Directions for Acid Staining Basement Concrete
- 1). Mix 1 oz. trisodium phosphate with 1 cup water. Add 1 cup baby powder. This makes a thick paste.
- 2). Spread the paste over visible stains on the concrete floor. Let the paste dry for 24 hours.
- 3). Sweep the dried paste into a dust pan and throw the paste away.
- 4). Put on gloves, goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from the muriatic acid. Open the windows and doors in the basement to ventilate the room.
- 5). Mix 2 cups muriatic acid with 1 gallon water. Slowly pour the acid into the water to avoid having acid splash on your hands or in your eyes.
- 6). Dip the push broom into the mixture and spread it over the entire concrete floor. Let the acid sit on the concrete for at least 5 minutes.
- 7). Scrub the muriatic acid into the entire floor. Pay special attention to any stained areas or areas with rust.
- 8). Rinse the area with clear water and scrub the floor to remove the rest of the muriatic acid residue. Push the water into a bucket with a squeegee to help accelerate the rate at which it evaporates.
- 9). Let the concrete floor dry for several days.
- 10
Tape off floorboards and any other areas you don't want to acid stain. Tape several inches above the floorboard as the paint sprayer has a wider range than paintbrushes or paint rollers. Put on gloves, goggles and a dust mask. Open windows and doors to ventilate the basement. - 11
Pour the acid stain into the tank of a sprayer. - 12
Spray the entire concrete floor with the acid stain until it is completely covered. - 13
Immediately work the acid stain into the concrete with a paintbrush. Brush the stain into the concrete in circular motions. Do not worry about walking over the stained floor. The acid may bubble; this is normal. - 14
Let the stain dry before applying a new coat of paint and working it in again. - 15
Let the stain completely dry. - 16
Mix 2 cups baking soda with 1 gallon water. The baking soda neutralizes the acid. - 17
Dip a push broom into the mixture and scrub the concrete floor with it. - 18
Rinse the area with clear water; scrub the clear water into the concrete floor.
