This Will RUIN Your Stained Concrete Floor

[@florencem2386]

I’m loving just the simply sealed slab. It’s exactly what I was wanting to do myself and didn’t know how. Thank you for making this video!

[@anna-mariedictson7381]

I liked the plain grey sealed concrete! Looks really nice and neutral.

[@TimDCVA]

👍🏻👍🏻 thanks!

[@sherylwatson2877]

I agree with the grey too. I am having this done soon and hoping and praying it will look great like this does. ❤

[@briancasebolt3209]

Grey sealed looks GREAT.. The natural color looks good with the nice woodwork, Great Job Guys.

[@TimDCVA]

Thanks!

[@faith2ful]

I’m loving these. The grey more. i’d love to see you do one on an older cement like garage or basement. I would love to do this process on laundry room basement. would need more product info. keep up with the videos

[@katmamajams]

Thank you for this video. I've been wondering about staining before or after framing. The consensus seems to be that though it would be easier to do before framing, too much potential damage to the finish exists during building, so it will be later. I prefer the browns rather than greys. We live in the woods and have some nice antique furniture.

[@adelinomandlate2223]

The grey is superb

[@valeriegreener3269]

I love the natural sealed concrete. I am getting ready to do my barndominium but I would like to know the brands of water-based epoxy and the urethane you finish with. Can you help me out please

[@benvasey2422]

You have convinced me to not stain but do the gray sealant. Can you please share the material used for that?

[@shannonmoon3972]

I liked the plain grey too!! Quick question, when you say don't put anything on the fresh slab of concrete for one month, does that mean any stain or anything? Like if I want to polish a fresh slab after its poured is that ok, or if I want to add a layer of self leveling cement and then stain or polish that right away is that ok? THANKS FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS! If you were near me, I'd hire you! Any advice helps! THANKS!

[@luig624]

Can you talk about the difference between buffing versus grinding surfaces prior to staining? What are the different tools/pads for each?

[@georginabroadbent896]

Like the the grey plain. More options for color and design to flow from.

[@TimDCVA]

Yeah it probably is easier to design around a gray floor. 👍🏻

[@T12i99iN]

I like how natural the sealed concrete looks. That would be my choice if I ever go bare concrete on a house. I don't see much of that here in Bay Area CA.

[@TimDCVA]

👍🏻 I’m surprised you don’t see that more often there. Aren’t most homes there on a concrete slab? Or do most have a wood-framed floor?

[@T12i99iN]

@@TimDCVA Most houses have wood framed floor. Newer builds or custom houses will usually be on slab depending on the area. Even then, owners would slap on flooring on the slab in heart beat..lol

[@josephhansen7376]

I have a nearly 100 year old concrete floor in my garage that I'm currently finishing. It certainly has some character i.e stains and some cracks but want to keep it. Any direction on such a project?

[@bsarman]

In a perfect world should you stain the concrete before all the trades come in? (after the month of course)

[@onetruesoldiervt3686]

I have a behr product solid water base stain any tips how to apply it I have a sprayer should I use ammonia to neutralize the stain after it has dried a lil bit thanks 🙏

[@kimberlyhaugen9651]

Love the natural gray. We are getting ready finish our floors. What epoxy and urethane did you use?

[@doctor41baller]

Any ideas: we have a heavy stamped concrete flooring throughout house. It was an overlayment of concrete and then stamp. We have cracks and some missing pieces. Any idea on how to prep for regular floors? I'm afraid with an overpayment that diamond grinding wouldn't work.....but maybe?

[@fortisfitness1886]

Beautiful work Tim! Thanks for all great advice.

[@TimDCVA]

Thank you!

[@danielgodinez1479]

Both look awesome

[@jimw3799]

I have a dog that is very active. He has scratched our wood floors. How is this finish going to hold up with him when we build a new house with stained concrete floors? If it does scratch is it a huge project to apply another coat of sealer in a couple years? Thanks.

