I stained my concrete floors this weekend on a new construction. They turned out great with one minor exception: Where there were some pencil marks on the slab, we tried to clean them off using a neutral detergent. Unfortunately, we didn't dilute the detergent and used it 'straight'. When we went to stain the floors, the areas where we rubbed with the detergent did not accept the stain like the rest of the floor. These areas DID accept stain, but not as much.
In an attempt to remedy the problem, we were advised to add some muratic (sp?) acid to the solution and try again because we were told that the stain just didn't penetrate whatever was blocking the stain. (Before this, we did clean the area again with TSP as well as clean water with pleny of elbow grease). Well we did that and it did not help. I even tried to sand the area and stain again...once more, it really didn't make a difference.
We have not sealed the floor yet so we still have the ability to fix anything if possible. Does anyone have any idea on how we can solve this problem?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Steve Grant,
Steve ... welcome... look at GAy Goodmans forums .... she has solutions to most situations.
Loke you we stained as part of new construction... we did 3500 ft in black coffee... have you contacted your supplier? are we lots of pencil marks ... kemiko's web site addresses specific problems on slabs... we covered ours with rolls of cardboard soon as the walls went up. ( I had plumbers drop sodder in the bath area where the tub was going and it didn't take in there)
What I leatned is the concrete is only going to accept so much stain ... it has to do with the acid and the chemicals in the concrete (I thought it was the lime) ... that's what you saw fizz... when that when those chemicals are depleted ... reaction is over,,, we did the baking soda and washed.
On one of the sites when we were getting ready I read about a product that is washed on ... just like TSP & baking soda but it puts some of this lime ( or reactive chemical) back on to the surface so you can work with it.
The acid opens the pores ... when mixed with color it carries the color down into the concrete... as you've seen .... but your second round of acid may have just opened pore and given you a headache.
I tell people ... this is not for people who want perfection ... I have places where the stain is changing... like a living finish... for me it's great... because we're casual...
There are several other acid forums out there too but I found alot of pros having discussios there ... good luck ... post a pic when you can ... would love to see you progress...
