Title:
Concrete Floors that Don’t Bore
Author(s):
William D. Palmer, Jr.
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
29
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
55-59
Keywords:
decorative concrete; sealer; slab-on-ground; stain
DOI:
Date:
8/1/2007
Abstract:
Chemical stains are not paint. Rather, they are generally dissolved metallic salts that penetrate a concrete surface and react with calcium hydroxide in the concrete to produce an insoluble colored compound. By exploiting the natural variations in the local qualities of concrete, chemical stains can be used to produce patterns that take on the look of natural stone. The authors provide guidance for successfully creating stained floors, including managing the owner’s expectations, proper planning, surface preparation, and sealing.