[@ConcreteBVI]

I think that was my favorite intro I’ve seen you do yet haha … i like it .. good video too ! You don’t want to see how messy the floors are that we meet every day down here in the islands 🤦‍♂️

[@TimDCVA]

Thanks Nathan! I noticed in your videos it always seems like you have a ton of prep. 😅🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ConcreteBVI]

@@TimDCVA ya we sure do. I don’t think we’ve ever completed a 2 day job 🥵

[@TimDCVA]

🤣

[@brycecoenen]

What products did you use on the slab you just sealed and did not stain? There’s so many seal options out there I’m not sure what would give me a finish that looks like the one you guys did. Thanks!

[@chalmerelkins8965]

I have a white concrete driveway no sealers or paint. 6 months old. Looking for a black dark acid stain.any ideas would be appreciated.

[@TimDCVA]

Any acid stain should work.

[@rugerdogg5316]

Plain gets my vote .I think you can do so many different things decorating. How can I get darker grays with a few lines of black.

[@TimDCVA]

I agree. You can add some charcoal dye to darken up the entire thing or just do lines.

[@stevosprojects7123]

do you have to sand buff for the grey natural sealed concrete house is about 4months old,, floor was covered with paper so it's pretty clean just wondering I'f I could get away with just cleaning it and putting sealer on it for the grey looking concrete

[@rs7452]

Great job and thanks for the not to do list

[@TimDCVA]

Happy to help. 👍🏻

[@heathergrisham3716]

I screwed up and put a water based penetrating sealer on top of my acid concrete stain and it filled down the color are there fixes for this?

[@TimDCVA]

No not really. Sorry. You probably need to strip the sealer and reseal it with something else if you don’t like the way it turned out. You may need to re-stain it too.

[@danielgodinez1479]

I like to add when is new concrete I always tell costumer 3 moths to cure properly but in fact the depending the depth of pour concrete it usually takes to moth to fully cure.

[@urlifesaver]

Is there a way to sand down and stain an outdoor patio that has a driveway style texture?

[@jasonloraine1674]

I just stained and sealed my concrete… can I cover it with paper/plastic now? I still need to paint some areas and wanted to protect the floor that we just did.

[@Pilot_the_Dune]

My wife and I want grey on our outdoor kitchen. We added onto our existing slab and unfortunately, we have to stain it so both slabs will match. Should we roll on the stain or spray it?

[@donnamathias5973]

Stunning! Great jobs , you guys rock!👏🏼👍🏼

[@jasonbyer2655]

Awesome videos. Just discovered your channel. I also have a brand new basement floor. What type of sanding screen specs are you using on the buffer? Thanks

[@TimDCVA]

50 grit… but you need to read the tech sheet for whatever sealer you are using. Some require a rougher profile than others.

[@richardgolonka7585]

could you stain it without grinding it by removing glue with some sort of solvent or degreaser? Or would that affect the staining. I have carpet glue on mine

[@rs7452]

How and where to wash tools and rollers?

[@TimDCVA]

We throw them out after one use.

[@lakemarine484]

I really diggin' the gray. I'm in the process of sealing my garage today (waiting for first coat to dry). Wish I had seen your vid first though as I wish I had the sealant tinted in hindsight. In 5 years on a re-coat can it be tinted then? Ever used H&C Sealer? Im down near Danville VA!

[@TimDCVA]

Hi. We have used H&C sealer. It's nice for patios, but people have mixed results when using it on a garage floor. Hopefully yours works out.

[@kaynev2010]

The grey!! ❤

[@sjzielke]

Does anyone know - can you stain a concrete floor in a, say, diamond checkerboard pattern??? Does it work the same as paint (like.. you just tape off the pattern and paint in layers??

[@TimDCVA]

Most concrete stains would bleed under tape. Whenever we do a pattern we alway score it first with a saw and then stain it.

[@sjzielke]

@@TimDCVA Ok, thank you so much for the info - this channel is amazing!! Is it possible to apply tinted epoxy in a two-tone checkerboard pattern?

[@lsurebel4]

Can you share the name and brand of the sealer you used for the grey? That is exactly what I am looking for. They are pouring slab tomorrow, and I heard what you said about waiting 30 days. How much is required for 1500SQ. Ft barndominium?

