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Cleaning the concrete of sealers and other substances will aid the stain to be absorbed.IT Stock Free/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Toss a little water on the surface to make sure it absorbs. If it does not, you will likely need to clean off curing agents or sealers that inhibit the staining process. If you need to remove sealers or other surface coating, spread strippers or solvents and use a scraper to remove them. You can also grind or sand the surface, although you will want to take care not to leave marks in the surface that will show up after staining. This step is often the more arduous part of the process. - 2
Vacuuming the floor and repairing cracks and chips are important.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Vacuum the concrete, especially along the baseboards and tape plastic to the baseboards and lower walls and door jambs. Inspect the floor for flaws and cracks and repair them with quick dry concrete. Clean up stains such as wax, grease, paint or other substances that will inhabit the staining process. - 3
The TSP cleaner solution will eliminate substances that would inhibit the stain.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Scrub the floor with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner solution using one cup of TSP with four gallons of water. Use the wet vacuum to clean up the solution and then rinse the floor with clean water. Allow the surface to completely dry. - 4
Stain the surface carefully and thoroughly, working left to right and right to left.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Mix the stain in a bucket, adding water in a 1:1 ratio. Pour the diluted stain into your sprayer. At this point, it is wise to use a helper. Starting at the back of the area, you or your helper sprays on the stain. The other follows behind with a broom, scrubbing the solution into the concrete. Work from left to right and then right to left as you cover the area. At the half way point stop and go back to apply a second coat, following the same procedure. The second coat will eliminate brush marks left by the broom on the first pass. - 5
Once the stain is applied, allow it to dry overnight or longer, if necessary.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Apply the remainder of the stain from the halfway point to the end or, if you are working in a large area, to the next logical stopping point and then repeat the process with the second coat. Once the area is completely stained, allow the surface to dry. Drying time varies depending on the stain's manufacturer. However, at a minimum, allow it to dry overnight. - 6
The sealer will protect the floor.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
Pour the sealer into the paint tray and using the paint roller, apply the sealer when the floor is completely dry. Be sure the sealer and the brand of stain are compatible. Following the manufacturer's recommendations, allow the sealer to dry thoroughly and then apply a second coat. Once it has dried, the surface is ready for traffic and furniture.
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