor, especially over a period of time. Consider placing these on a smooth, hard rug or similar protective surface.
Lift or wheel furniture instead of dragging it across the floor, as the legs and edges can scratch or even cut your floor. Protect your floor from furniture scrapes by placing protective pads underneath furniture legs, especially those with hard, sharp edges.
High-Traffic Floors
Stained concrete floors in high-traffic areas such as office, industrial, and public buildings require moderately more maintenance than residential floors.
Regularly sweep any dirt off the surface with a clean broom. For larger areas, use a professional floor cleaning machine with a soft floor pad. Clean up any spills by immediately spot-mopping with a clean mop and warm water mixed with a pH neutral cleaner. Mop the entire floor frequently to remove grime and maintain the luster of the floor. You may want to place a sturdy, industrial mat near the entrance or any other area that is often used. Make sure it is properly placed and safely secured, and regularly sweep underneath it to remove any dirt it traps.
If the floor is waxed, it will need to be re-waxed two or three times per year, depending on usage and wear. It may also need to be periodically re-sealed.
Exterior Stained Concrete
Exterior stained concrete is easily maintained by using a broom, leaf blower, or garden hose to remove any loose debris from the surface. Periodically clean the surface by mopping or spraying with an appropriate outdoor cleaner and clean water.
For hard-to-remove stains or grime, use a bristled wire brush and cleaner mixed with water. Be careful not to scrape too hard, or you risk damaging the surface. Exterior flooring will eventually need to be re-sealed, but how often and when depends on wear and usage. Consult your floorer to determine the best kind of sealant for your stained concrete floor.
Re-Staining
Concrete staining is permanent. The stain will bind to the concrete and create a color that cannot be removed. It becomes part of the concrete, so it won’t scrape or flake off. However, re–staining a concrete floor when the color has faded or staining over an existing color is possible. Concrete staining will not hide any imperfections or faults. In fact, it will expose them. This includes previously patched concrete, which can result in a distorted appearance if stained.
If you have questions about the condition of your floor and need advice, let us help you. We are experts in this field and will be able to help you make an informed decision about your stained concrete floor.