[@securewilson4751]

Great work 💪thanks for the info 👍 grey would be my choice

[@TimDCVA]

Thanks!

[@scottjusto4796]

sealed concrete looks great when its new. i would like to see it after a few years. i bet a polished floor would look better.

[@TimDCVA]

This one looked great after a few years. Sealing with urethane is a lot different than using solvent based acrylic concrete sealer….which is what most people see failing on a regular basis. Polished concrete is better for abrasive traffic… but the acids in beer and wine would have ruined it in an environment like this.

[@daktusdurggery5505]

Can you do a video about the difference between acid vs water based concrete stain?

[@miguelpalacios5039]

Do you have to grind the floor? Or can you just use a swing buffer with 50-80 grit sand screen paper?

[@marlenepfeiffer562]

Liked both as we are doing both … or I am doing both processes at our home!! My hubby is feeling overwhelmed!!😂

[@TimDCVA]

Haha.

[@dougb27]

Is it better to have the slab stained before I start construction or after?

[@TimDCVA]

It’s just preference. I like to do it after as long as you have subs that won’t tear the floor up in the building process.

[@charithmadushanka8993]

how do make these types of awsome flooring?

[@duanejohnson2026]

I would like to DIY my basement floors here in Ga. Is it something that I can attempt on my own?

[@PartialCremation]

We're having a house built and signed on for stained concrete. We were told today that the foundation is undulating, so they will have to grind significantly in some places to level it. They said it can't be stained now because it won't look good. Is this true? I really want stained concrete!

[@Action_Clips_CODM]

I like the grey better! How much do you charge per square foot for this?

[@ginnyhorn2708]

Do you think this would work on an enclosed carport that was poured in the 1970’s? When you say “buff” are you using sandpaper? If so, what grit?

[@tracieramos6314]

Very informative

[@TimDCVA]

👍🏻

[@lorettahares4315]

Our builder... Left barefoot stained footprints on our floor. Also bucket circle stains. We can't afford to redo the entire home but would love to remove or hide the footprint please advise

[@TimDCVA]

Sorry there’s not much you can do to fix those. It’s usually better to live with the flaws because patches don’t look good either.

[@pedroguaro]

Tim, I was wondering if you could tell me what water based epoxy you used? TIA

[@Globetrotter5198]

What grit on floor buffing sanding machine?

[@becramer86]

Looks great! Really nice work. What kind of sanding screen/disc are you using to not remove the trowel marks but also get the right profile for the epoxy to adhere?

[@TimDCVA]

Thanks! 50 grit sanding screens.

[@rogervega9846]

What brand/model is the pump-up sprayer that you used in this vid? tia

[@sonicoaguilar3151]

Nice!!! I love stain floors who much you charge for sqf?

[@skunkel42]

That looks awesome Tim! Can you tell me what water based epoxy product and brand you’re using the video as well as the waterbase urethane topcoat so that we can use the same.?

[@TimDCVA]

Thanks! We are using our own brand in this video. I have another video on this channel that is very similar using Westcoat Procucts.

[@dillonwilhoit5386]

@@TimDCVA do you sell product to the public?

[@richardgolonka7585]

what about a 50 year old concrete floor htat has has carpet over it the whole time. Can you only do new floors?

[@TimDCVA]

You can stain or seal that… it just might show some stains from the carpet glue or other things that might have been spilled on the concrete over time. If there is glue or sealer on the floor you would have to grind it first though.

[@richardgolonka7585]

@@TimDCVA Im ok with it not looking perfect, I just dont want tile or carpet. Do you use a degreaser and then kinda grind off the carpet glue or Just grind it? If I use a degreaser, will it affect the ability to take a stain? Thanks so much for your reply!

[@casade2831]

Hi Tim, do you wash away the stain residue after you spray it on the concrete? I am confused because I have seen people wash it off and then they seal it.

[@casade2831]

Oh, I got it. Acetone vs Acid concrete stain.. Got it

[@mattmcelreath938]

Great videos Tim. What’s your product name brand on the urethane and epoxy?

