Concrete is a very common material used in both residential and commercial building construction. It is durable, strong and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice among contractors and building owners themselves. However, some people don’t go for this material because of its dull appearance and slightly rough texture. To spruce up your concrete floor, here are the ways that you can add colour and style to any concrete floor.
Integral Colouring
In integral colouring, you are literally adding colour to the entire slab of concrete and not just on the surface layer. The colouring material is added during the mixing procedure to achieve an even tone all throughout the concrete slab. You may use either a liquid or powdered colorant, depending on which on you think suits your floor best. Integral colouring is perfect for wide or big areas since you don’t have to spend much time in beautifying the concrete. Simply mix and pour into you desired area and see how it looks like.
Acid Stain
Aside from colouring the concrete as a whole, you can also create patterns to beautify its surface. Yes you can decorate concrete! If you’re looking for longer lasting concrete colour, acid staining is the perfect one for you. Basically, the acid solution reacts with the concrete, giving it unique features such as mottled effect that lasts a long time. When using acid staining technique, you have to be extra careful since aside from being a hazardous substance, it also creates a permanent mark on the concrete. Acid stains can be used on either new floors or old ones.
Water-Based Dyes and Stains
Compared to acid stains, water-based colouring is safe to use. It is easy to apply, odourless and dries quickly making it really convenient to use. It is also much more versatile when it comes to designs and patterns because the colours can be easily mixed together. However, it is not much durable compared to acid stains since it needs a protective coat to lock in the colour. Water-based colouring is not recommended to be used on outdoor flooring since the colour fades when exposed to direct sunlight after some time.
Acetone Dyes
Solvent-based dyes such as acetone dyes are fast drying compared to other colouring techniques. However, there are hazards included in this kind of concrete colorant. It is highly flammable and has a really strong odour compared to water-based an acid stain. To keep the users safe all throughout the application process, respirators and proper ventilation is required.
The area should also be vacated while the floor is being coloured for safety purposes. Although this technique can create complex patterns and vivid colours, it is not stable under direct sunlight. Acetone-dyed floors should always be indoors to avoid the colour from fading.
With these colouring techniques, your concrete floor would never be the same again. Spruce up that dull, grey concrete floor by applying these amazing concrete decorating techniques for your home or even on your commercial space.
