Caring for Your Floor

Before you move in:

Damp mop your floor to clean up the fine dust from the final buffing.

After you move in:

  • Vacuum frequently to prevent dirt from acting as an abrasive which may dull the finish over time.
  • Wash the floor with any mild cleaner.
  • Periodically use a Mop & Glo type product, or a commercial liquid wax product for a nice shine.

Our prices are based on industry standards; however prices vary based on the variables of your floors. Larger square footage is bid at a lower rate than smaller square footage. New floors in good condition are less time consuming, and generally need less preparation than older floors, or floors otherwise not in good condition.

It is best to have us come out to your home and consult with you about your needs. This way we can determine what will work best for you, and we will be able to give you an accurate estimate.

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After We Stain

After you have inspected the finished floors, it is the responsibility of owners, builders and/or general contractors to protect the stained and sealed floor until you move in. It is very important that you protect your floors. Workers can use 4X8 sheets of Masonite or hardboard; or rolls of single sided corrugated cardboard to protect from sheetrock mud, dirt, paint, etc.

Overlap the edges, and DO NOT TAPE TO THE FLOOR! TAPE ONLY ON THE WALLS. Tape adhesive, spilled paint, varnish, overspray, etc. will ruin the finish and will be costly and difficult to repair.

Even if we put the floor cover down, WE ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR FLOOR DAMAGE.

Ask us about our prices to cover the floors.

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Contractor Requirements

For builders, contractors & subs

For Acid Staining: Before the Pour

  • Most of our clients prefer a five-sack mix (3500 psi). Do not use sprayed or dusted on surface curing compounds.
  • Limit the use of fly ash if possible.
  • IMPORTANT: Make sure your concrete subcontractor has enough help to keep ahead of the pour.
  • To achieve a hard, slick, marble-like finish, power-trowel the surface. Some people prefer to burn it, depending upon on how dark the client wants the floor.
  • For sandstone – like finish on exteriors, pool decking, porches, sidewalks etc., use a broom finish.

Concrete is a porous and susceptible to discoloration. DO NOT WRITE ON THE SLAB WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN A PENCIL.

Press board, and other forms of lumber, as well as items such as insulation and plastic will modify the moisture content of the concrete, creating a shift in color. Resins from the wood will also stain.

Verbally inform everyone that the floor will be stained, and remind them frequently. Posting signs is not enough.

Do not walk on the slab before the surface is completely dry.

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Before We Stain

NEW CONSTRUCTION
Download and print the Contractor Requirements section and read thoroughly.
Have your contractor READ and SIGN it.

REMODEL
Before you undertake the project of removing old carpet or tile or if you have a very old residence, be aware your concrete stain can be affected by a number of factors. Please read this material thoroughly before deciding whether or not this is the course of action you want to take. In some situations, you may find that staining is not the best option for your floor.

Old Carpet
Carpet tack strips leave divots that will create a rustic look in your floor. If this is not the effect you want, consider something else besides concrete staining!
Glues and adhesives must be thoroughly removed before staining. You can do this yourself or hire someone to prepare the floor. We do not provide this service. Be aware that this is a messy, labor intensive job.
If you want to do your own preparation:
Purchase a razor edge tile bar from the hardware store.
Purchase tile adhesive remover from a hardware store.
Paint Overspray

Paint overspray can really be a problem and difficult, if not impossible to remove. It must be removed completely if the stain is going to penetrate. In kitchens, many cabinets have been sprayed with clear sealers. These seal ers may not be evident until you begin to stain the floor. The stain will not penetrate into the concrete. THIS MUST BE
Terrazzo Tile

Removing the tile damages the float surface of the concrete. NOT RECOMMENDED
Very Old Residences

(30+ years)
The stain reacts to the minerals in the floor. Old concrete has leeched most of these salts from the surface, creating a much more muted effect on the finished floor. You might want to contact us for other floor options.
Exteriors

Porches, sidewalks and pool surroundings are good stain possibilities. The finished look is more of a sandstone appearance due to the rougher concrete surface. The colors will vary depending on the age of the concrete an d other factors.
Overlays on existing slabs

This is a good option for concrete surfaces that will not accept the stain. However, the look will not be the same as a new pour.
Download Contractors Requirements

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Customer Info

Whether you are a builder, contractor, subcontractor or homeowner, there is important information that you should know. Most of this material applies to new construction. Following our guidelines will help us to achieve the optimum results and minimizes damage to the concrete floor before and after the staining and sealing process.
You will need to treat the concrete floor as if it were an unstained wood floor. Anything that can discolor, bleach or stain a wood floor could also affect a concrete floor, so protect the floor well before and after staining.

Make sure all floors are protected from sub-contractor activity. Your floor will achieve the best staining results if it has been kept free of all foreign substances. Stains, patches, chips or cracks in the concr ete will be evident after the staining is finished. Some defects will actually enhance the aged effect of your fini shed floor, but it is best to protect the floor from the things we have listed.

Owners, builders and contractors are solely responsible for the condition of the floor before we commence work, and after we have completed our work. We do not imply or accept liability for damaged floors. Insis t that those you have contracted with accept all liability for any damage caused during construction.

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