There is nothing that looks quite like
acid staining a floor. It has a marbled mottled look that does not compare to any product made in the marketplace. Each floor is unique in that the water and the acid's metallic salts chemically reacts with concrete's calcium hydroxide leaving behind an insoluble color etched into the floor....permanently.
There are a myriad of colors to chose from and various manufactuors of these stains.
Floric Polytech is a great manufacturer and offers a wide variety of colors, sealers, epoxies, and other decorative concrete products.
The price of a basic
acid stain in the Seattle metropolitian both commercially and residentially is $3-5 a sq. ft. This cost is much cheaper than most traditional floors like VCT, Ceramic Tile and other resilient floors. Not only in some of the upfront costs of materials but also that of longterm maintenance. If you happen to be on the more creative side of the spectrum and chose to use more colors, need decorative saw cuts, floor preparation (ie hand grinding or diamond grinding) you could be looking at $15 sq. ft.
The typical DIY'er could do it themselves, but it is best left to the professionals. When hiring a contractor be sure to have a look a their jobs either in person or picture. There is an old adage that says," You pay for what you get". Be sure to hire a professional with experience for the best quality of work. The next thing to do would be to show and tell friends, family and neighboors about your new
fabulous floors.
