Acid Stained Concrete and Decorative Concrete Overlays iin Dallas

When considering a concrete flooring option for either inside or
outside applications, Acid Stained Concrete is a cost effective,
durable and beautiful alternative. It is gaining popularity as a low
maintenance, economic, and attractive floor finish. For interior
applications, there are many colors and options that can customize
the floor for the owner.

Acid Stained Floors are created by applying a mixture of Acid,
Water and Inorganic salts to concrete. The variation in the density,
porosity and water retention of the concrete is what creates the
beautiful colors and marbling of Acid Stained Concrete.

It is low maintenance, and has a low initial installation cost. Every
Acid Stain application is unique. Differences in the surface texture,
chemical content of the concrete, and environmental conditions
provide for a unique outcome every time. There are many
variations, and options to pick from when the Acid Staining is
performed. The concrete can be scored with a tile pattern, diamond
pattern or custom patterns. A stencil may be applied during the
concrete staining process, resulting in complex, beautiful patterns.
We can also emboss stencils into the stained concrete. There is
also the option of first applying an overlay then staining the
concrete.

Acid Staining

The process of installing a stained concrete floor is to first remove
any floor coverings, clean the concrete, stain it with an acid stain,
then apply sealer and wax. The process is designed to provide
maximum beauty and longevity to the Acid Stained Floor. The sealer
is impervious to most household spills, including pet stains. It is very
low maintenance in that all that needs to be done is to be swept and
an occasional damp mop. Over time, the sealed and stained
concrete, can develop scuff marks and light scratching over the
heavily trafficked areas. A floor finish or wax, can be easily applied
with a mop (no buffing required) to restore the shine and original
beauty to your floor. For new concrete or concrete that is in good
condition, this is the most cost effective way to go.

For most remodel projects, we recommend installing an overlay first.
When carpet tack strips, tile or linoleum are removed, the concrete
underneath is often damaged. In the case of tile, ghosting of the
grout lines can appear (no, they don’t come out). The tack strips
create pock marks on the edges of the rooms, that can be filled but
they won’t blend. Linoleum and carpet glue can penetrate deep into
the concrete, and may only appear after the concrete is stained.
Chemicals may have been spilled on the concrete during the
construction process that causes the stain to react with the spill. An
overlay will cover up any stains or undesirable characteristics in the
existing concrete, providing a finish that appears like a brand new
concrete pour.

The process for installing an overlay is to remove any floor coverings.
The floor is then prepared by cleaning it, applying an acid wash and
neutralizing the concrete. A bond coat is applied. Then a micro-topping is
applied. The Micro-topping is sanded smooth to get the hard trowelled
smoothness. The concrete overlay is then stained, sealed and waxed*
(*floor finish is also called wax)

A Micro-topping uses a flour silica sand that provides for a very smooth
finish.

This is the ideal solutions for most remodels. It eliminates problems with
unwanted texture and stain resistance.