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Preparing Previously Carpeted Concrete For Stain

by Meredith
(Salt Lake City, UT)

Q. We had to rip out all our basement carpet due to flooding. We want to stain the concrete but we have paint over spray from when the walls were painted and also glue lines from the old carpet. Along the edges where the carpet tack strip was, there are little divets in the concrete from the nails being removed. How do I prepare these floors for stain? I prefer the look of Acid Stain. Will it be possible?

A. To remove the paint and glue lines, I recommend using SOY Gel because it works and it's harmless. Just spread it on with a trowel, let it sit for a while, and scrape it off. Then wash the floor to remove residue. The divots can be filled in with cement patch mixed with a bonding agent. Lightly sand it next day to smooth it out. Unfortunately, acid stain will highlight any imperfections and patched areas. To help hide them, you want to consider using faux finishing techniques with acrylic stains or doing the entire project with acrylic stains.

The other option is to remove the paint and glue, acid etch and neutralize the floor, then put down a microtopping. This will give you a much better looking floor if you're up for the challenge.