Finishing Indoor Concrete Floors
Concrete floor finishing can transform any space from drab to chic, colorful, and beyond! Whether you’re renovating a restaurant or dream home, there are so many options to breathe new life into your concrete flooring. Today, Great Guys Painting is here to discuss the process of finishing indoor concrete floors.
Need a professional? We got you covered! Our network of fully vetted, licensed, and insured painting contractors are ready to provide you with outstanding services. From concrete floors to vaulted ceilings, Great Guys easily connects you with the right contractor for your exact needs. Request your free quote today and enjoy a stellar experience!
Why Finish Concrete Flooring?
Over many generations, the general public has become accustomed to certain types of flooring. These typically include carpet, wood, tile, the list goes on. When people think of concrete, they often imagine something rough, cold, and depressing. But when properly finished, indoor concrete flooring can bring to life any home or business space!
There are two main types of concrete: existing and overlay. Existing concrete consists of large slabs that can be transformed into smooth, luxurious surfaces. Concrete overlay is a thin layer that’s added to another surface as a purely decorative element. This layer can then be finished in myriad ways, allowing you to dial in the exact visual impact for your space.
Concrete floors offer an assortment of finishing options. This makes it a super versatile medium, ranging from modern minimalism to dramatic color. It all depends on technique. Whether you choose a simple polish job or go with an intricate geometric pattern or stamping process, concrete finishing can be fully customized to reflect your personal style.
Types of Concrete Floor Finishing
Concrete flooring offers major benefits. These include high durability, low maintenance, and amazing versatility when it comes to finishes. Whether you have pre-existing or new concrete, the material allows you to create an amazing custom look.
Want to beautify your concrete floor? There are so many choices! Let’s take a look.
Polishing
Not a big fan of raw concrete? Some people might like the cold & dull look of natural concrete floors, but for most it isn’t exactly pleasing to the eye. If you’re in search of the ultimate in low-maintenance, smooth finishing, look no further than polished concrete.
Offering a high level of luster and shine, polished concrete provides the look of smooth stone (all while not requiring wax). This finish is also relatively cost-effective, providing the greatest value when considering initial cost and maintenance.
Staining
Want to enhance the look of concrete without fully disguising it? Offering alluring translucent effects, staining brings out its beauty! Compared to other techniques, staining is without a doubt the most popular pick for transforming dull concrete into eye-catching flooring.
There are two main types of concrete stain: acid-based and water-based. Acid staining offers more earthy tones, while water-based staining comes in a much wider variety of colors. Either technique provides a rich look to concrete. But unlike paint, it does not completely cover the material. This results in a finish that has more depth and movement.
Stenciling
Love the intricate details of flourishes and other decorative patterns? Stenciled concrete may be the best pick for you! With an endless list of stencil options, the sky is the limit when it comes to creativity and customization.
Along with adding a touch of beauty to any space, stenciling can also hide imperfections found in concrete flooring. Keep in mind that cost can vary widely depending on the intricacy of the design, condition of concrete, and several other factors.
Painting, Dying, and Metallica Coating
Painted concrete flooring is one of the most popular options. As opposed to stain, paint offers a non-translucent look. This can help hide the presence of concrete while adding a pop of color that lights up a room!
Offered in water-based or solvent-based applications, dying offers better penetration and saturation compared to staining. Water-based dyes offer more marbling while solvent-based dyes provide a more uniform result.
Want a shimmering, contemporary look? A metallic coating is the way to go! Made up of an epoxy infused with metallic powders or pigments, this finishing technique offers a high-end touch ideal for modern décor.
Stamping
Are you a fan of patterns or more of a tile look? Stamped concrete flooring is right up your alley! Utilizing molds, this approach allows you to create various patterns. These can range from the look of slate to brick to tile. It can even mimic the look of fine wood flooring.
While the concrete is wet, molds are pressed into the surface to create the desired look. Keep in mind that this technique is usually reserved for outdoor flooring, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be incorporated in an indoor setting. It also isn’t as durable as other finishes.
How to Finish Concrete Floor
In this example, we’ll show you the basics of finishing a concrete floor with stain or paint.
Step 1: Level Floor
Concrete is a blank canvas on which you can let your imagination run wild. From minimalist to popping with color, the possibilities are endless. That being said, raw concrete is a rough material that needs to be properly filled, grinded, and leveled for a successful result.
Oftentimes, you’ll encounter holes, depressions, and cracks. These should be filled with an epoxy. Once it has properly set up, it’s time to use a professional-grade floor grinder. This will help to smooth out and level the overall surface and get it ready for finish.
Step 2: Apply Finish
Okay, so once you’ve filled in the floor and grinded it down, the next step is finishing. This process involves polishing and applying either stain or paint to the surface. Be sure to thoroughly clean the surface of any dust or debris prior to beginning this step.
For paint or stain, you’ll want to follow best practices. Paint, for instance, should generally be applied in three coats (including primer). This is because paint has a tendency to chip, so applying multiple levels will help to preserve the look of your flooring. As for polishing, you’ll need a concrete polisher. This will turn a dull concrete floor into a shiny surface.
Step 3: Seal the Surface
Done with leveling and finishing? Great! Time to seal the deal. A sealant helps to make the surface water-resistant, as well as safeguard the condition of the paint or stain underneath.
Once you’ve sealed your floors, maintenance is pretty simple. All you essentially need to do is periodic mopping and resealing every so often. Unlike wood flooring, concrete is not anywhere near as susceptible to damage. It provides years of hassle-free performance!
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Whether you’re looking at a DIY project or want to hire a professional, concrete finishing can introduce so much style & beauty to your home, business or any other indoor space. For a unique look and outstanding service, Great Guys Painting is here to help!
Want a free quote from the best concrete finishing contractors in your area? Get started now!
