Saturday, September 8, 2007

Floors - the Sixth Wall










Patios and driveways have become increasingly decorative as affluence has increased. Stone pavers, stamped concrete, and decorative stenciling are among the solutions commonly employed.


Acid staining (or etching) is becoming increasingly popular. This is a process employed on new (or bare) concrete where a colored acid solution is applied and worked into the surface.

You will often see acid stained concrete in Harley Davidson dealerships, some shopping venues, and high-end restaurants. Unlike paints and coatings, the acid stain permanently changes the chemical composition of the concrete giving it permanent color. Maintaining a clear coat finish is the only periodic maintenance required. This protects the concrete from soaked-in spills and makes regular cleaning easy.


In these photos, this patio extension was bare concrete with a broom finish. It had a few stains that were difficult to remove and while visible after the staining process, they simply add character to the varied tones. The process usually takes about a week from start to finish as it involves pressure washing (if not new), first application, second application, neutralizing, rinsing, mopping or vacuuming, first coat of clear, second coat of clear. By day seven, your floor is ready to be enjoyed.

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