How to Glaze Concrete Floors

Liven up dull concrete with paints, stains and glazes.

Concrete floors serve as a low-cost, low-maintenance and durable alternative to carpet, tile and vinyl surfaces. Though concrete floors have utilitarian origins, they don't have be drab or ugly. After painting or staining your concrete floor, give it a high-gloss glaze by applying a coat of concrete sealer. Sealers make concrete floors shine, protect stains and finishes, increase durability and make regular maintenance a little easier. Concrete sealers vary, so always follow the included instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Broom and dust pan
• Mop
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Detergent
• Towels
• Paint stirrer
• Concrete sealer
• Paint roller, low-pressure sprayer or soft-bristled paint brush

Instructions

Preparation

1. Sweep the finished concrete floor thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris.

2. Mop the floor with warm water and a mild detergent. Use specialized concrete detergent or dish soap. Use a cleaner that contains bleach to give your concrete's glaze a brighter appearance.

3. Scrub tough spots with a stiff-bristled brush. Your floor should be free of mildew, oil, grease, dirt and debris before applying a sealer.

4. Towel dry the floor or allow it to air-dry. The floor must be completely dry before sealer application.

Application

1. Stir the concrete sealer thoroughly with a paint stirrer. Consult the sealer's label and follow any instructions provided.

2. Apply the sealer to the concrete floor. Use a paint roller, soft-bristled paint brush or low-pressure sprayer to apply a thin, even coat.

3. Allow the sealer to dry completely.

4. Apply at least one more coat.

5. Apply additional coats depending on how glossy you'd like your final glaze.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a coat of concrete wax to your sealed concrete floor for an even glossier glaze.

• Use electric fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the sealer's drying process.

• Wear gloves, eye protection and a face mask to protect yourself from harmful chemicals and fumes.

• Ventilate the area as best you can before working with concrete sealers.

• Never shake the concrete sealer; shaking the sealer causes air bubbles, which may ruin the appearance of your glaze.

References

• Toolbase.org: Concrete Floor Finishes
• Concrete Sealer: How to Apply Concrete Sealer
• The Dollar Stretcher: Better Basement Floors

Resources

• Concrete Network: Concrete Floors