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August 5, 2017
At REFINE Concrete Services, we offer stained concrete application services in Houston, Texas for commercial, industrial and residential clients. We can apply durable concrete stain coatings to nearly any new or old concrete surface. Our stained concrete flooring application services include the use of a variety of stains and colors in order to create the functional, elegant or stylish look you desire. Look no further for stained concrete in Houston.
Stained concrete floors are becoming increasingly popular in Houston’s commercial, industrial, and residential projects because of the variety of benefits and advantages that these floors offer. From initial cost savings to lasting durability and low maintenance, stained concrete floors are an ideal choice in nearly any building or renovation project. Additionally, stained concrete floors can incorporate a number of decorative applications and elements in order to increase the look and aesthetic appeal of this flooring.
Some of the main benefits of utilizing stained concrete flooring in commercial, industrial and residential settings include:
Wondering if stained concrete is right for you? To help you decide, here are answers to common questions REFINE receives from clients about stained concrete benefits, appearance, performance and maintenance.
Stained concrete appeals to many people who want to achieve unique decorative effects for a reasonable cost. For as little as $2 per square foot, you can use stains to create an infinite array of colors and special effects on both interior and exterior surfaces. Concrete stain does more than simply add color. Rather than produce a solid, opaque effect like paint or colored coatings, stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with rich, deep, translucent tones. Some stain manufacturers use adjectives such as “antiqued,” “variegated,” or “mottled” to describe the distinctive look. Even when treated with the same staining product in the same shade, no two concrete floors, walls, or countertops will look alike due to factors such as the composition and age of the concrete and surface porosity.
When applying stain, using the proper tools and application techniques is vital to achieving good results. REFINE has made significant investments in equipment, training and employing expert Craftsmen. Once the stain is down, the color is permanent—there’s no going back. If you have any doubts, hire the services of REFINE, especially if you want to incorporate multiple colors and elaborate decorative effects.
Another factor to consider is safety. When working with acid-based chemical stains, it’s important to take the proper precautionary measures because they often contain corrosive components that can cause eye and skin irritation and produce strong odors.
Both acid and water-based stains can be applied to new or old and plain or integrally colored concrete. They can also be used both indoors and out, on everything from concrete floors and kitchen countertops to pool decks and driveways.
The most important consideration is the condition of the surface. If the concrete is covered by grime, glues, coatings, curing membranes, or sealers that inhibit the stain from soaking in, the stain won’t be able to penetrate and achieve full color development. REFINE will assess, as part of the consultation process, whether your concrete surface is suitable for concrete staining.
The color options REFINE can provide will vary depending on whether you are using an acid or water-based stain. With acid stains, your color choices will be limited. Most manufacturers offer only 8-10 hues, mostly subtle earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens. Although the basic color palette is sparse, REFINE can mix two or more stain colors before application to achieve a different shade or apply one color over another. REFINE can also produce deeper color effects with a stain by applying two coats.
If you want to go beyond the subtle drama and subdued color palette of acid staining, REFINE’s water-based acrylic stains will give you a wider spectrum of hues to choose from. Most manufacturers offer dozens of standard colors, including black and white and even metallic tints. And in many cases, the different colors can be mixed, like water-based paints, to broaden your options.
Color choice is often dictated by personal preference or by a desire to match or complement an existing color scheme, such as staining a concrete floor to mirror the same tones in a wood-paneled wall. Because stain color is permanent, many building owners opt for neutral tones, such as light tans, browns, grays and greens. Regardless of what stain colors you choose, be aware of the following caveats:
REFINE will provide color charts or even actual samples of stained concrete to help you visualize the options.
Depending on the color and application techniques used by REFINE’s Craftsmen, stained concrete can be made to mimic everything from polished marble to tanned leather to natural stone or even stained wood.
Some of your options include:
Acid-based concrete stains are made up of inorganic metallic salts dissolved in an acid and water solution. They penetrate into the surface and react chemically with the concrete to form a permanent bond. The color they impart is translucent rather than opaque, resulting in deep, rich tones and attractive marbling effects.
Non-reactive water-based stains (typically a blend of acrylic polymers and pigments) fill the pores of the concrete surface to produce a colored film or coating, ranging from translucent to opaque depending on the product. The key difference is that no chemical reaction takes place, so the color is more consistent. Most of these products are also low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and safer to apply because they are free of solvents and acids.
The cost of staining will vary considerably depending on the complexity of the stain application, surface prep requirements, and the size of the project. A basic one-coat application of stain on concrete requiring minimal surface prep will run about $2 to $4 per square foot, while more elaborate staining projects involving multiple colors and special design details can cost $15 per square foot or more due to the time and skill level involved.
Because stains penetrate into the concrete surface, their color is durable and long-lasting. When applied to properly prepared concrete, the color will not fade, chip, or peel away.
Although concrete stain is permanent and won’t flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure. To prolong stain life, you should protect exterior stained concrete surfaces with a clear sealer and interior floors with a good floor wax. To keep your stained concrete looking its best, you will also need to clean it periodically by dry dust mopping and occasional wet mopping with a neutral-pH cleaner. REFINE will provide you with simple maintenance instructions specifically designed for your new floor.
Do you have more questions, or do you just want to talk about stained concrete for your business or home? Call, text, or email, we love talking with people about stained concrete.
Phone: 281-882-3098
Email: info@refineconcrete.com
And, be sure to check out our Blog Post on Stained Concrete.