Learn how to prep your concrete for staining here.
How to grind and stain concrete floors.
Note that different parts of concrete will absorb stain differently.
Floors and counter tops created with concrete can be stained to any shade or color desired adding warmth to the space for relatively little money.
Staining concrete is a great way to create surfaces in the home that are durable and very easy to maintain.
Step 5 grind the floor.
When rough grinding begin from one side and grind from west to east across the entire concrete floor.
Use a medium grade grinding head and apply it to the whole floor surface to ensure an even finish.
It is also a longer term floor type when compared to topical polish.
After several passes over the concrete floor with the 40 grit metal bond tool repeat the process with a finer 80 grit and 150 grit metal bond tool.
Make sure you protect any doorframes and walls with painters tape.
If the floor still looks stained or patchy hire a floor grinder to grind away a thin layer from the surface of the concrete.
For example any filled in cracks or marks will likely stain.
This will remove the most stubborn remnants of most penetrating stains like oil and grease.
Before applying any stain you ll need to grind and ready the surface.
Since the concrete is old and you may not know for sure if any type of oils grease and thin petroleum products have ever been spilled on the concrete we suggest degreasing the concrete regardless.
Be sure to overlap the grinding pass as close to the previous grinding pass as possible.