Hi, Group,
My wife and I are building a passive solar home with a finished concrete floor on the lower level (slab on grade).
In October 2009, when we started construction, the floor was poured and we covered it with a protective membrane/covering.
We thought that the concrete slab would cure better if unsealed during the framing/etc.
Problem is, we had a very wet autumn and brutal winter. Some dirt and stain made its way through the membrane. Even after cleaning and power washing, the floor still looks “dirty”.
My wife would really like to get rid of these stains before we seal. We looked into concrete staining products, but they all make the floor look darker.
If I could go back in time, I would have sealed the slab last Fall.
Does anyone have suggestions? Anyone else experience this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
[Oh yeah, we’re on a VERY tight budget. 🙂 ]
Cheers,
Thomas
Replies
I would use an acid stain. I love the effect.
Yes, it does make the concrete darker. The blue-green and light brown aren't too dark, and look really good. Just paint the walls a lighter color, and make sure you have plenty of lighting. Additionally you can put lighter colored throw rugs around to break it up, or score it and use different colors.
Were you going to leave the concrete plain grey?
If you were going to leave it plain grey, you can get a grey epoxy sealer. They make them typically for garages, but I think they are very ugly (personal opinion).
Sorry I don't have any tips on cleaning it. Hopefully someone else will.
I agree ... acid etch it. Yes, it'll be darker ... but that is good for "passive solar". It should make it really nice and mask the concrete discoloration. We did our own acid etching ... used the article in FH as a partial guide. We did ours for 50 cents a sqft (etched and sealed) and we love it. While I often like the grey concrete for e.g. walls, I wouldn't want it for floors. I say etch it. Use an angle grinder if you want to do art or e.g. tile type patterns on it. It is REALLY easy to do. I wish I would have done more enhancing with it. I did a little and love it!!