How to Apply Concrete Dye
A polished, concrete dye floor can be lovely. However, those days of gray-only concrete floors are outdated.
Nowadays, a wide range of color choices can be applied to concrete floors, which are limited to your imagination and dreams.
Concrete dyes and stains have made all this possible.
However, you should note that dyeing concrete floors are pretty different from staining them.
With dye application, no chemical processes are involved.
Dyes are available as dry pigments or in liquid form.
Applying paint on concrete floors is a simple process you can do independently.
Here is how to go about it.
Choosing Your Concrete Dye Surface
First, you should have an unfinished concrete surface.
Any finish on your concrete surface, be it paint, dyes, or sealants, should be removed through grinding.
This allows the stain to penetrate the pores of the concrete and stick to it.
If you are working with newly poured concrete, then you don’t have to do any form of grinding.
The surface is ready as it is.
If you are not sure about the type of finish on your floor, then you should do a water test.
If it beads on the floor, you need to do some form of grinding.
You can rent a grinder for as low as $100 from your local home improvement store.
Concrete Floor With Dye
Cleaning The Floor
If you want the dye to penetrate, adhere to the concrete surface, and produce the best results, you should ensure your floor is sparkling clean.
You can use hot water mixed with laundry detergents to mop the floor.
Proceed to scrub them using a scrub brush. The cleaning method used depends on various factors.
For example, if you have pets in your house, you should use laundry detergent pods since they are pet-friendly.
Be very cautious when using strong chemical cleaners.
Although they do a perfect cleaning job, they might damage the concrete, clothes, baseboards, and skin.
Ensure you follow the directions as specified by the manufacturer. When your floors are clean, they should not have any noticeable dirt or dust.
Cleaning and Etching
Once you have cleaned the floor and secured the necessary materials, it is time to start the procedure.
First, use the Behr Cleaner & Etcher to prepare your floors further. This product reacts with the concrete chemically, opening up the porous surface while allowing the dye to soak in.
The dilution and application procedure entirely depends on the nature of your surface.
After diluting it, apply it directly to the floor using a mop.
After application, wait for around 15 minutes and then scrub the surface using a scrub brush.
Rinse the floor surface again to remove the remaining chemicals.
The floor should feel like sandpaper when you are done.
Dying The Floors
You will mix the concrete dye-like paint depending on your color preferences.
You can also use two different color dyes to achieve an exciting look.
After applying the dye, wait for at least 2 hours before applying the second coat.
However, if your home is humid, then the dye might not dry within those two hours, and you might have to wait for a more extended period.
You can even wait until the following day.
Then, when the floor is dry enough, apply the second coat, just as you used the first one.
Applying The Sealer
After application of the second coat, you should wait for at least 24 hours or longer to allow complete drying before applying the sealer.
Then, use a low-luster sealer and apply it in thin coats.
This is done using paint rollers. The sealer appears milky.
However, it seems clear when completely dry.
Wait for at least 4 hours before applying the second sealer coat.
You should use at least four coats for excellent protection and luster.
Ensure your room is adequately ventilated since the sealer has a strong smell.
Leave the doors and windows and ensure the ceiling fan runs for adequate ventilation.
Final Word
As you can see, dyeing concrete is straightforward but taxing.
You don’t need any specific skills.
You need to be patient, to allow every coat to dry before you can move on to the next step.
The work can also be disruptive to your daily routine.
Therefore, plan the work accordingly.
The results were gratifying.