Prep for Acid Stain - Self-Leveling Concrete
#1
07-17-13, 12:29 AM
Prep for Acid Stain - Self-Leveling Concrete
I have a couple bedrooms I would like to acid stain, but the concrete has some paint (very thin layers) and is pretty rough. I know that some prep is required before pouring the self-leveling concrete to ensure it adheres. Since the concrete is already rough and not smooth at all could I simply clean the floors, apply a primer, and pour the concrete?
If so, is there any specific primer and self-leveling concrete/topper you would recommend? If I still do need to do further prep please let me know what steps I need to take or send me some useful links/videos. Thanks!
If so, is there any specific primer and self-leveling concrete/topper you would recommend? If I still do need to do further prep please let me know what steps I need to take or send me some useful links/videos. Thanks!
#2
07-17-13, 05:52 AM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Might want to look over the install directions for the stain on line.
Stain requires clean unsealed cured concrete, any flaws or difference in the color is going to show right through the stain.
I just can not imagine a hard, cold concrete floor being a good idea in a bedroom.
Stain requires clean unsealed cured concrete, any flaws or difference in the color is going to show right through the stain.
I just can not imagine a hard, cold concrete floor being a good idea in a bedroom.
#3
07-17-13, 06:07 AM
The self levelers to look at would be made either by Ardex or Mapei. Google them both to see which you want to use. You can find detailed directions including floor prep on their websites. Make sure you're getting a self leveling overlayment, and NOT an underlayment. They will both take acid stain and should look very nice, but be warned that they are NOT cheap.
I've stained bedroom floors and the eople loved them. However, you'll probably want an area rug for when you step out of bed barfefooted.
I've stained bedroom floors and the eople loved them. However, you'll probably want an area rug for when you step out of bed barfefooted.
#4
07-17-13, 04:27 PM
Pecos, you weren't lying! It is definitely not cheap. Would it be more cost effective to prime and then trowel a micro-topping? If this is a viable option help me out with more product recommendations. Should I still try and stick with the Ardex or Mapei?
#5
07-17-13, 09:27 PM
Member
Carpet would be a lot warmer, and probably cheaper. And not nearly as much (if any) prep work required. Your bare feet will thank you.
#6
07-18-13, 12:38 PM
Yes, troweling down a microtopping would be far less expensive, and Ardex makes a good one called sd-m which I have overlayed and acid stained many a floor with. It can even be placed over ceramic tile with mnimal prep. Get the white instead of the gray, which is extremely dark and therefore makes for a very dark stained floor. If that's what you're after though, use the gray.
#7
07-18-13, 02:02 PM
That definitely looks like a much better option. Much more coverage for far less dinero. I think I am going to use that for the project. As far as prep is concerned what needs to be done? Like I said I have some really thin layers of paint, which I would prefer not to remove if I don't need to. There is also some carpet adhesive that I can definitely remove if necessary. Can I just clean the floor well and apply the topping or do I need to apply primer first? If so, which primer would you recommend? Also, can the topping be used to fill small cracks and gouges (no deeper than half an inch) too?
Last edited by madmusic; 07-18-13 at 02:20 PM.
