If you're tired of looking at dull gray concrete inside or outside of your home -- or you are dreaming of a new project, there are some projects for the ambitious do-it-yourselfer that can make your concrete a showpiece with a rejuvenating new look. And if you change your mind about trying to DIY your concrete project, then be sure to contact the craftsmen of Scout's Custom Concrete in Greensboro, NC. We help residential and commercial property owners enhance the appeal of their concrete in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. Our team can polish, install, repair, and work with stains, epoxies, and more!
You can enhance your home's existing concrete surface areas using acid stains, water-based stains, epoxy, and scoring techniques. Or maybe you need to prepare to have new concrete poured, or existing concrete polished (which isn't recommended for DIY, please call us to bring in the equipment and experience)...we hope this article helps give you some ideas.
If you have some decorative concrete ideas that you want to try to DIY after it has actually cured, here is a quick summary of 4 methods to consider.
#1 Acid-based concrete stains
Acid-based concrete stains are popular for coloring concrete surfaces. This results in a lovely natural, elegant-looking surface area. A coat of clear concrete sealer when you're finished actually brings out the colors and beauty of acid stain application. Acid stains are readily available in 8-10 various colors, primarily brown, green, and reddish neutral earth tones. They chemically respond with the cementitious material to produce irreversible color with a variegated or mottled and the end result is a finish that looks like marble.
#2 Water-based concrete discolorations
Water-based concrete discolorations are an alternative to acid stains and are a lot more user-friendly since they're not as harmful. These solutions don't chemically respond with the concrete; they are soaked up into the pores of the surface and imitate a color. The huge benefit of water-based discolorations is the wide array of colors available. You can discover almost any color in the spectrum and create a more lively and constant appearance.
#3 Concrete Scoring Techniques
If you wish to endeavor beyond the standard staining of concrete, consider using scoring techniques to develop patterns on the surface. You can make your concrete appear like tile flooring for instance. It's up to your imagination. An angle mill with a 4-inch grinding or cutting wheel is the perfect tool for this. The crucial thing to remember when scoring, it is important to draw your pattern on the concrete first and make sure you're satisfied with how it looks because scoring is irreparable. The majority of people don't own an angle grinder so you can rent one at almost any tool leasing store.
#4 Epoxy
Epoxy paints make an excellent coating for concrete surfaces that result in a very durable and unique decorative concrete finish. It is common for industrial floors to have epoxy finishes specifically because of their resistance to chemical spills and damage. And homeowners like the dynamic and unique color patterns that can be achieved. Over the last few years, it has actually ended up being popular for residential use for that reason. The most common application of epoxy concrete flooring in residential projects is a garage or basement floor. Nevertheless, the secret to an effective application is surface area preparation. Epoxy paints have also appeared in a water-based form making it safe for the do-it-yourselfer and suitable for indoor applications. They cost a little more than acid stains for concrete.
Check Out Our Custom Decorative Concrete Project Gallery
None of the photos shown in the article were DIY projects. They were completed by experienced professionals with decades of experience. For more inspiration for your project, please check our project gallery.
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