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Is my basement floor a candidate for acid stain?

by Rob
(Reading, PA)

Q.Our concrete basement floor is approximately 20 years old. For most of that time it was virtually unused. Over the last 3 years our dog tracked dirt from the outside in an obvious path. How do I determine if the floor will accept an acid stain or if I must use acrylic?


A.The first thing you need to do with any staining project is clean the slab thoroughly. Then wet the floor, stand back and look at it. Any variations you see will also be very evident after acid staining. So if you still see the dog path then it will for sure be noticeable after staining. If you still want to use acid stain, I suggest faux finishing with acrylic stain afterwards. This helps to mask the unsightly variations.

After you acid stain and neutralize it, use an acrylic stain of a darker color, splash it around in a random pattern, then let it dry. I usually dilute the acrylic stain 1:1 with water in a bucket, wad up rag, dip it in the bucket, and blotch it over the entire surface. I get on my hands and knees to do it. This technique has solved many acid stain problems and most people would have no idea I did it if I don't tell them.