Owning a home with a less-than-inspiring concrete floor can be motivating for finding more eye-catching floor design options. There are various techniques that can be applied to add effects when the concrete is poured--or after it has dried--to make it look more interesting. The processes to create patterns and colorful effects range from basic painted methods to methods involving heavy-duty machinery.
Here is a list of ways to enhance your concrete flooring:
1. Add painted designs to concrete
To create painted designs on concrete, it's advisable to begin with a clean concrete floor. Various DIY enthusiasts recommend starting with a primer and then sealing the concrete after painting the designs. The types of designs that can be painted on concrete include:
2. Consider a watercolor or textured effect with an acid stain
Acid stain can add depth of color and texture for a novel, creative effect. This type of stain can make the concrete resemble washes of rust color, coffee or even blue ocean water. You can buy acid stain online or at a home hardware store. To achieve a glossy, long-lasting finish, apply a seal at the end of the project. Also, plenty of ventilation and airflow is key for staying healthy during the application process.
3. Add lines and shapes on concrete with saw-cutting techniques
This process of creating lines, also known as joints in concrete, can create a mosaic effect. This geometric effect can be created by concrete professionals using specific machinery. Many people enjoy the look lines in the concrete that form specific patterns and sections. In addition to the visual appeal, these geometric lines can also have the useful function of preventing cracks in the concrete. By browsing saw-cut concrete photos online, you can see the different types of floors that can be created through lines, shapes, and acid stains.
4. Consider new visual effects with overlay
Instead of replacing a concrete floor, an overlay may be applied to a sound concrete surface in order to create a specific effect, such as a marble effect or a rustic effect. This technique can be useful for hiding concrete that doesn't look its best. Overlays may be composed of various materials including resins, sand, and cement.
5. Add metallic pigment epoxy to the concrete of your floor
Metallic coatings to concrete floors can be a bold, creative choice for a look that is similar to silver or bronze. This type of coating may be seen in retail environments, where the floor highlights the beauty of various products or surroundings. The methods to achieve a metallic pigment effect can be quite involved, so it's a good idea to talk to contractors or floor surfacing professionals to discuss if this technique is right for your home.
6. Have the concrete polished
Typically a commercial process, you may be able to discuss having your concrete floor polished with a home renovation company or professional contractor. Specific floor polishing equipment is used to create shiny finishes. The types of polish effects that can be achieved can vary in terms of reflection and how smooth it feels.
Overall, these concrete floor techniques involve a lot of skill and knowledge; it's important to discuss your concrete floor goals with a floor professional or an associate at your local home renovation supply store to learn about best practices.
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