How to Shine Acid Stained Floors

Wax a concrete floor to create a shiny finish

Acid stain etches earth-toned color into concrete floors and walls, giving them a more lively appearance. Regularly waxing and polishing the floors gives them a clean, shiny, attractive appearance similar to marble or stone, but at a small fraction of the cost. Depending on your floor's traffic, you may need to wax an acid stained concrete floor monthly, semi-monthly or yearly to maintain its shine.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner or dust mop
• Mop
• Neutral pH mop solution
• Concrete floor wax
• Looped-end rayon mop or lamb's wool applicator

Instructions

1. Vacuum or dust mop the entire floor to remove loose dust and dirt.

2. Mix a mop solution according to the directions on the container. Wet a mop with the solution and wring it out to remove excess liquid. Mop the entire floor with the solution and rinse the floor with a mop dampened with plain water. Allow the floor to dry before waxing.

3. Pour a 1-foot diameter puddle of floor wax in the center of the floor. Distribute the wax evenly over the surface of the floor, using a rayon mop or lamb's wool applicator. The wax will give the floor a smooth, glossy finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use cleaning products containing solvents, ammonia or bleach on a waxed floor.

• Use only wax labeled for use with concrete floors.

References

• Stained By Design: Care and Maintenance
• Aldon System: Concrete Floors & Driveways