[@nathanscherer-rx5bk]

Is it a problem if you can’t get 100% of the glue up? We have some glue in what appears to be lowers spots and we can’t get it off. We have probably gotten about 98% off. It all has been ground but we just can’t remove it 100%. Please advise.

[@thomasnoble7231]

TY for doing these. We have watched 6 and learned much. For newly poured COLORED concrete (clay'ish and undesirable) -- how long should I wait to correct with Acid Staining as shown here?

[@TimDCVA]

Awesome. I’m glad they are helpful. You should wait as long as you can… but you need to wait at least one month.

[@thomasnoble7231]

@@TimDCVA One more question as we are in color crisis and fighting falling leaves that are already STAINING the new cement (little black dots). What are the risks of Acid Staining ahead of the 1 month mark? Non adhesion of new Acid colors? Compromising new cement? Color variations in new Acid colors? Help if you can.

[@TimDCVA]

If this is a smooth finish floor, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just run a buffer with a sanding screen over it to sand the stains off before you stain it.

[@thomasnoble7231]

@@TimDCVA Will buff w/sanding screen (even though rough surface/stamped) just to expose some fresh limestone. That clay color is in the base cement -- it ain't going away with any amount of sanding or etching. LOL. I plan to "embrace" the clay color in the new acid color scheme. Select sponging of a carmel color, select sponging of mission brown. Scrub down with ammonia and broom. Dry. Spraying and rolling walnut stain overall. Scrub down again. Maybe, maybe a black mist or black brushing to accent. Wish me luck and add more tips if I am totally CRAZY. :) Posting here because your other admirers may benefit from this home owner and color-correction challenge!!! tytyty

[@TimDCVA]

I didn’t realize it was stamped. I wouldn’t bother bidding it. Just go ahead and stain it. Acid stains usually remove/hide leaf stains anyways.

[@dino0228]

I personally like the color of the stained one better, but the plain sealed one looks more like a natural marble floor. Question:s Is this stuff slippery when water is spilled on it? Would you recommend it for basement floors or even walls?

[@TimDCVA]

We do basement floors with these systems all the time. They aren't really slippery under normal use.

[@topfloors]

How many gallons per square ft did you use for the epoxy?

[@TimDCVA]

250ish.

[@topfloors]

@@TimDCVA thank you.

[@johnshoemaker6164]

How do you deep clean your stained and sealed floors? I find that simple mopping isn't thoroughly cleaning them. Thanks!

[@honkeytonkjohnnygumbo1137]

If you didnt use color on the gray sealed floor, how did it get tan and black marbling? Looks amazing!

[@ericaleverson9430]

Can I get my concrete floors stained before I start framing the house?

[@kimberlys444]

You said "urethane" finish. Is this the same as polyurethane? I'm in Asia so having names for what is used is really helpful! Thanks so much for this video!

[@TimDCVA]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 👍🏻 Yes urethane and polyurethane are the same.

[@matthelton9064]

I had my concrete floors stained and sealed with a water based acrylic stain. We waited the 24 hours before walking on the floors, but within 2 days, the stain is flaking off. Any idea on why this happened? The project manager doesn’t have a clue. Thank you

[@ericcoffeen]

Can you just put down a urethane and not the sealer? I will be applying the urethane on Wednesday and neutralizing tomorrow. I applied today

[@mattpierce2451]

Could you not stain a couple days after pouring your slab? That way you dont have to worry about keeping it clean?

[@TimDCVA]

No. You really need to let the concrete cure before you stain/seal it. I prefer to wait a few months.

[@alexanderthegreat8380]

Why an overlay for?

[@philipmorris6782]

Hey Tim, I've gotten pretty good at traditional solid color epoxy floors, full flake, partial flake, ect. Will you be offering any courses on metallic epoxy? I took my first shot at metallic this weekend on a friend's floor (free labor and he paid for materials kind of thing) and it came out looking pretty good but not exactly what I had pictured in my head. He's in love with it so that's what counts but I would still like to learn more.

