wrote in message
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On May 6, 1:00?pm, "SteveB" toquerville,utah@zionvistas wrote:
"Peter" wrote in message

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Hi everyone:

I'm looking into finishing my basement and am interested in staining
techniques. I have come across a few websites which seem to suggest
this is a fairly straightforward process (notably
http://www.dcsurfaces.com/).
Has anyone in the group had first hand experience with this? If so,
can you describe and perhaps share any details you might find useful
to a non-professional? Thanks!

I've seen crews of Mexicans doing it with old brooms, mops, and rags. ?How
hard can it be?

Steve

should be done on new concrete, old worn or dirty will get splotchy
possibly ugly results

I stained some concrete outside my house. It required a good power washing
before starting because any dirt or moss will effect the stain penetration.
On a smaller slab I did etch with HCL (hydrochloric acid) from a pool store
but on a larger slab I just power washed. Both came out quite evenly and
both slabs are over 40 years old.

I just stained a solid color, none of that fancy faux painting techniques.
I just didn't want a concrete gray slab next to the house and lawn. I used
Red and Green but there were nice shades of brown and tan that were
appealing.. That product also had Black and White stains for accent and
contrast. About $35 a gallon if I recall correctly. The more you use, the
darker and richer the color. The stains are also generally sealers so you
get both in one.

What will cause splotcheyness is either different surface textures or
different porosity. If the floor had been sealed with a penetrating
waterproofer, it might be unadvisable to stain. Does water easily soak in
and darken the concrete or does it bead up.

Stain is just a colorant. If you also want the floor to be shiny and
smooth, then it may also require surface grinding or many layers of wax and
buffing.