Stained Concrete Flooring
Staining is a beautiful addition to any concrete floor. Giving old, and new, floors vibrancy and warmth while providing the durability of concrete. Options for staining include stain type, colors, and sealers. Often stained concrete is accompanied by polishing as well.
At C*Rock Finishing, we provide the following stained concrete flooring services (and more) to Alameda County and the Bay Area, Los Angeles County, County of San Diego and Sacramento County.
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Water-Based Stain
A great way to incorporate less invasive stains which can really enhance the look of an area's flooring. As an industry standard for many years, acid-etch staining has been the 'look' that was sought after by many consumers; however many of today's water-based stains are currently just as good if not best for most staining applications.
PROS:
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Cost effective option which still provide a highly durable finished floor.
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Fast turn around time, some products ready for light traffic within 3hrs, and heavy use within 12hrs.
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Larger color pallet than acid-etch staining.
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Eco-friendly, LEED rated and credited material.
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Easy to maintain.
CONS:
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Not as durable to sharp impact compared to other systems.
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Coloring can change, basically 'worn down,' in high traffic areas.
Commercial
Residential
Residnetial
Commercial
Commercial
Residential
Residential
Integral Coloring Overlay
Another option which provides a highly durable and new finish is to color an overlay. Overlays, as mentioned in other places on this site, are a thin layer of a concrete synthetic blend, mix-ready, for custom aggregate and coloring. Tinting an overlay is just the process of adding color to the mixture itself so the color is a part of the entirety of the overlay layer. A uniform color throughout the overlay means no matter the wear, as long as the overlay is intact the color will remain the same. Great way to repair and/or color an old, worn, or deteriorated substrate.
CONS:
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Can never change color, only darken with other stains.
PROS:
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Cost effective option which provides a customized and durable floor for years to come.
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More uniform color than other products.
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Does not fade color in high traffic areas.
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Fast turn around, some products ready for light traffic within 6hrs, and heavy use within 24hrs.
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Eco-friendly, LEED rated and credited material.
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Easy to maintain
Acid-Etch Stain
Acid-Etch Stain
Residential
Residential
Commercial
A great option for interior and exterior surfaces, acid-etch staining permeates the surfaces up to 1/4inch depending on the surface's makeup and saturation. Acid-etch staining deals in more earthy tones, usually up to about a dozen or so colors depending on the stain manufacturer. Used in Commercial & Retail, Residential, and Industrial, acid-etch staining is a great option for areas where a warm inviting area is sought after. With the patina-like effects and warm tones, each stained area gives life to any existing concrete substrate.
PROS:
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Cost effective option which still provide a highly durable floor.
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Fast turn around time, some products ready for light traffic within 6hrs, and heavy use within 24hrs.
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Eco-friendly, LEED rated and credited material.
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Easy to maintain.
CONS:
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Not as durable to impact compared to other systems.
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Sheen changes with wear.
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Heavy clean up, not commonly used modern era.
What is Stained Flooring?
Basically, stained flooring is using the natural porousness of the concrete substrate to obtain a new colored look. The same way a cotton shirt can be stained or colored to get a new look. Concrete staining is usually one of two products, acid-etch staining or water-based stain, both provide different levels of penetration into the substrate. Both products provide custom coloring and durable long lasting results, which are eco-friendly and inviting. As mentioned above, we also offer custom colored overlays, which is the tinting of a concrete synthetic blend mixed and poured to create a totally new floor over an old one. This new layer is uniform in color and can withstand unlimited regular wear and tear and never lose color or fade.
What is the process of Stained Flooring?
The process is similar to applying epoxy coats or polishing, with only a few more steps repeated depending on the level of richness in color sought-after; this does not apply to overlay systems however. Staining requires a full and total surface preparation and cleaning. First step, we will clean and degrease the surface completely, usually we will grind the surface free of adhesives or other topical matter left on the surface to properly clean the substrate. Second, during and sometimes before the cleaning process we will patch pits, cracks, and gouges in the surface as needed; all consumers should be aware that patching/fill compounds will stain differently than the substrate and will be noticeable in the finished product however often add to a floors character. Third, then we will apply a solid base coat of stain. Finally fourth, we will then stain a second coat, two coats minimum of stain are always needed, and then seal for a finished product. Sealing can be do with a penetrating sealant, clear coat epoxy of polyurethane, or through concrete polishing. If using an acid-etch staining method then it will need to be cleaned thoroughly before sealing.
What is the process of Overlay Flooring?
The process of overlays are in some ways less complicated than traditional staining, however in other ways, more labor intensive and require a more knowledgeable tradesmen to install. First step is to asses the substrates current condition and necessary actions required; such as, patching, cleaning, and primer. Second we mix overlay, this is when tint is added as well, and then pour. Third, during pour we level and release air that may be trapped in the mix. Then Fourth, after the appropriate curing time we seal the substrate; if wanted by our customer, prior to sealing the overlay we would polish the surface to sought-after level of sheen before sealing.