[@TimDCVA]

Yes I will have one soon. I have all of the footage… I just need to put it together. Hopefully this fall. 👍🏻👍🏻 I’m the meantime… have you seen these? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2akKqGpbSLjM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYmpiXqEqa9naJY

[@philipmorris6782]

@@TimDCVA Great! Thank you! Yes I’ve watched both of those videos multiple times actually. I really wish I had one of those collomix mixers! For now I use Dewalts best 20V battery drill.

[@danielgodinez1479]

On metallics have to know the wet mills thickness so the metallic powder(paint) to react the way it should and you can always make your own designs

[@denisdooley1540]

Was this an acetone-based or acid stain?

[@TimDCVA]

Concrete dye.

[@jenniferpenny7345]

Sealed Concrete was the coolest. I’d like to replicated that sealed concrete floor you did. What products do you use?

[@Jaybaby153]

You guys ever come to Indiana? I got about a 80 by 40 building I need done and what you do looks really good I'm yet to pour the slab so if you reach out to me maybe we can exchange information if you're interested

[@benfranklin1410]

Smart, funny, helpful, pleasant--"Share this with your contractor. I think it could really help him." That's...uh funny, helpful, and a sweet way to respond to habitually unhelpful actions. I call all a success.

[@TimDCVA]

Haha

[@jesuspazmino6948]

Any recommended contractors here in South Florida

[@TimDCVA]

I don’t know anyone down that way. Sorry.

[@tomharrison6573]

Here in Colorado every guy who does concrete staining charges $10 a sq ft!!! what a racket. Like to do my new construction home myself...any training avail anywhere???

[@TimDCVA]

I have an online course for stained concrete. decorativeconcreteschool.com

[@brucegibson818]

Can I grind the concrete to 300 then stain, hardener and polish to 1500?

[@TimDCVA]

We typically start at 30 grit metals. Hone up to 400 grit. Dye & densify Then polish to 800 or 1500.

[@annhilliard-iy7ty]

Unstained gets my vote!!!!

[@daktusdurggery5505]

Wished I’d known about the not putting anything on the slab within the first month ugh!

[@TheCouchLive]

what happens when nothing is done to "open up the pores" of the concrete and I simply proceed to staining?

[@jasonherman4008]

Natural sealed looked amazing!!

[@TimDCVA]

Thanks!

[@JamieWhite-id9lk]

i have a new floor and prefer the non stained floor...it seems to look so much more natural.

[@upsideways]

So would you call this a stain and seal?

[@TimDCVA]

Yes

[@bobbyj0708]

I liked the gray concrete more by a mile.

[@LayneSteighlee]

@2:50 I am going to stain my garage floor and was going to put my storage boxes and other things on the floor about 24 hours it was complete....your saying that they will make a permanent mark if I do that? Just want to verify before I go through with this....that is a huge con, I don't know what I will do by having to wait 30 days to put stuff back into the garage!

[@TimDCVA]

No. You have to wait about 30 days *after the concrete is poured* before putting stuff on it. You can usually put stuff back on a stained floor 3 days later.

[@LayneSteighlee]

@@TimDCVA ahhhh! I certainly did not hear you right :)...my garage is about 12 years old so that means no worries about the streaking? haha pls just verify for me once more!

[@sharonclue1573]

Grey!

[@kathleenjones1387]

Gray

[@cassandradayemccain237]

Grey

[@vielkacolon3118]

Both

[@mousecat9398]

grey

[@melitatyson3052]

I was under the impression that the floors had to be washed thoroughly with a baking soda & water solution before sealing. Why don't you use this step?

[@Drosenv]

That's interesting! I think the machine buffer is doing that job here. I'm no expert but I myself,have have only heard of a muriatic wash first. That's new to me for sure.

[@TimDCVA]

Only acid stains need to be washed & neutralized. Dyes don’t need to be washed.

[@josephdingman9924]

Gray all day sir.

[@TimDCVA]

👍🏻👍🏻 This one looks good… but I still like brown.

[@kathystotts5610]

GREY

[@andybilakshow260]

Ops wrong video. I was looking for green.🙃

[@direid3]

Gray concrete is better

[@joequilimacojr.5699]

Grey!