Finishing cured, light broom finish….
concrete for acid staining.
We are currently building our home with a slab foundation. We originally planned on covering the concrete with tile thus the broom finish on the floor. We are now looking into acid stain and are wondering about sanding off the broom finish in order to do that.
Has anyone done this? Seen it done? The concrete has #4 rebar, 16″ o.c. with the ends of the rebar imbedded 2.5 inches into foundation wall. We are not too concerned about cracking, it will add to the character.
Thanks!
Replies
how light is the broom and how green is the concrete?
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The concrete has cured for over 4 months. The broom finish is fairly light, just enough to help in the tile setting.
Attempts to take off the broom finish will likely result in more of a polished or terrazo look. Stain won't make that look much better.
You can however, use some form of a cementatious microtopping. Something like Miracote MPC. (http://www.miracote.com)
It looks like a soupy cement slurry that can be brushed, broomed, troweled, sprayed, whatever to get a texture you like. This stuff comes either sanded or smooth and as a base color of grey or white. Tints can be added. Or it can be stained, acid or dye.
Note the spray method results in something similar to an orange peel DW testure - which can be knocked down similarly. Coming back on top of that with a glaze, followed by ether clear or tinted epoxy could solve your problems.
This can fall into the DIY realm.
In order to use the MPC would I just apply it straight to the existing concrete, as it is? Or would I need to polish it first?
Thanks for the link. I think this is what I am looking for.
Just make sure the ceement is clean.
i'd lightly grind it , score it in an interesting pattern and stain it... i think it'll have the character you desire.... hell do one room... play with it... if you like it ...great... worst case you are out a few hours labor and $50 in stain... IMHO i think it'll stain & show well...
p