Regarding Stains, Dyes, and Other
Hello everyone,
New to this forum and I have some questions.
I have just rented a 4000 sq foot warehouse space that I am want to add a little decorative element to.
I want the floors to look something like this.
Can anyone point me in the right directions?
Then I figured maybe the guy wants the look of the fireplace concrete!!! It looks like it was integrally coloured with a charcoal grey and then lightly polished or sealed witha gloss sealer. If that is the look this guy is after then it may be a diluted black acid stain/solvent dye and then sealer application and he would have this look on his floor.
That was the track my mind was on since the person that posted this said that "he wanted to have his floors" look somehing like this" ... I couldn't decipher whether he was referring to wood laminate floors (in which case he was clearly in the wrong place here on the DCF) or he wanted the look of wood floors that those skilled in creating faux wood look floors on concrete are capable of doing; third option being that this is some sort of SMAP post (but those that appear here from time to time, which we rapidly delete, have a link under the post that goes directly to their sight). Oh well, the person posting this has not been back to clear up the mystery.
lightly grind the floor and install a metallic grey epoxie do some funky things with it and then seal with a PAP.
Thank you for the responses.
Yes I want the concrete floors to look like fireplace. I am sorry but I couldn't find a picture that looks like I wanted.
What would you grind the floor with? Pic of the floor.
.
Okay ... thank you for clearing up the mystery. A professional decorative concrete contractor will have the product knowledge, creative talent, and attention to detail required in order for your floors to have the look of fireplace (of course, it will not be exactly/precisely the same color since they are two different cementatious medias so there will be a varience in color to some degree; however, they will compliment each other in the same type of design/style). Where are you located? Do you need assistance in locating a pro in your area capable of providing you with a beautiful, sustainable, one-of-a-kind decorative concrete surface?
I am sorry for the late reply. I can't seem to get into my old account or I have been blocked for asking questions I guess.
I am actually wanting to learn to this myself and searched around hoping to find others who can help me with some of the questions I may have.
Not sure if this is the right forum or only for homeowners looking for contractors.
If so, I apologize.
I can assure you that you have not been blocked. The purpose of our DCF is to provide assistance in material/product selections base on design/color/texture/patttern desires, resolutions to problemic issues, or any other concern that is related to our ever evolving world of concrete. If/when you need help feel free to post here (in forum catagory pertaining to your concern/informaiton need); or, call the number shown on the top of every DCF page (this is my direct DCF hot line); rather email: you can do so direct to my attention: Lindy.Ausburne@gmail.com
*
If for some reason you are unable to log on using your previous "user name & password" you can either create a new user name/password, or send an email to either contact@decorativeconcrete.com or Lindy.Ausburne@gmail.com providing you past user name/password (for our assistance in trouble shooting and resolution.
*
Lindy A. (co-host/moderator)
I will send you an email with the old email address and username.
After trying to log-in I decided to request a new password feature. It said the email and/or the user name was not recognized or has been blocked.
Then when I tried to re-create using the same email it said it was already in use....which led me to believe it had been blocked.
Regarding Concrete.....
I am going to use ardex sd-m on the wooden walls you see in the photo to get a concrete look.
Ardex sd-m is very hard to find in California....I have read that Mapei Ultraplan M20 Plus will give you the same results but a cost saving. Does anyone know if you can add any die to either to cha
nge the color slightly?
Not sure what products to use on the floor to achieve the look I want....as stated above.
Mapei and Ardex are both viable options, as well as both having a time-tested performance history (of course, any material is only as good as the surface preparation and applicaiton techniques used to apply it ... I'm sure this is understood.
*
Due to you location in California, you may want to consider obtaining the materials you need from a manufacturer or one of the leading decorative concrete suppliers that have California locations, some of which are...
*
Super-Krete ... www.super-krete.com (product: S9000 or S1801
*
Spec-West ... www.spec-west.com (they carry the mateirals of a great many manufacturers/suppliers; including: Ardex K-301 and Ardex SDM)
*
Miracote ... www.miracote.com (product: MPC MT)
*
Of course, there are others. All can be intergrally colored (read/heed the tech-data sheets of the manufacturers to gain insight into how to property do so); or, they can be adorned with various other compatible decorative concrete coatings, materials. systems.
Thank you.
Surface preperation.....
DR J mentioned lightly grinding the floor but I am uncertain as to how and what type of grinder to rent.
Not sure what the grinder will do?
What other perperation would you recommend?
Walls....
If you notice the photos the walls are mdf or plywood. What type of wall preperation would recommend? Primer?
Sorry for the noob questions but this is all new to me.
Typical equipment used for grinding (just to name a few) that you could rent ...
7" Edco stand up grinder (some of the Home Depot's rent them)
Sunbelt rental usually has them ... I think they rent the Lavina 20" or Lavena 25" as well as Edco and others
Many of the major manufacturers of concrete grinders can tell you where their grinding equipment can be rented in your area, one leading ones being Werkmaster www.werkmaster.com
*
The purpose of the floor grinder is to create an acceptible profile that will assure maximum mechanical/locking in and adhesive bond of whatever type of material, product, overlayment, coating/sealer that you will be applying over a concrete substrate. Of course, all foreign matter (oil, grease, glue & mastic residues, etc that may have leached down into the concrete must be removed as well. Failure to properly prepare the concrete will result in delamination at some point in time; which is why surface prep if the foundation of every successful project.
*
As for the vertical walls (mdf & plywood) ...they will require a bonding agent be applied first (after sanding to gain a smooth surface at sheet good joints). I suggest that a special reinforcing tape (specifically for this purpose) be used over all joints to assure that moement that may occur at these joints/seams be transferred out over a wider area ... or, you could use very thin mil (diamond stamped out pattern) metal lathe (available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc), attaching it with a hammer stapler, being careful not to line up the lathe with any joinst in the plywood or mdf, then apply the polymer modifeid cementitious overlayment of your choice, per the manufacturers specification/guidelines/directions (encapsulating the metal lathe "or" reinforcement tape).
*
Lindy
Thank you.
Giving your experience and a 4000 sq foot space. How many days do you think for me to grind the floor.
If you want wood laminate floors go to Home Depot, Lowes, or some other manufacturered flooring store (that is what you photo appears to be). However, if you want to your concrete itself take on the appearance of a planked wood floor, it can be created by a professional decorative concrete contractor, being a work of art with your concrete serving as the media of choice (much like an artist does a canvas).
*
Lindy A (co-host)