How to Decorate Cement Floors

Staining Your Cement Floor

Check if your cement floor has been sealed. You can do a water test to make sure the concrete surface will absorb the stain that you’ll be applying. Pour water onto the concrete. If it is absorbed into the surface, this means the surface will be able to absorb the stain. Remove the sealer if a puddle of water forms on the surface. Use a commercial paint stripper to get rid of the sealer. Once the sealer is removed, repeat the water test before applying the stain.

Clean your concrete surface thoroughly. It is important to make sure there is no debris or dirt on the concrete surface. Use a commercial cleaner and scrub the surface with a broom. Rinse the surface with water until there is no more soapy residue. Remove any excess water with a mop.

Wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. When working with stains it is important to stay safe. Read the safety instructions and always use eye protection and gloves.

Apply the stain 24 inches (60 cm) above the surface. Check the spray pressure in a bucket before applying to the surface, then apply evenly to your surface area. Don’t overapply the stain to your surface. Remove any pools of liquid with a sponge.

Apply a sealer to protect your stain. The surface that has been stained should be dry before applying a sealer. Wait for at least an hour before applying to the stained area.

Use a paintbrush to cover the edges with a sealer. This will protect any surrounding walls and allow for a more precise seal of the surface. Start at the top edge of the cement area and work your way around all the edges with a paintbrush.

Apply sealer to the larger surfaces with a roller. Once the edges are finished you can apply a sealer to the remainder of the area with a roller. This will make the application quick and easy for you. Make sure that your roller is clean. Dirt will stick to the wet surface and be hard to remove once the sealer dries.

Wait for two hours before applying the second and final coat. The sealer will need two coats to protect your stained surface. Once the first coat has dried, apply the final coat with a paintbrush for the edges, and then a roller. Apply a sealer every 3 to 4 years to ensure the long life of your concrete stain. If applied correctly, the seal you’ve placed on your stained surface will last for 3 to 4 years.

Wait 24 hours before placing anything on the stained surface. After 24 hours, only use the area for light activities. Any pressure on the surface can damage the stain. For any vehicle traffic on the surface wait 72 hours.

Painting Your Cement Floor

Clean your cemented area to prepare it for painting. Remove any debris or dirt that has accumulated on your floor surface. Use a broom or a vacuum to remove any dry debris. Apply an acid or commercial wash with a broom and cover the whole surface. Rinse the concrete with water and mop up excess water.

Ventilate the room you are working in. If you’re painting inside it is important to make sure the room has air circulating in it. The fumes from the paint are strong and can stick around your home for a long time if not ventilated properly.

Paint the edges of your concrete with a paintbrush. Painting the edging first is important for precision. Apply a small amount of paint to your brush and work around the edges of the surface area.

Use a roller for larger areas. The roller helps to speed up the process. Use the roller up to the point where your edging ends. Make sure the paint containers are clean. Add another layer of paint with the roller. This will give it a smooth finish.

Remove any bumps and air bubbles in the paint. Once the first coat of the paint has dried, use a scraper to remove any uneven surfaces in the paint. Sand the surface gently to remove any excess uneven paint.

Fill any holes in the concrete with a paintbrush. Check the surface for any holes in the concrete. Apply paint to your paintbrush and fill in the small holes. The smoother your surface is, the easier it is to paint the second coat.

Apply the final coat of paint to your concrete. Use your paintbrush to complete around the edges first. Then cover the whole surface with a roller. This will give your cement floor a clean and smooth finish. Make sure your tools are clean when applying the final coat. It is important that there is no dirt on the surface to get the cleanest finish.

Decorate your painted surface. Once your painted concrete floor has dried you can add your own personal touch. Apply a stencil design to your cement floor and paint on your desired pattern or style. You can create your own stencil. Or you can check with your local paint store for stencils and designs to apply to your flooring.